Jbl Aquabasis Plus...

[mishmash]

OK, so i have got some JBL aquabasis plus, and the LFS said if i WANT to, I can use it as a sole substrate, though the bag says to put gravel on top. I would use sand rather than gravel, but is anyone already using this ? In which case are you using it on its own or with a topping (and if so, what) ? It says it releases nutrients when demanded and stores them when in surplus. Is this true, lol ? If so, would that reduce the need for the normal higher volume water changes associated with a planted tank ?

If you guys are using a topping, I would welcome suggestions. I did consider argos playsand but as mentioned on previous threads, its quite light and my preference is for a darker sand. I want something that is inert though, and will not affect hardness or pH. (Which from reading before somewhere, rules out the limpopo sand, and thats a shame cos its actually a really nice colour).

One sand I have seen is the UNIPAC silica sand, and thats quite darkish, and I am thinking that being silica sand it will be inert. Am i right in thinking that ?

Will be getting the substrate sorted in the next couple of days and then starting to plant.... can't wait

 

[Xraymark]

I've only read one person who thought the limpop sand affected ph. Others have had no difficulties. So I wouldn't rule it out.

I've just rceived my UNIPAC black sand. Its not in the tank yet so can't comment on appearance. I would have gone for the limpopo black which looks grey but delivary costs ruled it out.

 

[Theplayboy]

I believe its the same stuff as I used in mine, can't quite remember now. But if it is, I would definitely put a top layer on it otherwise u will just have cloudy water every time it gets slightly disturbed.

 

[mishmash]

I believe its the same stuff as I used in mine, can't quite remember now. But if it is, I would definitely put a top layer on it otherwise u will just have cloudy water every time it gets slightly disturbed.

Hi Playboy, well I was chatting to the manager at maidenhead aquatics in Brighton and he said he used it for a display tank setup as the only setup without problem. Thinking it may not be what you have ? I have not opened it yet so will see once I get that far lol.

 

[mishmash]

UPDATE

Yikes !!! I have just poured a handful of this stuff into a jam jar to perform a "mini" rinse to see what its like. It is NOTHING LIKE i imagined it to be, this stuff is practically MUD ! ever time i rinse it goes cloudy and murky. I can see that if i keep it, i will definitely need to have something on top of it. GRRRRRRR !!!

Can anyone suggest a better type of nutrient substrate ? Something that wont be filthy dirty ? Or is it me ? Will it actually not be that bad in the tank ?

 

[TropicalJuwel]

I use this stuff, ment to be pretty good but like you have just said it cant be your sole substrate, my tanks been up and running for 2 months and plants look fine. I used jbl's manado on top and looks really good

 

[mishmash]

I use this stuff, ment to be pretty good but like you have just said it cant be your sole substrate, my tanks been up and running for 2 months and plants look fine. I used jbl's manado on top and looks really good

Thanks Tropicajuwel.... What type of substance is the manado ? is it a sand or a grit or gravel ?? what thicknesses of both have you got ? Do you use CO2/ferts as well ?

 

[TropicalJuwel]

I think its called fired clay or something but is very small and light substrate, I think it looks really nice but may not be everyones cup of tea. It's apparently good at holding nutrients for plants. I'd say it's like a very fine grit. I have about 4-5 cms of aqua basis as I did buy more than I needed and just put it in and about 4 cms of manado. I am not using co2 but am testing api's leaf zone at the moment, plants seem to be doing well after a couple of months.

 

[mishmash]

I think its called fired clay or something but is very small and light substrate, I think it looks really nice but may not be everyones cup of tea. It's apparently good at holding nutrients for plants. I'd say it's like a very fine grit. I have about 4-5 cms of aqua basis as I did buy more than I needed and just put it in and about 4 cms of manado. I am not using co2 but am testing api's leaf zone at the moment, plants seem to be doing well after a couple of months.

Cool thanks for that. Did you wash the aquabasis at all ? I tried a test wash of a handful but its never ending filth ! Then I re read the bag and it says nothing about washing it so Im thinking it should not be done ? Cheers.

 

[dluttinger]

I use ecocomplete expensive but very practical

 

[TropicalJuwel]

No dont wash the aqua basis, empty bag straight into tank and level out. Wash what ever you put on top of that. No worries hope I've helped with your decision.

 

[Theplayboy]

Sounds like it is the same stuff as mine. It is a very good at what it does, but it will definitely need capping with something. And if you decide on a rescape after planting it's a nightmare to pull the roots out without completely clouding your water.

 

[mishmash]

I use ecocomplete expensive but very practical

Hey dluttinger, thanks for the post. Can you elaborate on why you consider it very practical ? What are the plus points of it and are there any disadvantages ? Someone has said that the aquabasis that i have is very good at what it does but that it will muddy the water if you pull any plants out. Would this ecocomplete do that too or is it completely clean ? Does it require washing first ? Thanks.

No dont wash the aqua basis, empty bag straight into tank and level out. Wash what ever you put on top of that. No worries hope I've helped with your decision.

Thanks Tropicaljuwel, definitely a help. Having read what "Theplayboy" wrote below I may look for an alternative today but then I may stick with the AB+ with a topping, depending on how long it takes to clear the muddy water after a rescape (Im hoping that if I did rescape at some point, that filter wool would soon clear the water up again).

Sounds like it is the same stuff as mine. It is a very good at what it does, but it will definitely need capping with something. And if you decide on a rescape after planting it's a nightmare to pull the roots out without completely clouding your water.

Cheers TPB, If I rescaped, I am assuming filter wool in the first stage of my filter would clean the water quickly ? Or a powerhead with wool filter attached ?

 

[dluttinger]

ecocomplete is usually $30 for a 20lb bag in store but online you can find it for $15. No rinsing is necessary and when you put it in it doesn't cloud the water,unless you pour it from 2 ft above the tank. It contains beneficial bacteria and it serves as gravel. When you pour it, the small sandy particles do to the bottom and the larger grains stay on top. They come in a few colors as well. The bacteria within the ecocomplete break the fish excretions down and use it as fertilizer. They are perfect for planted tanks and unlike other soils, it settles. I had this flouralite or floralite (idk) and it never settled. Everytime fish moved it got stirred up. Also, my plants grow twice as fast as when I used sand (my high output light helps as well) .This is a great substrate and I highly recommend it.

 

[mishmash]

ecocomplete is usually $30 for a 20lb bag in store but online you can find it for $15. No rinsing is necessary and when you put it in it doesn't cloud the water,unless you pour it from 2 ft above the tank. It contains beneficial bacteria and it serves as gravel. When you pour it, the small sandy particles do to the bottom and the larger grains stay on top. They come in a few colors as well. The bacteria within the ecocomplete break the fish excretions down and use it as fertilizer. They are perfect for planted tanks and unlike other soils, it settles. I had this flouralite or floralite (idk) and it never settled. Everytime fish moved it got stirred up. Also, my plants grow twice as fast as when I used sand (my high output light helps as well) .This is a great substrate and I highly recommend it.

Thanks dude, but Im in the UK and its £30 not $30 here sadly. Man you get it all cheap... ! hehe