substrate comparison

[Crazygar]

Bookmarked and printed. Quite interesting indeed. Laterite has tons of Iron. I might make a Peat/Laterite mixture on the next tank I setup to see the results. Good stuff Fresh-fish.

Gary

[freshfish]

In the spirit of my never-ending curiosity about substrate, here's some more options I've been hearing good things about; Akadama Bonsai soil: http://www.trappist.net/estore/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BM&Category_Code=soil

I've even heard some ppl compare the nutrient content and growth results to ADA AquaSoil...

[William]

Laura,

I'm curious, what have you read about ADA nutrient content and growth results?

Best regards,

Banik

I've even heard some ppl compare the nutrient content and growth results to ADA AquaSoil...

[freshfish]

ADA AquaSoil is definitely Tom Barr's substrate of choice, and he did a scientific bioavailable nutrient analysis on it. Said it blew other substrates out of the water and he says it's worth the $$. This is just from reading posted reports in threads- I haven't seen the acutal analysis- he may have it posted on his website, but I haven't looked for it?

Tom Barr also said he doesn't think there's much benefit to using the powersand, however.

I heard about using Akadama in planted tanks on another site though- apparently the stuff is used more commonly in Asia and is just now making its way over here. The comparison was just informal observation from someone who tried it and read the package ingredients; wasn't a scientific comparison by any means.

[Crazygar]

That would be an interesting report. I'm really curious on the longevitiy of the substrate(s) in question without using initial layers of Peat etc..

Gary

[freshfish]

I've been reading tons of Tom Barr threads- he points out that dosing the water column with ferts is bound to prolong the life of any substrate. Makes sense to me, at least.

He's also of the opinion that it doesn't matter really to plants whether they draw in their nutrients through the roots or through the leaves... but I'm also curious about that, dunno if he's actually done any testing to back that up?

[William]

Laura,

Thanks for the input.... I read Barr's report concerning ADA a year ago and came away with the impression that he thought it was a fine substrate, well worth trying for the experience but couldn't justify the cost versus tried and true methods cheap meathod like silica and mulm. I have a over a year's experience with the substrate now and must say I'm tickled pink with it for reasons other then noticable plant growth. I find it on par in regards to plant growth with a well planned silica substrate, or flourite based tank. What amazes me about this substrate is it's ability to lower my pH, no fuss no muss - rather critical for me as I prefer WC SA fish. Here in Houston tap water, what I use, is 7.68-to-7.84 and very hard 300ppm. Water in my tank is 6.46-to-7.10, 140ppm depending on the time of day and time elapsed since I did my weekly water change. It absolutely amazes me that this substrate maintains the pH levels an average of 1.0 below what is coming out of the tap. I have searched the internet for people with similiar experiences and have yet to stumble across any. I have read about initial tank pH crashes and not to put fish in the tank for a few months but never read the longer term pH adjusment I have seen thus far... One thing I have noticed is that the LFS that sells the substrate constantly has different stock in the tank and I don't think it's becuase someone has bought the fish.... Food for thought and investigation.

Best regards,

Banik

[freshfish]

Yep Tom Barr reports the same thing. AS is absolutely the substrate of choice for ppl breeding Crystal Red Shrimp and other Bee Shrimp on the shrimp forums I've visited for the very reason you mentioned- CRS need the lower pH and hardness.

I've been having some conversations with ppl who plan to try SMS/Turface in their CRS tanks and see if it has the same degree of impact on their pH, kH and gH as AS; SMS of course doesn't have the nutrient content as AS for plants, but these tanks prioritize shrimp breeding so I think it may be a good fit?

I'm actually wondering if SMS would be a great candidate for planted discus tanks for the same reason...

Most people seem to attribute the initial pH crash with AS to the amount of ammonia the substrate releases for the first month or so due to the organic content; once the substrate has cycled and the N-bacteria are colonized the pH levels out.

[Crazygar]

This is why careful planning and maintenance come into effect. I've always been a big fan of Flourite. Now that Flourite Black is out (oh help me!) I'll have to give that a whirl as well. I've always found Flourite (even being left outside in plastic bags in a shed for a year) still produces as it were brand new. Its taking things to the extreme but the point is there.

Careful amounts of Peat (my favourite initial layer) only aids in the substrate (regardless but depending on type - oxymoron, yes.) longevity. I believe that initial layers such as Laterite will exhaust their resources quick.

Gary

[freshfish]

Yeah I'm really debating on the best way to use Laterite in my setup... I'm thinking I may end up making my own little fert tabs out of it- I've heard either baking it or freezing it into little cubes or balls works pretty well...

[Crazygar]

Once again, I usually do an initial layer of Peat. Just enough to cover the bottom glass. I suppose a time study on Flourite and Substrates would, indeed, take time.

Gary

[freshfish]

SUBSTRATE WASHING DAY

OK so here's 175 lbs of substrate ($175, incidentally...)



Fluorite Black:


Fluorite black sand:



Colorquartz black T grade:



AquaPebbles black gravel:

[Crazygar]

Flourite Black Sand has been put on my "Wish List" when I do my next visit into Saskatoon. What substrate(s) are you currently using?

Gary

[freshfish]

Everything in the pic is in my tank ATM. Carried in about 20lbs at a time and laid it down with a garden trowel. This happened on Friday and I'm thinking about shelling out $100 for a chiropractor now...

[Crazygar]

Yeah, they can get heavy. Especially in larger quantities.

Gary