UP Aqua Shrimp Sand

[azjenny]

Added pics to OP!

[sayurasem]

looks very bold. maybe for some they like the consistency but for me it looks too perfectly circle lol.

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by sayurasem

looks very bold. maybe for some they like the consistency but for me it looks too perfectly circle lol.

I know what you mean. I like modern. Clean lines, etc, so it's perfect for me but probably not for someone who's looking for a very natural look. I think it looks awesome though.

[HolyAngel]

does it leech ammonia?

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by HolyAngel

does it leech ammonia?

No. Not supposed to. I'll run a test to be sure. As I don't have any fauna in there at all yet, it should be easy to tell.

[bsk]

It does not leech ammonia. I've been using it for about 4 months now. I do really like the look but as someone mentioned earlier its hard to use with plants since its so light. I'm trying to grow some emeresed HC in it right now and I'm hoping once the hc roots itself it will be fine.

[HolyAngel]

Nice! I thought it didn't leech but wanted to double check from some experienced hands, thanks

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by HolyAngel

Nice! I thought it didn't leech but wanted to double check from some experienced hands, thanks

Did an ammonia test last night just to see and yep. No ammonia.

[diwu13]

Wow the UP sand does look pretty nice . I think the grain size is TOO uniform though, makes it look really unnatural

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by diwu13

Wow the UP sand does look pretty nice . I think the grain size is TOO uniform though, makes it look really unnatural

I totally agree but I think that's what I like about it. Lol.
I would want it for my planted tank, but my shrimp tank is more modern art, if that makes sense. Haha.

[nguymi]

I was thinking of using eco complete on the bottom and topping off with this stuff so that it would be better to plant? What do you think?

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by nguymi

I was thinking of using eco complete on the bottom and topping off with this stuff so that it would be better to plant? What do you think?

It might keep the plants down better. I don't know. It really doesn't like to let plants root. I have no stem plants in mine now.
I think it might work to just weight the stems down if you wanted to go that way. Or maybe a layer of eco complete would help. Hard to say.
I thought there was someone on here who did use this stuff as just the top layer.... I can't remember who though.

[sbarbee54]

I have it setup as the top layer to MGOPS mixed with eco-complete. I am cycling now, plants are staying down great!

[Jill]

Does anyone know how long it will buffer the ph? Thanks.

[randyl]

Originally Posted by Jill

Does anyone know how long it will buffer the ph? Thanks.

It really depends on the parameter of the water you use for WCs (i.e. how hard your active substrate has to work). Most of the active substrate are good for 1 to 2 years, here is a link that gives you some information.

I read from this site that some (successful) breeders don't change the substrate at all years (5+) and their shrimps are just as pretty as pretty can get. Also, I read from this site that some ppl rescape or otherwise disturb the substrate and get dead shrimp. I haven't kept shrimps for too long but my plan is to not change for as long as possible.