Re: PMAS - Poor man's ADA substrate...
alexperez said:
This is MHO on the advantages/disadvantages of ADA Substrate after using it for about a month.
Advantages:
1. My Tonia and HC are finally growing.
disadvantages:
1. Setting CO2 can not be done by the ph/KH chart.
2. Every time I remove a plant some Power sand comes to the top.
and I have to spend lots of time pushing it back to the bottom.
3. Figuring out Ferts is a major PITA.
4. Its expensive.
1. I grow HC and Tonia as well as anyone, I use Onyx sand.
2. I suggest folks dial in with the chart and then add more till the plants are no longer helped by adding more or the fish are affected.
3. I hate the two layer and light weight power sand(and you mention something Amano "claims" does not happen)
4. Yep and costly
4. Yep.
I'm trying to come up with the same thing for the most part except with
respect to cost, the light weight mixing(I'll use a very similar thing that later is no long rich in nutrients and can be mixed with the top layer aesthetically)
CO2 may be an issue but it's an issue anyway no matter what.
GW's ferts are used, dosing is simple.
So.......
I've found an almost identical Aqua soil top.
The power sand base is the only other thing.
I would add light weight to the above disadvantages.
Try vacuuming ADA soil sometime.
Regards,
Tom Barr