Aquasoil~Opinions please

OK well since I can get ProChoice Soilmaster Select locally and it is much cheaper, should I go with that instead? Is it similar to the ADA Aquasoil, meaning will it lower the pH and everything?

I believe the only difference between Africana and Amazonian is the color and the pH buffering affects. If you don't want to hassle with ordering your substrate then it sounds like Soilmaste Select is what you want. Then again Aquasoil is arguably the best substrate.

go with the soilmaster it cheap and its good since ur loading it on a 38 gallon

frozenbarb said:

go with the soilmaster it cheap and its good since ur loading it on a 38 gallon

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I disagree recommending SMS solely based upon the fact that it's 38 gallons. However, since the OP is going for a low tech plan, I'd go with SMS.

I have a 40 gallon breeder and I'm getting ADA AS. 4 bags. Getting substrate depends on your long-term goal, not just the tank size. ringram has 4 or 5 bags in his 90 gallon...again, depends on what your goal is.

If it were a choice between AS and SMS...well duh.....AS
The Amazonia is darker in color. I just ordered 5 bags for a 75 gal.

fresh_newby said:

If it were a choice between AS and SMS...well duh.....AS
The Amazonia is darker in color. I just ordered 5 bags for a 75 gal.

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Is your 75 gallon going to be high tech/high light?

Go with the Amazonia dude/dudette, pops nice with green plants!

epicfish said:

Is your 75 gallon going to be high tech/high light?

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yeah it is...
I know if he is doing low tech he might as well go with SMS, but IMO if money and shipping is not an issue, the AS is a better substrate and even a low tech setup can benefit.

fresh_newby said:

yeah it is...
I know if he is doing low tech he might as well go with SMS, but IMO if money and shipping is not an issue, the AS is a better substrate and even a low tech setup can benefit.

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lol. Money is always an issue. .....well, at least to most of us here.

$40 (shipped) for 9 liters of Aqua Soil Amazonia.

$17 (or so) for 50 (frigin') pounds of Soilmaster Select.

Aqua Soil Amazonia better be good.

<sigh>It's tough being a cheap Scottish [email protected]</sigh>

s

Aquasoil hands down. IMHO, there is no comparison to anything else on the market. Be sure to use it with Powersand (special preferred). SS is just another gravel.

Once you use AS, the sticker shock will fade rather quickly. It's worth saving up for. I haven't been this excited about an aquarium product since I got my first Eheim cannister. It's not another marketing gimmick--it delivers.

So if I get 9 liters of Aqua Soil- Amazonia, how much Power Sand do I need to get?

Feel free to tell me how to use Power Sand with Aqua Soil - but yes folks, I'll hit the Search function too.

s

Avalon said:

Aquasoil hands down. IMHO, there is no comparison to anything else on the market. Be sure to use it with Powersand (special preferred). SS is just another gravel.

Once you use AS, the sticker shock will fade rather quickly. It's worth saving up for. I haven't been this excited about an aquarium product since I got my first Eheim cannister. It's not another marketing gimmick--it delivers.

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<Frawg> said:

So if I get 9 liters of Aqua Soil- Amazonia, how much Power Sand do I need to get?

Feel free to tell me how to use Power Sand with Aqua Soil - but yes folks, I'll hit the Search function too.

s

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Tom Barr did some tests. PowerSand's effects don't last long.

I've decided to go w/ ADA AS w/o PS.

I use to think all the Aquasoils were the same. According to the ADA catalog, Africana is lower in organic material, and they suggest it for slower growth layouts.

epicfish said:

Tom Barr did some tests. PowerSand's effects don't last long.

I've decided to go w/ ADA AS w/o PS.

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You're missing the entire point. PS's effect may fade, but it's the startup time that's most helpful--until the substrate matures--coincidentally, about the same time PS loses it's effects. By that time, it really doesn't matter what you use (SMS, Flourite, plain gravel, etc.). But I still prefer AS's characteristics over any other substrate on the market (and I've tried a lot). Again, all things shouldn't be approached from the eye of a scientist.

What's in powersand that I can't supplement with column dosing and/or root tabs?

<Frawg> said:

So if I get 9 liters of Aqua Soil- Amazonia, how much Power Sand do I need to get?

Feel free to tell me how to use Power Sand with Aqua Soil - but yes folks, I'll hit the Search function too.

s

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If you haven't seen this; Step 1 in this manual answers your question; I believe. http://www.adana.hk/php/upload_files/File/Eng_Manual.pdf

I printed it out so I could read it. The writing is too small. I hope it helps.

epicfish said:

Tom Barr did some tests. PowerSand's effects don't last long.

I've decided to go w/ ADA AS w/o PS.

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I read that too, and I do alot of transplanting, so no powersand for me either...straight up AS

Thank you - I appreciate the link.

s

Left C said:

If you haven't seen this; Step 1 in this manual answers your question; I believe. http://www.adana.hk/php/upload_files/File/Eng_Manual.pdf

I printed it out so I could read it. The writing is too small. I hope it helps.

Click to expand...