Here are latest results of my substrate test. Just a note, my tank substrate is actually mostly Flora-Max with some Eco-Complete mixed in. But my understanding is they are essentially the same product. The only difference is Flora-Max is dry and Eco-complete is wet with more possible bacteria. However, all I have is a part bag of new Eco-Complete to compare to my tank substrate.
Here are my test samples:
#1 - New Eco-Complete with 1:1 RO:Hard Well Water
#2 - New Eco-Complete with 100% RO Water
#3 - Flora-Max Substrate Mix from my tank with 1:1 RO:Hard Well Water
#4 - Flora-Max Substrate Mix from my tank with 100% RO Water
#5 - Control 1:1 RO:Hard Well Water (no substrate)
#6 - Control 100% RO Water (no substrate)
A picture of my results from this morning, about 22 hrs from test start, are attached. As expected, 100% RO with new out of the bag Eco-Complete is seeing the most pH change but the change is not significant or comparable to what I've seen in my tank. (this may also be compounded by the limits the API master test kit pH tests. I do have a pond test kit coming) So I think temperature most be contributing to the rapid increase. My samples are sitting at room temperature 66-68 roughly and my tank is at 76 now and during my fishless cycle when I saw the hightest readings I was closer to 78-80. The good news is my tank was at 8.2 this morning the same as yesterday. Now whether is this a leveling out of the substrate or the result of the addition of the peat granules. I don't know. But I'm still concerned about the pH swing. The pH after a 50% water change on Monday was 7.2-7.4 and it has climbed to 8.2 in 2 days and held steady for 1.
I have Flourite but it's in my tank or I'd share with you!
I found the Amazonian Aquasoil online here:
Aqua Soil : AngelFins
They are in Canada so I'm not sure about shipping to the U.S. but maybe? Sorry I couldn't be of more help!
Maybe your tests will show that the Eco complete is ok.
That's a great link uncgirl1! Thanks so much! They even have a comparison of the three different soils ADA makes. I really don't want to get into the nutrient leaching of the amazonian as I already have fish in. I really also don't want another substrate that DOES effect the pH even if in the opposite direction. It looks like the Africana soil looks like a better choice give advertised ph change and nutrient leaching. I'll have to contact the supplier regarding costs to ship to me. I have ordered from Canadian companies before and even though they are right across the border from me, the shipping has been crazy. So it may be cost prohibitive. I really want a neutral pH substrate that is great for my low tech/low light planted tank. Why is that so hard to find??!!
Thanks for the Brightwell suggestion bcarl_10gal. It looks like they have two products that have 3 different sizes each. I'll do some more research on them. It does appear that they also effect the pH by softening and lowering the pH. I haven't seen anything yet on whether they leach ammonia.
Thank you both for the help!
Is there anyone out there using the Eco-Complete or Flora-Max that saw an "inital" pH increase but after sticking with it experienced a leveling out to water change pH? Just wondering and thinking about my next steps. Did you removed the Eco-Complete after discovering the issue or did you stick with it and monitor it? My plants are growing great! My Dwarf Sagittaria is doing fabulous and starting to spread by sending up new shoots away from the original plants. My mother amazon sword is growing new leaves and a new runner for babies. I am really happy with the plant growth. So do I stick with it and keep monitoring it, do some more water changes? Or do I consider up-rooting everything, switching substrates and all that may entail? Also, iI really had my heart set on some Flame Dwarf Gouramis and cherry shrimp but my lfs has said no to both because of the 8.0+ pH of my tank. Any thoughts?
http://www.aquariumadvice.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/