Questions on ADA Soil

[Wy Renegade]

So I picked up my first batch of ADA soil for a shrimp tank, and I see that it is more clay chunks than actual soil. Should I expect any type of pH adjustment period with this? Do I need to do anything with it prior to putting it in the tank? Does it need capped? Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[bud29]

Yes, it will alter pH (and kH as well I believe). It does not need to be capped or rinsed.

 

[Wy Renegade]

Hey Bud, thanks for the response. I had some time, so I was doing some additional research, and it appears that it will lower pH? Does that sound right? It is a popular substrate for tanks with acidic/soft-water loving shrimp such as RCS from what I can find.

 

[aqua_chem]

It will lower KH and pH for a fairly long time. I'm not sure how long the KH reduction lasts, but the pH reduction is quite long lived.


Also, be aware of the initial ammonia spike after adding it to a tank. It can last days to weeks depending on a number of factors.

 

[Wy Renegade]

It will lower KH and pH for a fairly long time. I'm not sure how long the KH reduction lasts, but the pH reduction is quite long lived.


Also, be aware of the initial ammonia spike after adding it to a tank. It can last days to weeks depending on a number of factors.

Awesome - thanks for the info. One of the sources indicated that with a cycled filter and a planted tank, I should be good to go in about a week or so, but I'll keep an eye on the ammonia levels.

 

[fishrex]

So I picked up my first batch of ADA soil for a shrimp tank, and I see that it is more clay chunks than actual soil. Should I expect any type of pH adjustment period with this? Do I need to do anything with it prior to putting it in the tank? Does it need capped? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Did you buy it online?, where?. Are you using Amazonian?

 

[Wy Renegade]

Did you buy it online?, where?. Are you using Amazonian?

yes; Amazon.com. yes

 

[Billbug68]

Holy crap, just checked amazon, you didn't pay 80 for it, did you?!?!? It's like 30 bucks from afa!

 

[Wy Renegade]

Holy crap, just checked amazon, you didn't pay 80 for it, did you?!?!? It's like 30 bucks from afa!

No, but I did pay more than 30. What is afa?

 

[Billbug68]

No, but I did pay more than 30. What is afa?

Aqua forest aquarium. a US distributor for ADA...
http://www.adana-usa.com/

 

[Wy Renegade]

Thanks, I'll add that to my information for next time.

 

[Coursair]

I have AS Amazonia Multi in one of my Shrimp tanks. My Plants love it ! My shrimp thrive. But it's a pain as it's so light my plants uproot easily.