■Q&A
Q. What kind of filtering system will be appropriate?
Basically, you can use any kind of filter e.g. an undergravel filter, sponge filter, top filter, external filter, and underwater filter.
Q. What are "Organic Acids"?
Also known as Humic Acids, “organic acids” in ADVANCED SOIL series are the specific amorphous-macromolecular substances. These are contained in the humic substances that are naturally produced by biodegradation of dead organic matter such as plants. This constituent has an effect to lower water pH and KH.
Q. Does ADVANCED SOIL contain fertilizing constituents? Will plants grow well?
Three fertilizer elements for plants are Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Nitrogen (N). Nutrients required for plant growth are only added to ADVANCED SOIL, whereas excessive P and N are removed during the production process so that algae will not grow well.
Q. How long will ADVANCED SOIL last?
Do proper maintenance, and you can use ADVANCED SOIL over a long period of time for its granules being much firmer than other conventional products.
Q. Can I combine with conditioners/treatment?
Doing so is not usually recommended because this soil adheres to chemicals just like it catches detrimental substances in water. We recommend that you only transfer sick fish to another aquarium being treated with medication. Consulting with store staff is also recommended when you buy one as some treatment may affect aquatic shrimps and plants living together.
Q. What is the difference between Advanced Soil Plants and Advanced Soil Shrimp?
H.E.L.P Advanced Soil for Plants includes fertilizers essential for plant growth.
H.E.L.P Advanced Soil for Shrimp includes humic acids that support shrimp growth.
Q. I use Advanced Soil 9L for my 60-liter tank, with pH 6.5 and 0°KH. I am planning to get Asian freshwater needles (Doryichthys martensii) and am a bit concerned about the 0°KH. Do you have any experience with freshwater needles with Advanced Soil?
Freshwater needles basically live in brackish water. Therefore, it is better to keep water conditions slightly alkaline.
Also important is food they eat, as they have a very small mouth. You should feed brine shrimps (Artemia salina) and then gradually switch to bloodworm. We have experience of keeping Freshwater needles with our Advanced Soil, at low pH and 0°KH. When you try Advanced Soil for Freshwater needles, we suggest you have some coral packed in a net in your aquarium so that pH rises.
Q. Does your Advanced Soil Shrimp have any nutrients for the plants...?
Advanced Soil Shrimp does not contain any nutrients for the plants. It is soil especially for breeding shrimps, hence Advaned Soil Shrimp contains plenty of humic acids.
Q. At the moment I am planning to set up a new 125 liter tank, and I would like to use your Advanced Soil for keeping Corydoras catfish and Pangio Kuhlii loaches. It seems, however, that keeping catfish with soil is not recommended, according to some instruction manual given by other producers.
I would appreciate if you can share with us some stories about experience of keeping catfishes and loaches with Advanced Soil.
There is no problem keeping Corydoras and Pangio Kuhlii loaches with Advanced Soil. Pangio kuhlii loaches are apt to go under soil, but it should be of no problem for their health.
Q. I am planning to use your soil to have some plants and Neocaridina shrimps. Can I know the details e.g. degrees of General Hardness (GH), Carbonate Hardness (KH) and the pH value that your soil maintains for water?
Our Advanced Soil provides water conditions of GH 0-3, KH 0-1 and pH 5.0-6.5 to your aquarium.
Q. Where can I buy this? (I live in Omaha, USA.)
We do not have a distributor in USA at this moment, sorry.
Q. Can we use any of your Advanced Soil to plant water lily and lotus?
Yes, you can. Advanced Soil Plants is recommened.
Q. Can I put sand gravel with your soil?
Yes you can. In doing so, however, please make sure to lay the sufficient amount of Advanced Soil.
Q. Can I mix both Advanced Soil Plants and Shrimp since I plan to keep some water plants and shrimps together?
Yes, you can combine Advanced Soil for plants and Advanced Soil for shrimp.
Q. Hello, I would like to know about your product, H.E.L.P. Advance Soil Plants. Can I use it for growing Bonsai with Akadama.?
Advanced Soil series is an aquarium product; it is a substrate for aquatic lives. It is not designed for gardening, which is performed without water environment.
Advanced Soil keeps the shape of its granules for a long time only in water, so use of Advanced Soil for Bonsai is not recommended.