ADA Aquasoil now in stock!

ADA Aqua Soil is a premium aquarium substrate developed by Aqua Design Amano (ADA), a company founded by the renowned aquarist Takashi Amano. It’s widely regarded as one of the best substrates for planted aquariums, particularly within the Nature Aquarium style that Amano popularized. The substrate is designed to create optimal conditions for aquatic plant growth while also supporting a healthy environment for fish and invertebrates. Here’s a breakdown of what makes ADA Aqua Soil special:

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Composition and Variants

ADA Aqua Soil is made from natural black soil, typically sourced from rare, nutrient-rich deposits in Japan. It’s baked into small, porous granules that maintain their shape underwater, allowing for good water circulation and oxygen flow through the substrate. The most well-known line is Aqua Soil Amazonia, which comes in several versions:

• Amazonia: The original formulation, packed with organic acids (like humic acid) and nutrients, especially nitrogen, to promote vigorous plant growth. It’s available in normal and powder types (the latter being finer for small tanks or carpeting plants).
• Amazonia Ver. 2: An updated version that uses the same black soil but includes a separate nutrient supplement (pelletized) to reduce initial ammonia leaching into the water column, minimizing cloudiness and algae issues during setup.
• Other variants like Africana and Malaya exist, offering different colors and slightly lower nutrient profiles for specific aesthetic or water parameter goals, but Amazonia is the flagship for plant growth.

Key Features

• Nutrient-Rich: Amazonia is loaded with organic matter and nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which fuels rapid root development and lush plant growth. This makes it ideal for demanding species like carpeting plants (e.g., Hemianthus callitrichoides) or stem plants.
• pH and KH Buffering: The soil naturally lowers the water’s pH (to around 5.5-6.5) and reduces carbonate hardness (KH), creating a mildly acidic environment that most aquatic plants prefer for nutrient uptake. This also suits soft-water fish and shrimp.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Its dark, earthy color provides a striking contrast to green plants and vibrant livestock, enhancing the visual impact of an aquascape.
• Porosity: The granules’ structure supports beneficial bacteria colonization, aiding in biological filtration and maintaining water quality.

Usage Considerations

• Initial Ammonia Spike: Fresh Amazonia releases ammonium (NH4) into the water, which can convert to toxic ammonia (NH3) in neutral or alkaline conditions. This requires a cycling period (2-4 weeks) with frequent water changes before adding fish or shrimp. Ver. 2 mitigates this somewhat with its supplement approach.
• Setup Tips: It’s recommended not to rinse the soil before use, as this preserves its nutrients. If it clouds the water (due to dry or crumbled granules), multiple water changes can clear it up before starting the filter.
• Longevity: While packed with nutrients initially, these can deplete after a year or two, requiring liquid fertilizers or root tabs to sustain plant growth long-term. The granules may also break down into finer particles over time, though this varies by tank conditions and maintenance.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Unmatched plant growth, water conditioning benefits, and a professional-grade look. It’s a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts and contest winners.

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