Why does this ADA Aquasoil have so much silt??

[phoenixkiller]

I got some ADA Aquasoil from a guy and was washing it. Funny thing is, it wouldn't really run clear, and the stuff that was left behind, there was very little of it. It mostly contained this silty stuff, that turned the water I was washing it with black. Is the silty stuff supposed to be there?? Or did I like get ripped off?? Do I need the silty stuff??

Help!!

[DoubleT]

It all has the silt, maybe some bags more than others. Mine had a bunch of it, but I dont think you are supposed to rinse it because you would also be removing nutrients.

[GeToChKn]

Ya don't rinse it, you'll never get it clean and just wash away all the buffering stuff from it.

[houseofcards]

Ah, yeah it's dirt not rock. So when you rinse it your literally washing your AS and your money down the drain.

[phoenixkiller]

Well, now about 3/4 of it is on the cement, not gone. Is there any way to salvage it, or is it a bygone conclusion?

[Green_Flash]

I do not think you are supposed to wash aquasoil, that defeats the purpose as it contains nutrients for tank startup for the plants, that is why it has ammonia.

I also believe the directions for use are printed on the bag.

[IWANNAGOFAST]

If its used aqua soil you can put it in the tank and let the silt settle in. Then lightly vacuum the silt away with an airline tube.

[acitydweller]

the silt actually attributes to making the substrate denser which inturn aids in anchoring the plant roots.

No real need to wash this stuff but many people do. its a matter of preference.

[phoenixkiller]

Well, most of it is on the ground before I realized my mistake. It's all on the cement, is there any safe way to salvage it, or do I have to blow some more cash getting more of it?