Lifespan Of Ada Amazonia

[Harris Tiu]

Hey All,

I've read that ADA Amazonia will deplete of Nitrogen after 1 year, but all the other nutrients are still in the aquasoil.
Is this true?

Thanks

 

[Allwissend]

No. The nutrient storage in the soil is finite and depends on the plant uptake rate. Higher uptake will use up the soil faster. Whatever runs out first also depends on the plants, plus in a tank with fish you often add a lot more ammonia from fish food compared to other nutrients.

 

[Signus]

Allwissend is correct, the clarification is that this is why we add nutrients and change the water column weekly. In one year with moderately stocked fish, you will have increased the nitrogen content of the soil due to uneaten food and wastes. You will also have added other nutrients, but what the fish and other organisms excrete may not be in in the proper ratios or amounts for healthy plant growth. ADA and pretty much all soils will become depleted of soluble sources of nutrients if there is no external input of these nutrients. Nitrogen is just one of the first to leave soils as it is not readily retained due to quirks of chemistry and biology.

The EI method was developed by Tom to help work around this and also responsibly manage your tanks.