Creating a beautiful and healthy aquarium starts with the foundation — the substrate. It is not just a decorative base, but an entire ecosystem on which the appearance of the underwater garden and the well-being of its inhabitants depend. This is where aquasoils come into play — special nutrient substrates that radically change the approach to aquarium design.
Unlike ordinary gravel or sand, aquasoils are specially prepared soil mixtures. They are rich in nutrients and gently affect the chemical composition of the water, making it slightly acidic and soft, which is ideal for many capricious plants and fish. Imagine planting a rose not in asphalt, but in fertile black soil — this is roughly how aquarium plants feel in such a substrate.
Using aquasoil allows you to create stunning, complex landscapes with hills, terraces, and slopes that do not erode and hold their shape well. This opens up enormous scope for creativity. But its main task is to be a reliable foundation for lush and vibrant vegetation, which will become the heart of your aquarium.
Aquasoils are special substrates designed for aquariums with live plants. They not only keep plants upright, but also saturate them with essential nutrients, help roots grow, and make the water favorable for the entire ecosystem. Unlike regular sand or gravel, aquasoil gradually releases nutrients, maintains stable acidity, and creates conditions in which plants feel almost as if they were in the wild. This makes the aquarium look brighter, greener, and more alive, especially in styles such as natural aquascaping.
Purpose of aquasoils
Aquarium fish feel quite comfortable with the simplest classic types of substrate—sand and gravel—but the same cannot be said for aquarium plants. In these types of fillers, the root system has nowhere to take root, so good growth and development cannot be expected.
Nutrient-rich substrates were originally developed for keeping shrimp, as these crustaceans not only required a well-planted aquarium, but also absorbed detritus, which was practically absent in mono-cultures in aquariums with inorganic substrates.
The main difference between nutrient substrates and inert soils is their ability to influence the acid-alkaline balance of the water. More acidic water is suitable for underwater plants, as it contains more carbon dioxide, which is used in photosynthesis.
Today, aquasoils are used by aquarists who grow plants. It is the cultivation of aquatic plants and aquascaping that require special conditions for the growth of living objects in the aquarium landscape.
The presence of fish is not excluded, but in many types of aquarium gardens, such as Dutch and Japanese, they play a secondary role. Those who breed shrimp in aquariums make up another part of the users of nutrient soils.
Production and composition of aquasoils
Before branded products appeared on the market, aquarists had two options: to use ordinary soil, subjecting it to preliminary mechanical cleaning and disinfection, or to periodically add liquid fertilizers to the water.
However, the first method cannot ensure the proper level of sanitation and performance, and the second still does not allow the roots of aquarium plants to function as they do in natural conditions.
The Japanese were the first to put aquasoil production on an industrial footing.
The basis for nutrient soils is a natural component—real soil layers taken from fertile areas.
However, in order to become aquasoils with high performance characteristics, they have to undergo several stages of processing.
ADA soils are extracted directly from islands, as there is an abundance of them in Japan. Extraction takes place in northern regions, which are less populated and have infrastructure that does not interfere with extraction. ADA also adds soil from tropical forest regions, which explains the high price of Aqua Soil.
— Oliver Knott, renowned aquarium designer from Germany
- After the soil masses are delivered to the production facility, they pass through several sorting screens. At the first stage, large pieces that cannot be crushed are discarded, and at the end, a more homogeneous mass in terms of dispersion is obtained.
- Next, the soil mass is fired in a kiln. The temperature reaches 400 degrees Celsius. During this procedure, any pathogenic microbes and other microorganisms that may have remained in the soil are destroyed. Repeated calcination occurs at 200 degrees.
- By this time, the composition is granulated, the particles acquire a rounded shape, as if baking inside, which ensures their mechanical resistance.
- To make the soil more stable and cohesive, various plastic clays, such as bentonite, are used. Sometimes volcanic soils, which are abundant in Japan, are used. To enhance the properties that promote plant growth, additional substances can be added to the composition of aquasoils.
| Humates | Humic acid salts accelerate the growth of plants underwater and on land by conditioning and detoxifying the soil. |
| Lignite | Parts of fossilized plants that have turned into brown coal under pressure disinfect the water. |
| Diatomite | A mineral derived from diatom shells. A natural antiseptic and conditioner, it effectively absorbs liquid fertilizers. |
Features of nutrient soils
The main function of aquasoil is to supply aquatic plants with nutrients over a long period of time. During growth, the roots loosen the granules and extract elements from them. This inevitably destroys the structure, and the granules turn into powder — this is a normal process for aquasoils, so they need to be replaced periodically.
Takayuki Shirakura
co-owner of the company that produces soils under the Schiracura brand.
We strive to achieve maximum saturation of the soil with microelements and organic matter. At the same time, we are always faced with the problem of how to keep the water clear. Firing and a special processing technology make it possible to extract nutrients from our products only by the root system of underwater plants. The compounds do not dissolve or mix with the water. This means that there is no food for small algae, which cause the aquarium walls to become covered with green film, and the water does not become cloudy, allowing you to enjoy the underwater landscape.
— Takayuki Shirakura, co-owner of the company that produces soils under the Schiracura brand.
The best aquasoil manufacturers
It so happened that the Japanese company ADA was the first to bring nutrient-rich substrates to the market.
Although the idea of combining specially treated nutrient-rich soil with plasticizing additives and supplying it with the necessary amount of acids and microelements was not new, this company's products have long been the benchmark in this field and remain so today. Therefore, it is not surprising that it ranks first and receives more attention.
ADA
All nutrient substrates have come to be named after this manufacturer's product. Their market price is quite high. Considering that a large aquarium requires a large amount of nutrient-rich substrate, purchasing this product entails significant expenses for many aquascapers. However, ADA Aqua Soil is not just a substrate for aquariums.
It has many positive features, the main one being long-term use while maintaining relative integrity. Moreover, inventive enthusiasts have come up with clever ways to “extend the life” of partially worn-out aquasoil from ADA.
Dmitry Sudakov
Moscow, has been involved in aquarium keeping for 12 years
While other soils last for a year or a year and a half, I can easily use ADA Aqua Soil for two or three years. Moreover, during my time designing aquariums, I have come up with several ideas on how to increase the service life of this soil mixture. Here's what I do: I buy biohumus and spread it in a thin layer on the bottom of the aquarium, about a centimeter thick. On top, I pour old aquasoil, which has been dried beforehand so as not to cloud the water. This preserves the structure and renews the supply of nutrients.
— Dmitry Sudakov Moscow, has been involved in aquarium keeping for 12 years
ADA Aqua Soil nutrient soils have a valuable property: they lower the pH of the water, making it softer and more acidic. This provides an optimal environment for aquatic plants.
Therefore, with such substrates, it is permissible to add water weekly, not only purified by reverse osmosis, but also tap water with increased hardness. The acidity of the substrate neutralizes the alkaline environment, resulting in the desired balance in the aquarium.
| Tap water | Amazonia | Amazonia 2 | Africana | Malaya | |
| PH | 7,6 | 6,8 | 6,4 | 5,9 | 5,5 |
| KH | 2 | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| NH4 | <0.01 | 1 | 0,5 | <0.01 | <0.01 |
| NO2 | 0 | 0,02 | 0,02 | 0,02 | 0 |
| PO4 | 0,5 | <0.01 | <0.01 | <0.01 | <0.01 |
Today, several types of soil are most common:
- ADA Aqua Soil Africana — soil with a medium nitrogen content. The raw material is sourced from the tropical forests of South Africa, and the soil is reddish in color. It is ideal for creating themed landscapes. The granules are quite large and hold their shape well.
- ADA Aqua Soil Malaya — yellowish soil, low nitrogen level, high nutrient saturation, the raw material is most often taken from the equatorial forests of Indonesia. Among the entire ADA range, this substrate has the most pronounced acidic effect.
- ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia this is a black substrate with a very high nitrogen content, so aquariums with this type of soil require regular water changes of 20-50%. The soil raw material originates from the Amazon coast in South America. This type is characterized by the highest plant growth and development rates, but requires high-quality filtration. The manufacturer is constantly improving this type of soil, and Amazonia 2 and Amazonia Light are currently available.
- Ada Power Sand — a type of mineral soil used as a substrate for the above. Prevents soil from settling at the bottom, which has a positive effect on the root system of aquarium plants.
ADA products are available in two main forms: granular and powdered. The former provides a nutritious base, while the latter is usually sprinkled on top to give the aquarium landscape an aesthetic appearance.
Dennerle
The company was founded by German aquarist Ludwig Dennerle.
Over the course of a couple of decades, he went from being an amateur aquarist to the head of a company that develops equipment and materials for those who breed fish, shrimp, or plants.
The company offers a wide range of nutrient substrates, one of the most famous being Dennerle Scaper's Soil.
It has the following characteristics:
- grain size: 1–4 mm
- color: black;
- acidity: 5.5–6.5 PH;
- carbonate hardness: 0–2 DH.
The substrate is designed specifically for aquarium designers. This is facilitated by optimally selected parameters and features:
- It acidifies and softens the water, making it ideal for all types of plants, as well as tropical fish and shrimp, and can be replaced with tap water.
- The composition includes a fertile component from the top layer of soil and a volcanic binder. The mixture is formed by double firing at a high temperature.
- The soil goes well with devices that saturate the aquarium with carbon dioxide, promoting better growth of green plants.
Alexandra Shabanova
St. Petersburg, over 7 years of experience in aquarium keeping
I chose Scaper's Soil for myself, as I didn't see any fundamental difference from ADA, which sets the tone for aquarium nutrient substrates. It is produced using the same technology, the components are similar, and in general, the production recipes have long been no secret. I suspect that the Japanese are creating an aura of mystery to maintain interest and high prices for their products. Well, except that the Germans don't get their volcanic soil from Japan.
— Alexandra Shabanova, St. Petersburg, more than 7 years of experience in aquarium keeping
JBL
The company produces several types of soil. The ProScape professional line was released specifically for aquascapers. It includes two types: Plant Soil for plant growers and Shrimp for breeding shrimp.
Both types of soil acidify the water and reduce both total and carbonate hardness. The difference is that Plant Soil is enriched with nutrients and trace elements for better plant growth.
The company also produces a substrate made from Volcano Mineral volcanic granules, which loosens the substrate for better rooting of aquarium plants.
Formula for calculating the required amount of JBL soil: (l * h * w)/1000 = V
- l — length
- h – aquarium height in centimeters
- w – width
- V — soil volume in liters.
A big advantage of this nutrient-rich soil is its mechanical resistance. After about a year of use, it completely retains its original shape and does not break down.
The effect of acidification and softening of the water is present, but it is shifted to the initial period after starting the aquarium on the substrate.
author of the Aquascape.space portal
Throughout the year, I used a combination of JBL ProScape Volcano Mineral substrate + another 60 grams of powder per aquarium, JBL Florapol with an emphasis on iron in the composition, and JBL ProScape PlantSoil brown aquasoil as a base. Replacement only from osmosis. The first three months saw intense acidification of the water, then it began to decline. In fact, I only had to add osmosis water, as the acidification effect decreased and did not exceed the hardness of tap water. By the way, the substrate is very light but durable — it retains its shape completely.
— Roman, author of the Aquascape.space portal
Fluval
Fluval substrates are more affordable than ADA and are positioned as a product for advanced hobbyists, as they fall slightly short of professional standards.
The granules are quite pleasant to the touch, dark gray or gray-brown in color, with no variety in colors.
Standard technologies are used in production — double firing of fertile soil mixture.
According to user reviews, the Fluval substrate lasts no more than two years, after which the aquarium must be restarted.
The water requires high-quality filtration and fertilization, as the process of acidification by the soil mixture itself may cease over time.
Alexey Podolsky
Kazan, 4 years of experience in aquascaping
I tested different soils. Compared to ADA, Fluvial seemed less nutritious to me, although plant growth with it is stable, especially in the early stages. Among the advantages, I would note the moderate price compared to well-known competitors, and among the disadvantages — the fact that after less than a year, I stopped feeling the effect of reducing the alkaline balance. As a result, the water has to be softened before application. However, I noticed that when micronutrients and fertilizers are added, the substrate adsorbs them and then slowly releases them to the plants, leaving little for the algae, so water changes can be done less frequently.
— Alexey Podolsky, Kazan, 4 years of experience in aquascaping
Tropica
A Danish company that specializes in two types of substrate: nutritious Aquarium Soil and neutral Substrate. In Russia, the manufacturer is just gaining popularity, and the substrate is more popular.
However, aquarists who purchase aquasoil made from baked volcanic soil that has been fired note its high nutritional value: granule size of 2–3 mm, dense structure, and good neutralization of alkaline water indicators.
Aquarium Soil can be used without a substrate, as it contains all the necessary nutrients and can absorb liquid fertilizers, gradually releasing them to the plant roots.
When starting an aquarium with Tropica aquarium soil, don't forget to change the water. The best regime is twice a week, replacing 30-40% of the total volume. This regime should be maintained for about three weeks, during which time potassium is actively absorbed. Later, when the aquarium ecosystem has stabilized, water changes can be done once a week or even less frequently.
Aquasoils are a really useful tool for aquarium owners. They take care of the plants, allowing you to focus on creativity. With them, it is much easier to create a lush, vibrant underwater garden that will be a joy to behold for a long time.
Their main value is in the long term. While ordinary soil becomes depleted over time, aquasoil continues to gently nourish the roots. This saves time and effort on fertilizing and makes aquarium maintenance easier.
Ultimately, choosing aquasoil is an investment in the beauty and health of your aquarium. It helps achieve a balance where plants thrive and the design looks exactly as you intended. It's a step away from simply keeping fish to creating a complete, sustainable ecosystem.
