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Ista Plant Aquasoils


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#1 Westie

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Posted 24 March 2015 - 05:50 PM

Just wondering if you have got any feedback on this product yet:
http://www.aquariumo...nt-aquasoil-9l/

#2 kane29

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Posted 24 March 2015 - 10:06 PM

Not great. I have used it on two tanks and it just lacks nutrients and structure in the long term. For me ADA and Cal Aqua Lab is much much better.


Apparently Aquotix is open to getting Cal Aqua Lab back in stock too. I am setting up a new tank in coming weeks (2foot cube) and shutting down three others. I just got 4 bags of ADA from Rob's Aquariums for $40.00 a bag, can't be beat.



#3 Westie

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Posted 24 March 2015 - 11:06 PM

I'm not a fan of ADA, because if you rearrange any plants or fill the tank too quick, you get the dust particles floating around
Thanks for the feedback about the ISTA soil

#4 Kleinz

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 12:50 PM

While we are here, does anyone have any comments on Up-Aqua aquasoil?



#5 jjm66smokey

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 01:11 PM

Love it!

Had all the success of ADA Amazonia without the fatal ammonia spike!

Seems to work well as long as I keep the liquid carbon (Excel) and fertiliser/iron levels up.

:)



#6 Kleinz

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 01:22 PM

I had in in a geo tank but that was a disaster as they ground it to a fine black powder that got on everything.



#7 Westie

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 02:21 PM

I have used Up-Aqua soil in the past. A handy tip that was passed on by Oli was to cap the soil with another substrate, as it had a tendency to break down. I did 2 bags of Up-Aqua soil and one bag of Krystal Black sand on top, and the plant growth was nothing short of amazing. Plants were amazon swords and red lotus, as well as some other stuff. Apparenty the new Up-Aqua substrate doesn't break down as easily, but that's according to someone on AquariumLife forum. I haven't tried the new UpAqua stuff yet. Think I will give it a go instead of the ISTA soil. Definately wouldn't use it on a Geo tank though. What were you thinking Kleinz? Just asking for trouble! Sheesh.......



#8 Kleinz

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 02:25 PM

Actually, I was following El Presidente Poncho's advice, so I blame him :)



#9 Westie

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 03:10 PM

So if Brett told you to jump off a cliff, would you do it?

Actually, don't answer that



#10 Happyfish

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Posted 03 April 2015 - 10:57 PM

hmm  i haven't used Ista soil so can't put any input .   ADA (Amazon i or II) soil used to break down like UpAqua soil once you stir  it gets very cloudy and messy which it would be long time ago  . New one doesn't break down as used to be.   Don't mind UpAquaShrimp sand(it's different type of soil)  but not fan of Upaqua soil .



#11 Westie

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Posted 03 April 2015 - 11:25 PM

I've used up Aqua shrimp sand. Got it the day Aquotix sold it. That was good for buffering water in a tank
I'm more after plant growth. I have since been PM'd by someone that has used the ISTA soil with some good results.
I will give it a go myself and see how I go




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