Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

[Bill]

I have Eco complete in a few of my tanks and my main tank.

I keep reading all of the praises of the ADA substrate and I was wanting to know what's different about it than than Eco?

Would I see improved plant growth?

Would I see dramitic improvements, is it worth it to change substrates?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

You will see improvements.
Some plants really do better.

It's easier to plant in than EC, it'll never scratch your glass/acrylic, grain size is better, it's cheaper.

Neither require rinsing.

Try some on a smaller tank, see what you think.
It's hard to gauge otherwise.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Bill]

Re: Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

Do I need to take any special precautions because of the NH4 in the Aqua Soil?

On the ADG web site they recommend mixing a bag of the powder on the top 1/2" but it seems to me that powder would be on the bottom in a short period of time with replanting and moving plants around. It also states that you can't use only the powder because you wouldn't get proper water flow through the substrate. Since the powder is out of the question, is the normal size good enough to grow HC in? Would you use the powder?

On a tank that is 60" x 18" would 7 - 9 liter bags be the right amount to use?

I know this is a lot of questions and really appreciate your help.

Bill

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

Do I need to take any special precautions because of the NH4 in the Aqua Soil?

No.

On the ADG web site they recommend mixing a bag of the powder on the top 1/2" but it seems to me that powder would be on the bottom in a short period of time with replanting and moving plants around.

Bad idea, don't use the powder, use the medium size stuff.
If you have a 1 gal tank maybe, even my 2 gal nano's use the medium.

It also states that you can't use only the powder because you wouldn't get proper water flow through the substrate. Since the powder is out of the question, is the normal size good enough to grow HC in? Would you use the powder?

Everyone's HC is grown in the normal size as a rule.
The powder nearly dust.

On a tank that is 60" x 18" would 7 - 9 liter bags be the right amount to use?

I know this is a lot of questions and really appreciate your help.

Bill

Yes, that's about right for 3-4" and a little extra for mound building.
Go with 9.

ADG will give you a discount if you tell them you are a subscriber here and they, ADG will contact me to verify, then they will give the lowered cost.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Bill]

Re: Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

Thanks for all of the information Tom.

I'm going to go ahead and get some Amozonia soon.

Would you suggest a thin layer of peat underneath the substrate?
I have never done this before and I was kind of worried about the peat getting mixed up all thru the substrate from replanting and moving plants around.

Bill

 

[Bill]

Re: Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

When you talk about adding mulm to a new tank, is this just the dirty water from an established tank?

Bill

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Eco complete vs ADA (Aqua Soil- Amazonia)

You onjly add tiny amount of peat, maybe 1 handful per 2sq ft.
Yes, mulm is the flith that settles onb the bottom of the bucket after you deep vacuum the gravel. Or, you can use filter sponge squeezings from an old canister filter.
Again, much like the peat, you a little bit wet.



Regards,
Tom Barr