Is it really worth using aqua soil rather than plain sand? If so I have a 75 gallon tank, how many bags would I need? Should I use some of the regular and some of the powder or whatever the smaller type is? What else could I do to get the same effects of aqua soil with sand?
Aqua soil
- Thread starter Deftones2015
- Start date
ya not worth it, while its a good substrate it's not really necessary for most planted tanks and can get pricey for bigger tanks. if you wanted a similar effect you could try mineralized top soil capped with sand, i know people have had good success with it but if you have digging fish it can get messy.
Yes, it is expensive, but also very good. Although just a beginner, I got excellent growth and practically no algae. But it did wear out after about 2 1/2 years and needed to be replaced. If you can afford it and don't mind tearing your tank down every few years, it's a great substrate.
personally not a fan but its the only substrate out there with nutrients in it already. there is some draw backs like having to cycle the substrate first since it leeches ammonia. i would go with one of the other cheaper diy options out there.
It does not need replaced, you need to start dosing the water column more as it slowly declines.
3+ years old, sold plenty of RCS, lots of this foreground plant etc.
I like it and use it, I know more about DIY sediments than most, they are good if poor, too cheap to pay, work well, but each has their trade offs.
For me, I like ADA AS vs delta clay which is better than any MTS.
You do not NEED any sediment type really, or nutrients in them, but it does help. Plants will take from both the sediment and water column, so you can either way here.
40$ a bag and perhaps 4 would do the tank you have.
Looks nice too.
Regards,
Tom Barr
OH my Tom is that a gorgeous tank. I would buy AS on your endorsement alone if, (a) I could find it for sale anywhere but ADA itself and (b) could afford it. 
/curses effects of protracted unemployment
/curses effects of protracted unemployment
Tom beat me to it.
AS does not needto be replaced. After its nutrients are exhausted, it just becomes a substrate like any other. Sure, eventually it starts to break down into sediment, but then it's comparable to MTS.
You can grow any plant you want without AS. AS just makes it a little easier.
And XanAvaloni, just FYI, buying AS from a brick and mortar store is always about the same price as having it shipped to you from ADA-NA or ADG. They factor in shipping when pricing it for online sale. ~$36 total for 9L is what you pay either pick-up or shipped.
Is it worth it? Well, that's just a matter of opinion...how much is $40 to you? If you can afford it, it's worth it. If you can't, it's not.
AS does not needto be replaced. After its nutrients are exhausted, it just becomes a substrate like any other. Sure, eventually it starts to break down into sediment, but then it's comparable to MTS.
You can grow any plant you want without AS. AS just makes it a little easier.
And XanAvaloni, just FYI, buying AS from a brick and mortar store is always about the same price as having it shipped to you from ADA-NA or ADG. They factor in shipping when pricing it for online sale. ~$36 total for 9L is what you pay either pick-up or shipped.
Is it worth it? Well, that's just a matter of opinion...how much is $40 to you? If you can afford it, it's worth it. If you can't, it's not.
Yea, just not buy a 240 Gal tank,m a reefflow pump, mega Watt light and then claim you are too poor to buy a gas CO2 and decent sediment
Don't ask, I think I've had the above 20X or more over the years.:duh:
If I cannot afford to replace my Transmission, I have to go to the junk yard and fix it myself(been here done it a few times), but I do not have to do that any more now I can afford it. But if you do not have the $, then..........you have little choice but to DIY.
Sure it's cheaper, but it's a PITA. Somethings I do not mind paying for.
I know how, have done it, but do not do it.
Regards,
Tom Barr