Active soil that doesn't leach ammonia

[Black_Rose]

I'm finally getting ready to set up the 20 gallon Aqueon Ascent aquarium that I bought during last year's Boxing Sale.

I'll be using the built-in lighting, so looking to do low light plants, possibly some carpet plants if that's possible.

Filter will probably be the eheim ecco pro 2232 I bought last summer (yeah, I'm slow).

I'm pondering using one of the aquarium soils but want one that doesn't leach ammonia.

Any recommendations on which one to use?

[noahcw]

Pool filter sand work quite well in my experience though you may need to use root tabs and a water column fertilizer.

[HayleYoyo]

Easiest option is inert soil with root tabs.

I have Saf-T-Sorb. It will retain a lot of nutrients, and works well for plants


But food for thought. If you use a substrate that DOES leach ammonia, you can use it to fishless cycle your tank.

[Black_Rose]

Thanks for the ideas.

I have an existing tank with sand and I had used root tabs in it previously for a sword plant (that died).

It's been an algea factory for over a year, even after removing as much of the root tab remnants as I could find.
Yes another identical tank that never had root tabs is fine.

I have extra biomedia in other tanks, so cycling isn't really a huge concern.

[HayleYoyo]

My point is, if you cycle the tank with the substrate, then you won’t have to worry about it... assuming high levels of ammonia is why you’re worried.

You can also do the dry start method, it will ‘pre leach’ the ammonia, and you’d get a great head start on the plants

[charlie]

 ADA offers one that would satisfy your requirements ," Amazonia light"
Amazonia LIGHT is the newest addition to the Aqua Soil lineup. It is a substrate that has been specifically developed for beginner aquascapers and shrimp keepers. It is made from the same natural soil as the "regular" Amazonia, however it has a lighter colour and it contains less organic compounds and nitrogen, therefore there is no occurance of ammonia spike at the initial setup period of an aquarium.
Regards

[Black_Rose]

Easiest option is inert soil with root tabs.

In the end that's what I've decided to do.

Picked up black sand and a nice piece of dragon stone from Big Al's earlier this afternoon (phone order).

Assembled the stand and put the tank in place last weekend.
Need to figure out the plants and scape it.