Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => New Fishkeepers => Topic started by: sjames on November 30, 2016, 08:41:29 AM

Title: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: sjames on November 30, 2016, 08:41:29 AM
Ok, I am almost there. This is my first aquarium and as explained I am having an aquascape base (wood, stones and plants - are selected). I have read the benefits of having soil and this is my first choice. Looks like the ADA Aqua Soil has a good reputation.

My question though relates to the look, I was looking at something a little lighter in colour than their range, would you think substrate + gravel, as much of a compromise to the soil and the benefits you get from soil alone?

I'm planting in the next week or so, this is my final decision.

regards Simon
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: Matt on November 30, 2016, 09:06:19 PM
Hi Simon,
The problem with mixing substrates in this way is that the different grain sizes and densities of the different substrates means that over time they tend to form 2 distinct layers in the tank.  But I must also admit I've no direct experience with mixing an aquasoil with gravel so cannot advise if this particular combination would work or not... sorry I can't be more help!
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: MarquisMirage on November 30, 2016, 10:24:28 PM
If you have decided on the ADA Aqua Soil then you won't be able to mix it with anything really.  If you're carpeting the aquarium then the substrate won't be visible from the top after around 12 weeks anyway (hopefully).

However, if you're not carpeting the whole tank with plants and will have areas of substrate visible for aesthetic reasons then don't use the substrate there.  Partition the soil from the gravel area using either plastic separators or polystyrene.  Put the chosen gravel on the partition and up to the roots of the plants.  You may need to touch this up after a while.  Carpeting plants will have a harder time growing there if at all.  Do a bit of weeding if necessary.  :)

Like painting a picture aquascaping is all about composition so to get the best results takes some additional work.

ADA specialise in plant growth and the fish come second.  If you're going for plant perfection you'll need CO2 as well.  Personally I'd use the Tropica Plant Growth Substrate and use a layer of my chosen gravel/sand as per the substrate instructions.  It's more of a compromise between fish and plant but if you choose plants with low light and low CO2 requirement you'll still get a stunning result.

If you're using large rocks put some polystyrene under them too to spread pressure on bottom of the aquarium.  Putting a little dent in the polystyrene to sit the rock in will allow stability if you want to place the rock at a none horizontal line.

Take a look at this picture.  This tank won the AGA aquascaping competition in 2013.  When I first saw it it blew my mind.
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: sjames on December 01, 2016, 02:06:56 PM
wow that pic is stunning.....my ambition is fortunately more realistic.

I have chosen my design, and some of the plants need CO2, and I'm going to be introducing this. I am actually wanting a balance between plants and fish. I wanted the aquascape, I'm really drawn to it, but the fish were my reasoning for starting this. I know ive started the hard way, hence I'm not rushing until I'm there. There will be nearly a full carpeting.

I have egg-crate for the rocks.

I was advised that aquasoil remains the most beneficial long term for tank balance, that was my reasoning behind the choice originally, but I am swaying.....
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: Matt on December 01, 2016, 08:08:37 PM
Just be aware that over a period of a couple of years aquasoil will turn back to clay, loosening its structure (it is essentially a baked clay).

Something else to consider would be something along the lines of Tetra Initial Sticks which, like Tropica Plant Substrate, is designed to go below or within a substrate of something more inert such as gravel.  I personally plan to use these below sand when I rescape my tank.
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: MarquisMirage on December 01, 2016, 09:16:14 PM
Yes, ADA Aqua Soil (ADA AS) will eventually turn into a mushy mud.  As an aquarium is a closed system the nutrients of the substrate will eventually be used up and you'll rely on your daily dose of liquid fertiliser.

Tropica Plant Growth Substrate (TPGS) is the only substrate I'm aware of that actively takes nutrients from the water column.  This allows the nutrients to get to the roots where they're needed.

If that doesn't convince you consider the cost.  A 9 l bag of ADA AS is meant for a 60 l tank.  So for your 250 l tank you'd need 4 of those at £27.95 and a 3 l one at £12.50.  A 2.5 l bag of TPGS costs £16.49.  You'll need 2 of those for a 250 l tank.  Then add the cost of the gravel/sand in whatever colour you want.

My final case for TPGS is considering the plants themselves.  ADA have developed their substrates through aquascaping needs which is why they work so great for a year or so.  Tropica is not primarily a substrate brand.  Their main business is a plant wholesaler growing the plants and selling to the provider that you'll mostly likely be buying from for your tank.
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: Matt on December 01, 2016, 09:27:24 PM
Another substratew which will supposedly take up nutrients from the water column is Caribsea Eco Complete, though it can't complete with Tropica on price point.
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: sjames on December 02, 2016, 08:38:32 AM
Marquis, I think you've done it. I am going to change tact and go for the Tropica Substrate, I need the fertilizer anyway. Actually the plan I liked, which I am almost copying, used this + gravel.

So I think finer gravel, rather than sand?

Thanks, this forum has been a fantastic help, so much knowledge being shared, much appreciated. it is interesting to receive everyones views. As I am a total novice I need to partially ignore the views of the skilled people using experienced shortcuts and knowing the pitfalls, I'm trying to learn as I go, using the least fallible techniques.
Title: Re: New Start Up - & Finally Soil...
Post by: Matt on December 02, 2016, 05:54:18 PM
You should look for gravel of no larger than 2-3mm to ensure you are able to get you plants rooting effectively.  This is not a requirement as such, just a top tip  ;)