Can I Use Ada Aquasoil In A Full Aquarium?

[Ben M]

hi, i have a 4ft tank. 120cm x 40cm x 45cm. i have about a third 3mm pea gravel, and 2 thirds silver sand. i was wondering if i could mix in some ADA aquasoil or another similar substrate to improve plant growth. i'm not sure if it will work as my tank is already filled with water and stocked with fish.

any ideas? and if it is possible, which is the best 1?

thanks

 

[Truck]

no, because it will leach ammonia into the tank for a few weeks.

 

[Ben M]

so, aren't there any types that i can use?

 

[Truck]

Your tank is fine as it is, root tabs would be a better solution, if you want to add a specific planted substrate you're better off doing it before filling a tank.

 

[Ben M]

i would have done, but i found this forum about a year after filling my tank, so i had never heard of these things. so, is it a definite no, for any type of substrate like that?

if so, i'll have to go with the root tabs.

thanks

 

[Truck]

It's a no unless you can empty the tank for a day and replace the substrate, otherwise it's root tabs, personally I wouldn't bother, plants can utilize nutrients from the water column just as well as the roots.

 

[Ben M]

oh, i thought that plants like swords and crypts need root ferts?

 

[Truck]

oh, i thought that plants like swords and crypts need root ferts?

not strictly true, All aquatic plants can be grown in an inert substrate providing that water column dosing is good, and is consistent.

 

[Ben M]

oh right, actually, thinking about it, my crypts are doing fine at the minute, but i'm thinking of getting some swords and read that they need root ferts, but then, i've read the same about crypts, and mine are fine. so, i don't think i'll bother.

also, i'm looking for some background plants for my tank, but other than vallis, i can't seem to find any that will grow in my tank.

1.25wpg from 2 t8's, 4ml tpn+ daily, no co2.

any ideas?

thanks

 

[Truck]

cryptocoryne blansae

 

[Ben M]

thanks, any others?

would brazilian moneywort grow?
or any other stem plants?

cheers

 

[aaronnorth]

ADA Africa doesnt leach as much ammonia as Amazonia. I think I once read amazonia releases approx 3ppm NH4
As for malaya I wouldnt touch it with a 10ft barge pole.

If you are willing to do 50% water changes daily for at least a week then you could do it.

Other options include Eco Complete & Oliver Knott NatureSoil (both dont release toxins) but EC does raise the GH & KH

 

[Ben M]

ADA Africa doesnt leach as much ammonia as Amazonia. I think I once read amazonia releases approx 3ppm NH4
As for malaya I wouldnt touch it with a 10ft barge pole.

If you are willing to do 50% water changes daily for at least a week then you could do it.

Other options include Eco Complete & Oliver Knott NatureSoil (both dont release toxins) but EC does raise the GH & KH

hi, i'm not sure if there's any point now, if they are not needed. i will have a look though. do they improve plant growth much? do you think that the plants would grow fine with 4ml tpn+ daily, and occasionally root tabs?

and any ideas on any background plants?

cheers

 

[aaronnorth]

It will just be there as a back up source of nutrients.
4ml isnt much, go for 5ml per 100litres and you'll be fine

 

[Ben M]

i would use more, but it would get too expensive so i can't.