ADA Aquasoil Preparation

[itzjustjeff]

I've never used ADA aquasoil before. I've been working with eco-complete for both of my tanks for the last year..but i want to start a 3rd tank and would like to use ADA aquasoil as the substrate. I was wondering if there is any special preparation required before initiating any planting or addition of fauna? I'm planning to use the water from my 2 older tanks, along with a 2nd filter i took of the tank so that i can use it on the new one right away. So..just a couple of things i'd like to know:

How long does aquasoil have to be soaked? to get rid of tannins and to make it safe for fish.
What are some additives that people usually put onto aquasoil?
What are different size pebbles of the aquasoil for?

Thanks in advanced for looking. Excited to get my tank going asap!

[speedie408]

From my recent experience, AS takes over a month to get rid of all 'noticable' tannins. Tannin is not deadly to fish as far as I know. I've had my tank running for a little over a month now and even after adding purigen, my water is still not crystal clear. I still see a minuscule tinge of yellow in it. I'm not sure if this will stay with the tank or not, maybe someone else can answer this for us.

As far as cycling, if you're using your established filter and tank water from older tanks, you'll be cycled within 2 weeks. Some people say to rinse the soil first but I didn't because, it says right on the bag lol. I actually did the same thing you're planning to do, but with me I started planting right away. For the first water change (1 week after your initial setup) use more of the old tank water to refill. After this just keep doing weekly water changes using tap and after 2 weeks you should be able to add fish. I didn't use any additives except dechlorinator (Prime).

Some people worry about ammonia spikes and say you need to cycle the tank longer, but that's if your using new water with a new filter. If anyone objects, they can certainly state their points. I'm just giving my personal experience so do take it with a grain of salt.

Hope that helps.

[Guns286]

This may sound like a really stupid question but these the normal 1/4 to 1/3 water changes? Or, due to the tannins and due to the fact that its a newly planted tank, do you do more?

[speedie408]

Originally Posted by Guns286

This may sound like a really stupid question but these the normal 1/4 to 1/3 water changes? Or, due to the tannins and due to the fact that its a newly planted tank, do you do more?

My bad, I forgot to mention that part. These will all be 50% water changes. This is mainly because I'm dosing EI method. If you're not dosing you can still do "up to" 50% weekly WC's, for the first month or so to get rid of any excess ammonia/tannins. People who don't dose just top their tanks or do minor WC's after the tank has completely cycled.

[Dollface]

How long does aquasoil have to be soaked? to get rid of tannins and to make it safe for fish.
It doesn't really need to be 'soaked' per say. I've never had problems with it releasing tannins, it may cloud the water with debris when fillied initially though. It's also known to release ammonia so you'll have to allow the tank to cycle.

What are some additives that people usually put onto aquasoil?
Nothing, some people may put down a layer of ada power sand but it's not required.

What are different size pebbles of the aquasoil for?
If you're talking about normal vs. powder, powder is intended to be used in the forground as it looks nicer and it's slightly easier to plant delicate plants in. (Personally I wouldn't bother, it's a pain in the ass and tends to float)

[itzjustjeff]

Speedie408: Thanks for the thorough response, it's nice to have most of the information needed to get my 3rd tank running Let me know if you need anything!

Dollface: Thanks for the advice about powder, i was just about to pick some up today from NA. haha

[Tonysok]

There's no need to soak Aquasoil since you're setting up a new tank. Some people will soak it in a bucket when adding it to a pre-existing tank to rid of the ammonia it release. Just fill the tank slowly so it doesn't cloud up and any floating debris can be netted out. Which type were you looking to get? AS1 release a lot of ammonia compare toe AS2, so make sure to plant densely or do major water change.

Tony

[kurosuto]

For me, it took a week. Dumped a bunch of plants into the established tank, kept lights on a few hours a day, added "stress coat," supposedly removes ammonia, and then within a week, my ammonia is 0.

To my surprise, there were baby guppies in the tank when I added the soil. Guess they hid in the moss.

changed water every other day.

[itzjustjeff]

i dont really know all the diferrences of as1 and as2, but i know that it's not enough to deter anyone from religiously buying one from the other, as2 is darker also no? maybe that'd look nicer. im not sure...still deciding

[MrJG]

From my understanding AS2 was released to take care of problems some folks had with very hard water. If you have neutral to soft tap water from the beginning go with AS1.

[jnaz]

I have noticed that you see a lot more of the orange with AS 2 compared to AS 1 when using Amazonia.

[stuckintexas]

aquasoil is awesome for plants on a new setup. dont waste some of its pros by soaking it before putting it in a tank with plants. yea, it will take a while for the ammonia to go away and be safe for fish. i had no problems with water and my water was clear by day 2 or 3. use amazonia 1, i hear amazonia 2 is smaller and turns to mud faster. my aquasoil 1 is 13 months old and is still going strong. also when starting the new tank with AS, you dont need to bother with fertilizing right away I noticed.

[mott]

I had ASII when it first came out and it did turn to mush within weeks now I only use ASI, I don't care if they fixed the problem or not I have fantastic results with ASI.

I had no tannins others talk about but I did have massive ammo readings the first few weeks with a mature filter.
My advice would be to go with ASI no need for powersand or other additives IMO. Stuff the tank with as many plants as you can, don't dose for two weeks then add fish after the tank has cycled.
Adding old tank water will do nothing for your cycle.

[jerzguy]

Where can I get ADA Aquasoil in NJ? PLease let me know.

Thanks

[Left C]

Originally Posted by jerzguy

Where can I get ADA Aquasoil in NJ? PLease let me know.

Thanks

You can pick it up right on your doorstep if you order it from either of the two following dealers. They are the only two dealers in the US.
http://www.adgshop.com/Substrate_System_s/1.htm
http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?m...ct&cPath=12_21