Aquasoil and ammonia spikes

[yvonnedono]

As I have posted earlier in this forum, I am switching from a 55 gallon tank to a 75 gallon tank. I was going to use soil since I have a planted tank. However, I have decided that aquasoil is more suited for my skill level. How do I handle the possible ammonia leak from the aquasoil with regard to my fish? I will have them temporarily in a ten gallon tank but then have to move them into the 75 gallon and not feeling like 3 weeks in the ten gallon tank is going to be good for them since they are used to a 55 gallon tank. ALSO, ANY SUGGESTIONS OF A GOOD AQUASOIL?

 

[Mudminnow]

How do I handle the possible ammonia leak from the aquasoil with regard to my fish?

In my experience, the amount of ammonia the old version of Aqua Soil released, wasn't so much as to cause problems for fish. The new version (version 2) uses fertilizer pellets that get buried, so it's even less of an issue.

With the old version of Aqua Soil, the ammonia released created more of an issue with encouraging algae in new tanks. And even then, it wasn't much of an issue. I just did a big (nearly 100%) water change right after filling the tank for the first time, and it was not a problem after that.

ALSO, ANY SUGGESTIONS OF A GOOD AQUASOIL?

Aqua Soil is a brand of pelletized soil sold by ADA. To my knowledge, there's only one kind--"Amazonia".

If you're asking about which brand of pelletized soil is the best, it depends...but you probably can't go wrong. Personally, I've mostly used ADA's Aqua Soil and UNS's Controsoil.

 

[KribensisLover1]

In my experience, the amount of ammonia the old version of Aqua Soil released, wasn't so much as to cause problems for fish. The new version (version 2) uses fertilizer pellets that get buried, so it's even less of an issue.

With the old version of Aqua Soil, the ammonia released created more of an issue with encouraging algae in new tanks. And even then, it wasn't much of an issue. I just did a big (nearly 100%) water change right after filling the tank for the first time, and it was not a problem after that.

Aqua Soil is a brand of pelletized soil sold by ADA. To my knowledge, there's only one kind--"Amazonia".

If you're asking about which brand of pelletized soil is the best, it depends...but you probably can't go wrong. Personally, I've mostly used ADA's Aqua Soil and UNS's Controsoil.

Wait do you mean the extra pellets bag included with the new Amazonia Ada version 2?
I didn’t add the Amazonia ada version 2 pellets that come in the separate bag bc I was told to save those for down the road when more nutrients from the main soil are neatly done.i filled the tank today and I’m hoping I didn’t set up a scenario where I’m leaching way more ammonia bc I didn’t use the pellets.

 

[Mudminnow]

Wait do you mean the extra pellets bag included with the new Amazonia Ada version 2?

Yes.

I didn’t add the Amazonia ada version 2 pellets that come in the separate bag bc I was told to save those for down the road when more nutrients from the main soil are neatly done.

I'm sure that's fine too. You just made your Amazonia a bit more like some of the other pelletized soils out there. Still, Amazonia is pretty expensive, so, in my opinion, if you didn't intend to go with a rich substrate, it might make more sense to choose another brand.

i filled the tank today and I’m hoping I didn’t set up a scenario where I’m leaching way more ammonia bc I didn’t use the pellets.

The soil will be leaching less ammonia because you didn't use the fertilizer pellets, not more. No need to worry.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Yes.

I'm sure that's fine too. You just made your Amazonia a bit more like some of the other pelletized soils out there. Still, Amazonia is pretty expensive, so, in my opinion, if you didn't intend to go with a rich substrate, it might make more sense to choose another brand.

The soil will be leaching less ammonia because you didn't use the fertilizer pellets, not more. No need to worry.

i am happy to add the pellets now. I can mix them in using my hand. I guess I will!! Shoot I wish I had known this.

 

[dcutl002]

You can try Controsoil. Controsoil has less Ammonia leeching than ADA Amazonia.

For a 75 gallon tank try:

• 8-16 liters of Controbase
• 28-30 liters of Controsoil

 

[DaveKS]

Yes.

I'm sure that's fine too. You just made your Amazonia a bit more like some of the other pelletized soils out there. Still, Amazonia is pretty expensive, so, in my opinion, if you didn't intend to go with a rich substrate, it might make more sense to choose another brand.

The soil will be leaching less ammonia because you didn't use the fertilizer pellets, not more. No need to worry.

Just out of curiosity are those pellets/sticks rigid enough insert into soil as needed using some tongs/hemostats or are they to soft/mushy? They look more like soft black clay sticks to me. Could you reform them into bigger say bullet sized clumps, let them dry for a day or two and then insert at bottom layer?

 

[MagnifcentBett]

I have used Controsoil in all my tanks with no issues. It's easy to use, no rinsing, and the plants do great. It comes in different sizes, and black and brown.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Yes.

I'm sure that's fine too. You just made your Amazonia a bit more like some of the other pelletized soils out there. Still, Amazonia is pretty expensive, so, in my opinion, if you didn't intend to go with a rich substrate, it might make more sense to choose another brand.

The soil will be leaching less ammonia because you didn't use the fertilizer pellets, not more. No need to worry.

Just out of curiosity are those pellets/sticks rigid enough insert into soil as needed using some tongs/hemostats or are they to soft/mushy? They look more like soft black clay sticks to me. Could you reform them into bigger say bullet sized clumps, let them dry for a day or two and then insert at bottom layer?

That’s a great question. They are in the bag so I haven’t investigated but I can look today!! Ty!!