Tank overhaul! Playsand = bad :( NEW Question added re: Black Diamond

I use ADA AS I in my planted tanks. I think it looks great and also it gives you a safety buffer for dosing. Meaning that you can miss dosing from time to time because it is so plentiful in nutrients. the downside is that you will need to give it 2 months to leach out the ammonia and get ready in the tank. You can plant right away (this is very helpful) so the tank will look nice but no fauna.

You can look through my journals in my sig to see what the soil can do in a tank, or anywhere else since mine are certainly not the nicest but I like them!

azoo.

no ammonia spike and it will not cloud the water.

pool filter sand will not go anaerobic like that play sand. lets water through

IMO, the ammonia spike is worth it since it will get the plants off to a great start then after that you have the best aquatic plant substrate on the market.

I have used the AZOO's with just as much plant growth as my AS I. So I think either way, you will be good.

Re: Tank overhaul! Playsand = bad

I like AS. 3, 9l bags shud be ok

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msnikkistar said:

I have used the AZOO's with just as much plant growth as my AS I. So I think either way, you will be good.

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How do you feel it affects water parameters compared to AS?

I'm running my 180 with 150lbs of playsand. 3-4 inches in the corners. No issues over last 3 years...other than my boesmani crash a few months ago :icon_eek:

Pool filter sand has to meet certain requirements or it isn't useful as a filter media. Play sand can be almost anything as long as it isn't somehow toxic to children. I think that is why some people have good success with play sand while others don't. But, almost everyone finds pool filter sand works ok. (The same requirements that make it work as a filter media, also make it work well as a substrate.)

Flourite. It will still work for you 10-20 years from now.

Thanks for the replies everyone

I forgot about pool filter sand, that is a good option since I like sand.

I'm leaning towards Aquasoil or Azoo (as is the poll), but I could spend a lot less on the filter sand & root tabs probably...

Anyone else? Any other ideas/options? Any further arguments for or against?
Come on, everyone loves a poll! Vote!

bsmith said:

How do you feel it affects water parameters compared to AS?

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It doesn't release ammonia as stated. And the granules are about the same as the normal form of AS. Between the two, I can't really tell any difference in plant growth. Only real difference is the ammonia and the fact that I didn't get weird things like nematodes from the Azoo's like I did with the AS.

msnikkistar said:

It doesn't release ammonia as stated. And the granules are about the same as the normal form of AS. Between the two, I can't really tell any difference in plant growth. Only real difference is the ammonia and the fact that I didn't get weird things like nematodes from the Azoo's like I did with the AS.

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So they look & grow pretty much the same?

Yup. If you look in my 33 journal. The areas I have HC growth, is where the AZOO's is.

Same amount of growth as my 30C

I personally like my Flourite Black, but that's the only one I've used.

People like Aquasoil, but because I haven't tried it, I'm not sure if it's really that good, or it's an ADA product so therefor it must be good. However, unless you plan on putting something that needs a pH buffer, why not save some money and go with something less pricey? Flourite lasts a long time, and pool filter sand is pretty and cheap. Even if you need a little buffer, Indian Almond leaves are cheap, easy to get a hold of, and works just fine. You can just place a few cut-up leaves in a media bag in your filter, and it will do the same thing.

That said, I believe Aquasoil is the most attractive. It looks very nice in virtually any tank. To me, it's just not worth that price.

Flourite would take 3-4 bags. People told me two would be fine for my 29, and I'd like to kick their butts because it most certainly is NOT.

MarkMc said:

Flourite. It will still work for you 10-20 years from now.

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+1 on the flourite. Have used the same batch since 2006 and it still hasn't turned to mush. Grows crypts just fine whether I use root tabs or not. Since I dose EI, I guess the CEC of the flourite must soak up enough nutrients for the crypts roots. It is also heavier than some other substrates so probably holds down stem plants better.

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it

When you say Flourite, do you mean regular flourite? or sand? Or both? I'm currently Googled Flourite Black Sand, it looks nice. Would it have a high CEC also? Flourite does right?

I'm now leaning towards it, or Azoo but that can change. Please weigh in with your opinions (& votes!), it's all appreciated. roud:

Im using eco complete...

I like Flourite black sand as well as any substrate, but it is really a matter of what looks the best to you. All Flourites have high CEC, as do all baked clay substrates.

Hoppy said:

I like Flourite black sand as well as any substrate, but it is really a matter of what looks the best to you. All Flourites have high CEC, as do all baked clay substrates.

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Thanks Hoppy

I'm curious what substrate(s) you use? I'm guessing pool filter sand with tabs, &/or MTS. Aside from Ripariums of course. I can't wait till we get back in our own place so i can have a nice riparium. You & Hydrophite are truly inspirational with those.