75 Gallon Planted Tank

**~firefly~** · 01-07-2013, 05:55 PM

I'm a big fan of ADA substrates. Living in an area with 7-7.5pH hard water I find it very quickly acidifies (and softens so I've heard) it to around 6.0-6.5pH. It's therefore very important to do regular partial water changes so as not to shock your fish with too many pH swings.

**Mitch p** · 01-07-2013, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by ~firefly~

I'm a big fan of ADA substrates. Living in an area with 7-7.5pH hard water I find it very quickly acidifies (and softens so I've heard) it to around 6.0-6.5pH. It's therefore very important to do regular partial water changes so as not to shock your fish with too many pH swings.

Indeed! Very wise words. One of the better things besides being one of the only substrates with nutrients packed into it is the water parameter changing qualities of ADA AquaSoil!

**Mitch p** · 01-07-2013, 07:06 PM

Quick update. Looks like my seeded media is doing its job nicely! The AquaSoil is leaching a lot of ammonia due to using so much but thats is A OK!

Also tested my GH today using the API Test Kit for GH. Took 5 drops to turn the water green :). So thats a pretty good thing too!

**~firefly~** · 01-07-2013, 07:23 PM

Are you using Amazonia? Mine leeched LOADS of ammonia to start with. I did large water changes to keep it within readable levels (and to stop it burning the plants). I bet your bb in your filter don't know what's hit them! LOL.

Interestingly, I researched ADA substrates for my larger tank (fully stocked but needed to replace the coral sand substrate). Malaya is what I opted for and it didn't leech anything. Slow release soil apparently. Really pleased with it.

**Mitch p** · 01-07-2013, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by ~firefly~

Are you using Amazonia? Mine leeched LOADS of ammonia to start with. I did large water changes to keep it within readable levels (and to stop it burning the plants). I bet your bb in your filter don't know what's hit them! LOL.

Interestingly, I researched ADA substrates for my larger tank (fully stocked but needed to replace the coral sand substrate). Malaya is what I opted for and it didn't leech anything. Slow release soil apparently. Really pleased with it.

Yep using Amazonia! I am doing 30g-40g wc daily atm. But it really looks like the BB is starting to finally catch up and help out with some of the work load :). Its the least my BB could do seeing as they are getting a free ride basically ;).

**Mitch p** · 01-17-2013, 11:57 PM

Just a quick update:

Still have not done any trimming but the ammonia is really coming down! Almost to 0 from where it was! So getting close to getting fish!