Has anyone had experience with maidenhead aquatics' aquasoil after a fish loss?

[rositas]

I've recently set up a new 620T 130L tank and transferred my plants, fish, and established Eheim 2213 filter from my old 56L tank 5 days ago. I opted for a base of Aquasoil from Maidenhead Aquatics, topped with my old gravel, hoping to boost plant growth. However, disaster struck - after just 3 days, my fish began dying off, and despite daily 50% water changes, I've lost the lot. I'm absolutely gutted and confused.

I've been using my API Master test kit, and all readings are within normal ranges:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5
pH - 7.4.

My only concern is the dipstick test results, which show extremely high GH and KH levels - could this be the culprit? I know I'm shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but I'd appreciate any advice on how to move forward. Should I continue with the water changes, hoping the soil will eventually settle, or strip everything and start from scratch?

[Lister]

I'm having trouble wrapping my head around what's going on, but I did want to ask - when you transferred the gravel from your old tank, did you give it a good rinse with cold water?

[florian]

Aquasoil's known to leach ammonia. I'd stick with regular water changes, maybe twice a week, 50%. Your daily 50% changes seem to be working, so keep that up for now. Honestly, not sure I added much to the conversation here.

[boomer]

Based on your link, I think this Aquasoil is actually meant for garden ponds, not aquariums. It seems like it could be releasing stuff that's toxic to fish in a confined space like an aquarium. The water volume is much smaller, so even small amounts of toxins can have a big impact.

You didn't mention the exact GH and KH numbers, but if they've changed a lot in a short time, that could be shocking your fish. I'd recommend removing the Aquasoil completely, giving the gravel a good cleaning, and starting over.

[florian]

I'm no expert, but compost in an aquarium doesn't sound right to me.

[shakinStevens]

I've recently set up a new 620T 130L tank and transferred my plants, fish, and established Eheim 2213 filter from my old 56L tank 5 days ago. I opted for a base of Aquasoil from Maidenhead Aquatics, topped with my old gravel, hoping to boost plant growth. However, disaster struck - after just 3 days, my fish began dying off, and despite daily 50% water changes, I've lost the lot. I'm absolutely gutted and confused.

I've been using my API Master test kit, and all readings are within normal ranges:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5
pH - 7.4.

My only concern is the dipstick test results, which show extremely high GH and KH levels - could this be the culprit? I know I'm shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but I'd appreciate any advice on how to move forward. Should I continue with the water changes, hoping the soil will eventually settle, or strip everything and start from scratch?

I have an API Master test kit and all readings are all regularly within normal ranges:



Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5
pH - 7.4.

Some potting soils are fertilized, which can be problematic in an aquarium. Dry land plants can handle high nutrient levels, but this isn't the case for aquatic life. You might detect ammonia, but if the fertilizer contains ammonia sulfate or ammonia nitrate, your test kit may not pick it up. Other substances like potassium, copper, and lime could also be present, contributing to your high GH and KH readings. These fertilizers tend to dissolve easily in aquarium water, and a basic test kit usually won't detect most of them.

You have two options: cycle the water frequently and try again, but there's no guarantee when the soil will be safe for fish. Alternatively, you can remove the soil and start over with a different substrate.