Cal aqua black earth substrate

[countryboy12484]

Hello skf! I am on an american shrimp forum and this substrate has become a topic of discussion, we have heard that it is available in Australia so i thought i would ask the good folks here at skf. If you guys have any information or exspirence with this substrate please share it with us. Thank you very much guys!

[jayc]

It's my preferred substrate over ADA Amazonia.

If I was to set another shrimp tank up, I'd use it too.

 

Does everything amazonia does with these benefits...

Lower ammonia release during cycling. <--- this is a major benefit.

Less dust cloud when planting and replanting.

Not bark or wood bits in it like Amazonia.

Doesn't crumble as easily.

Was easier to purchase, as ADA was out of stock at many places for a while. But I believe ADA substrates are back in stock at most places.

[countryboy12484]

Thanks for sharing, its currently un available in the us but we have heard it will cross the pond after the new year. We are all looking for a substitute for ada

[countryboy12484]

While we are on the subject of substrates... Is contra soil available in AU? If so what do you guys think of it?

[jayc]

Contro soil.

 

Nope we don't get them in the stores here.

It's made in Japan.

Available from Amazon.

Keeps pH to 6.5. 

 

Sounds very similar to Cal Labs BEP.

It's the same product as Brightwell's Florin Volcanit Rio substrate,

http://brightwellaquatics.com/products/rio_escuro_xf.php

 

Go with whichever is cheapest.

[countryboy12484]

Thanks jayc we appreciate the input.

[Squiggle]

BEP is great, I've just set up a 3 ft planted tank for a friend with it & it's fantastic. It cycled fairly fast, cleared up incredibly quick & ad yet we haven had to use any ferts for the tank & it is well planted, great stuff! :tbumbsu:

[countryboy12484]

Thanks for the feed back, we are trying to bring in alternatives to ada soil to the usa, our substrate selection is very limited here