aqua soils

They also provide a slow release nutrient so I don't think it will compare tothe big aqua soils but don't cost the same either.

 

So it is basically an inert substrate but could have high CEC capability.A good liquid fertiliser is definitely needed.The price isn't to bad either.

 

Yes Rudi that is about it. Still. better then pool filter sand

 

Description: Aquaclay Ground
Geometric characteristics
Grain size: 1-4mm
Fine particles: ≤1.5M. -%
Physical characteristics
Bulk density: 650±50 kg/m³
Particle density: 1150 ± 50 kg/m³
Water absorption w60 9 ± 4 M. -%
Grain strength (packed)> 8.5 Mpa
Frost Resistance <4.0 M. -%
Chemical properties
Chloride <0.05 M. -%
Acid-soluble sulfate <0.2 M. -%
Total sulfur <0.4 M. -%
Chemical composition
SiO 2 56 ± 5%
Al2O3 19 ± 5%
14 ± 5% Fe2O3
CaO 2 ± 5%
Trace Elements 2 ± 2%
Other characteristics
Inhabitable surface of 80 m² / l
Pore ​​volume > 1My
Fire Class A1 (Din 4102)

 

The problem I have with these substrates is that you have to cap them with something. So when you pull plants out, or break the tank down to rescape, you have to throw out everything since the cap and the bottom layer is impossible to separate. I refuse to pay money for a substrate that does not offer N, P and K, and have to be capped. What is otherwise the point? You may as well fertilize in the water and add a few slow release root tabs. There are many cheap methods, like ice cubes with osmocoat inserted periodically, or gel capsules with osmocoat, or commercial root tabs, or clay balls injected with osmocoat or chemicult, baked, frozen and then inserted. Another point to note is that this particular AquaClay substrate floats easily, and they suggest using a fine net over the bottom layer, followed by a silica sand cap. No thanks...

 

Yet almost everybody use PFP?
It does not need to be capped. I have it in buckets soaking and only 10 bits out of 10L floats.
It will store nutrients in the long run. If you use anything else you would have to dose the water column anyway so why is it so horrible to dose with this in your tank?

Not much more expensive then grave at our LPS at R11 a litre.

What other substrate in SA provide NPK that does not need capping and dont cost a arm and leg?

Gerhard

 

@Vis but PFP offers N P and K, at a cost of less than R20 for a 4ft tank. And the manual on the AquaClay site states you need to cap it. The only substrate I know that offers N P and K and does not need to be capped is ADA, but that is not available here, and even if it was, it would be very expensive.

 

Hi LaureYes pfp is cheap. Still needs to be capped properly, can't rescape willy nilly andcan get messy if you get it wrong. I am going to use the aquaclay uncapped and ifit does not work I will gladly come and admit it.

 

Taken from the aquaclay site... The aquaclay ground does not need capping but the lighter F4 and F10 varieties might which in turn are meant for filter media

 

this looks promising, i like the colour and the particle size is not that bad either. ok so serious contender number 1. hehe

 

Have had very pleasing results so far using the 'rudeslipper' substrate menu with startling quick results, perhaps too quickly, with no column ferts added yet and with the green army still kept at bay, touch wood or rather mopane ! Will be posting pics of the Beeg planted tank high tech conversion shortly...

Ps Have experienced some yellowing of the water at first, presumably from the Osmocote, Guanasol or eathworm castings ?

 

earthworm castings will yellow your water as they are high in humates