APW
Fri Feb 24, 2006, 07:28 AM
Firstly, we must understand the revolutionary concept of ADA soils. It is more than a basis to plant plants on, but rather a substrate to increase good bacteria to promote better water quality and thus creating a much better environment for the occupants of the tank as a whole.
To start with, ADA aquasoil is porous and this design allows extremely large surface area for nitrifying bacteria to live in. It's granular shape also leaves space in between for Oxygen to be able to get down deep into the substrate so as not to promote anaerobic bottom layer which can cause the production of sulphur dioxide and encourage the growth of bad disease causing bacteria. ADA soil also has a well noted pH buffering capacity. The soil maintains the pH of the tank around the 6.5-6.8 region. The soils are also rich in infused nutrients and iron.
Powersand is basically a highly enriched bottom layer which already contains all the necessary ingredients to promote the healthy propagation of the correct bacteria. This layer is designed specifically to prolong the lifespan of the substrate base.
It is always adviced that powersand and aquasoil be used in conjunction as test done by the ADA team have proven that used in conjunction, the substrate layer can be maintained in excellent condition for well exceeding 5 years.
In heavily planted tanks (amano style with lots of fine leaved stemmed plants and sensitive delicate plants), gravel siphoning is not an option as we try and keep the substrate layer as stable and untouched as possible to avoid disturbing the roots of plants. With conventional gravel substrates, when the roots of plants that die and various organic matter (such as dead leaves etc etc which will happen with time) accumulate in between the crevices of the gravel, they eventually compact down into a bottom layer that is anaerobic and as this accumulated bad layer grows, it will eventually cause the collapse of the eco-system in the tank, fish will start developing diseases and plants will stop growing and start dying, and the tank will need to start from scratch again. This process will take anywhere from 6months-2years to happen, but when it happens, you will have to empty the tank, remove all the gravel (and boy oh boy does it smell BAD!!!) and start all over again... a back breaking excercise that discourages people from adopting the Nature Aquarium Style.
With ADA soil, because of the profusion of bacterial already living in the soil substrate, most of the decaying matter in the substrate layer is quickly decomposed and is never left to accumulate. Amano himself has maintained tanks with ADA soil in it for well over 10 years without having to empty the tank to clean the substrate layer even re-scapes after re-scapes.
Basically ADA powersand and soil, used correctly is a long term fuss free substrate. U can rescape your tanks time and time again over 5 years, and not have to disturb the bottom level at all!!
We do not recommend mixing aquasoil and gravel together, however you can plan to section off your tanks with rocks or wood in such a way that there are areas where there is the ADA powersand and soil combination and in other areas that have the conventional gravel base. Plan the plant the areas with ADA soil with more plants and harder to grow plants and u can either leave the gravel sections bare or use it to compare the effectiveness of ADA soil as opposed to conventional gravel. The proof will be evident especially if you plant plants that are conventionally thought of as "difficult" plants.
Using ADA, there is no such thing as a difficult to grow plant!
How much is required?
On average a conventional 4ft tank would require 2 x 2L powersand, and approx 2 x 9L bags of Aquasoil as a minimum substrate level. Of course, if we are intent on growing deep rooted plants like the Lotus and sword plants, an additional bag of Aquasoil would be advised.
Generally, we aim or a substrate layer of no less than 2inches for the healthy growth of plants. We also suggest you arrange your substrate level sloping towards the front of the tank.
To start with, ADA aquasoil is porous and this design allows extremely large surface area for nitrifying bacteria to live in. It's granular shape also leaves space in between for Oxygen to be able to get down deep into the substrate so as not to promote anaerobic bottom layer which can cause the production of sulphur dioxide and encourage the growth of bad disease causing bacteria. ADA soil also has a well noted pH buffering capacity. The soil maintains the pH of the tank around the 6.5-6.8 region. The soils are also rich in infused nutrients and iron.
Powersand is basically a highly enriched bottom layer which already contains all the necessary ingredients to promote the healthy propagation of the correct bacteria. This layer is designed specifically to prolong the lifespan of the substrate base.
It is always adviced that powersand and aquasoil be used in conjunction as test done by the ADA team have proven that used in conjunction, the substrate layer can be maintained in excellent condition for well exceeding 5 years.
In heavily planted tanks (amano style with lots of fine leaved stemmed plants and sensitive delicate plants), gravel siphoning is not an option as we try and keep the substrate layer as stable and untouched as possible to avoid disturbing the roots of plants. With conventional gravel substrates, when the roots of plants that die and various organic matter (such as dead leaves etc etc which will happen with time) accumulate in between the crevices of the gravel, they eventually compact down into a bottom layer that is anaerobic and as this accumulated bad layer grows, it will eventually cause the collapse of the eco-system in the tank, fish will start developing diseases and plants will stop growing and start dying, and the tank will need to start from scratch again. This process will take anywhere from 6months-2years to happen, but when it happens, you will have to empty the tank, remove all the gravel (and boy oh boy does it smell BAD!!!) and start all over again... a back breaking excercise that discourages people from adopting the Nature Aquarium Style.
With ADA soil, because of the profusion of bacterial already living in the soil substrate, most of the decaying matter in the substrate layer is quickly decomposed and is never left to accumulate. Amano himself has maintained tanks with ADA soil in it for well over 10 years without having to empty the tank to clean the substrate layer even re-scapes after re-scapes.
Basically ADA powersand and soil, used correctly is a long term fuss free substrate. U can rescape your tanks time and time again over 5 years, and not have to disturb the bottom level at all!!
We do not recommend mixing aquasoil and gravel together, however you can plan to section off your tanks with rocks or wood in such a way that there are areas where there is the ADA powersand and soil combination and in other areas that have the conventional gravel base. Plan the plant the areas with ADA soil with more plants and harder to grow plants and u can either leave the gravel sections bare or use it to compare the effectiveness of ADA soil as opposed to conventional gravel. The proof will be evident especially if you plant plants that are conventionally thought of as "difficult" plants.
Using ADA, there is no such thing as a difficult to grow plant!
How much is required?
On average a conventional 4ft tank would require 2 x 2L powersand, and approx 2 x 9L bags of Aquasoil as a minimum substrate level. Of course, if we are intent on growing deep rooted plants like the Lotus and sword plants, an additional bag of Aquasoil would be advised.
Generally, we aim or a substrate layer of no less than 2inches for the healthy growth of plants. We also suggest you arrange your substrate level sloping towards the front of the tank.