ADA Africana soil?

[sanny]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to know where I could buy some ADA Africana soil. Would I have to order it online? Which substrate or soil would you guys recommend for a planted tank? I've heard from a great guy that he uses ADA Africana soil for his substrate, and I will go for ADA, but what about eco-complete, fluval substrate or? What would you experienced aqua scapers recommend?

[bettabreeder]

I have Ada Amazonia in my 20L and love it but costly just for a planted tank. I had a buddy that lives in Guelph pick it up at angel fins. It's similar to the Africana from what I read.

[sanny]

Really? So, Im guessing its more expensive than the Africana. Would you know which stores carry it? Please and thank you.

[charlie]

Here is what the ADA site says.

ADA Aqua Soil is one of the best substrates available for planted tanks. It helps to decrease the hardness of the water and lower the pH levels to the degree at which most aquatic plants can absorb nutrients and comfortably grow. The substrate is heat treated to form soft slightly moist granules that are optimal for the fast development of healthy plants rot system. The Aqua Soil granules maintain their shape and density for a long time securing good circulation of water and oxygen through the substrate, preventing occurrence of anaerobic pockets. The size of the granules makes planting in the substrate very easy (we recommend use tweezers for planting). The soil makes growing difficult plants easy and it is ideal for fish requiring soft water.
The Aqua Soil is available in three colours: New Amazonia, Malaya, Africana and two types: Normal and Powder. The Powder type is recommended for small aquariums or for spreading lightly over the Normal type.

New Amazonia has the highest nutrient and organic content. Plants will grow the fastest in this soil but be prepared for more maintenance with this soil.

Malaya has a medium amount of nutrients (between New Amazonia and Africana) and it will reduce pH level of the water the most. This substrate is the best for plants that do not need constant replanting such as Cryptocoryne.

Africana has the least amount of nutrients. Regular fertilization will be required but the tank will not require too much maintenance. The soil ability to reduce the pH level is between New Amazonia and Malaya. It contains adequate level of nitrogen suited for Wabi-kusa.

In regards to cost , all the normal type ( grain size) are in the same ball park, the powder types are way more expensive, especially the  Amazonia .
Regards

[exv152]

The africana & malaya aren't as rich in nutrients as the new amazonia. I've used amazonia for a while. That said the first two have a nicer appearance for aquascaping purposes, but you'd have to add nutrients to it when first laying it down. Whereas amazonia comes with lots of nutrients. So much so you have to do heavy water changes in the first week to avoid algae. Angelfins sells it in guelph, as does a dealer in three rivers Québec for about the same price. Second to the ADA amazonia, I would recommend the seachem product line IME.

[sanny]

Thanks, I'll then go for the amazonia, as its already rich in nutrients. Will the nutrients stay in the substrate/soil forever? Or will the plants take in all the nutrients later on and cause algae blooms?

[charlie]

Thanks, I'll then go for the amazonia, as its already rich in nutrients. Will the nutrients stay in the substrate/soil forever? Or will the plants take in all the nutrients later on and cause algae blooms?

No it will not last forever, ADA suggest changing it 12 -18 months if you want to continue relying on the nutritional values, this because the plants up take will deplete the nutrients over time .
I should add even after it peters out , you can start water column fertilising , you can even start water column fertilising from day 1 in small doses & this will extend  the nutritional values in the substrate.
Regards
P.S. regarding local availability , call around our LFS to enquire if they have or can get it.
Big Al`s , Got Fish, La Niche & Critter Jungle

[sanny]

Thanks Charlie. Ive heard great stuff about eco-complete. What do you suggest. Do you know any substrate that the nutrients stay in the substrate?

[bettabreeder]

Do you know any substrate that the nutrients stay in the substrate?

To answer that question I'd hazard an educated guess at none because plants uptake nutrients from soils in roots as well as absorb nutrients that are released into water column after time.


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[Stussi613]

Thanks Charlie. Ive heard great stuff about eco-complete. What do you suggest. Do you know any substrate that the nutrients stay in the substrate?

You can avoid leaching too much substrate by not rinsing, but in the long term the plants are going to take the nutrients out of any substrate. How much you start with determines how long it lasts.

I'm pretty sure David from Got Fish? is getting ready to do an ADA order, which means you won't have to pay shipping from AngelFins in Guelph...I'd contact him for pricing and availability.

[charlie]

Thanks Charlie. Ive heard great stuff about eco-complete. What do you suggest. Do you know any substrate that the nutrients stay in the substrate?

My personal experience with Eco Complete was not a satisfactory one, mainly due to substrate buffer the KH up & by extension drove the PH up which meant I had to be on top of my water changes , outside of that the plants grew well.
The soil based substrates are different from the eco & seachem fluorite, the soil based substrates like ADA & Fluval stratum etc are more nutrient rich in Macro nutrients & works great in softening water which the ecos & fluorite are mostly  mineral base & are supposed to be neutral in nit`s buffering ability, in short they are work well with different strong points.
I have used Eco,flourite, Fluval stratum, & ADA, had great success with all, in fact my 79 gallon has fluval stratum going a couple of years & really like the results, it`s down side is that it is very light & is a pain to plant with, the ADA Amazonia is more dense & actually work out cheaper because of the units it`s sold as ( Litres as opposed to weight).
Keep in mind this is my personal experience & mileage will vary.
Regards
Regards

[exv152]

I'm pretty sure David from Got Fish? is getting ready to do an ADA order, which means you won't have to pay shipping from AngelFins in Guelph...I'd contact him for pricing and availability.

This is what the ottawa area retailers need to be doing more of, this.

[charlie]

I'm pretty sure David from Got Fish? is getting ready to do an ADA order, which means you won't have to pay shipping from AngelFins in Guelph...I'd contact him for pricing and availability.

Wow there is a Santa 

[wolfiewill]

I was in to see David yesterday afternoon and, yes, he is looking to bring in an ADA order asap.

[sanny]

Thank you all guys, I appreciate the help!