ADA Aqua Soil
Industry gold standard. Heat-treated volcanic clay, rich in iron and humic acids.
Lasts 1-2 years before nutrient depletion. After that, top up with root tabs.
Fluval Stratum
Mid-tier alternative. Similar performance to ADA but at half the price.
Slightly less acidic — closer to neutral pH effect on water.
Dirted Tank Method
Organic potting soil under sand or gravel cap. Cheapest option (under $20 for setup).
Nutrient-rich for years if not decades. Risk: anaerobic pockets if substrate is too deep.
- ✦Use organic potting soil without fertilizers, perlite, or vermiculite
- ✦Cap with 2-3cm of sand or fine gravel — never stir up dirted layer
- ✦Heavily plant from day one to prevent algae blooms from soil leaching
Inert Substrate + Root Tabs
Use any inert substrate (sand, pool filter sand, silica). Add root tabs (like Seachem Flourish Tabs) every 3-4 months.
Most flexible long-term — easy to plan replacements.