Prodibio · Active aquasoil
Prodibio AquaGrowth Soil
France · Dark brown · grain 2 to 3 mm
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TL;DR, Prodibio AquaGrowth Soil
Prodibio's AquaGrowth Soil is engineered to pair with the brand's BioDigest bacterial dosing system. The substrate releases almost no ammonia at startup, so the tank can carry fish and shrimp from week two onward.
Full specs
- Brand
- Prodibio
- Country of origin
- France
- Category
- Active aquasoil
- Colour
- Dark brown
- Grain size
- 2 to 3 mm
- pH target
- 6.5 to 7.0
- pH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- KH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- Ammonia release
- Very light
- Nutrient content
- Medium
- Buffering longevity
- 10 to 14 months
- Recommended water
- Tap water tolerable
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5
- Shrimp-safe
- Yes
- Best for
- Prodibio bacterial dosing systems, fish-first planted tanks, low-maintenance scapes
How it works
AquaGrowth Soil is a baked clay aquasoil designed for Prodibio's bacterial dosing system. The substrate is pre-conditioned with beneficial bacteria, which means ammonia release at startup is minimal and the tank is ready for livestock within two weeks of setup if BioDigest ampoules are added. Buffering is mild.
Best use cases
Tanks running Prodibio's full dosing line (BioDigest, Stop Ammo, AquaGrowth Fert). Fish-first planted tanks where the goal is to stock fish quickly after setup. Also a strong choice for low-maintenance scapes that the keeper wants to dose monthly rather than weekly.
Common mistakes
Skipping the BioDigest dosing. The substrate is engineered to work with the bacterial system, without it the substrate is just a mild aquasoil and the value proposition disappears.
Pro tips
Prodibio ampoules dose by tank volume, not substrate volume. Calculate based on net water volume after rocks and wood displace it.
Plants that thrive in this substrate
Hand-curated pairings based on the substrate category, not a relational query.
- Cryptocoryne WendtiiCryptocoryne wendtiiHeavy root feeder, thrives on the strong ammonia and nutrients leaching from new aquasoil.
- Amazon SwordEchinodorus grisebachiiBackground rosette with extensive root system, builds tall on the rich substrate.
- Rotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifoliaStem plant that colours strongest under low pH + high nutrient soil conditions.
- Monte CarloMicranthemum tweedieiCarpeting plant that pearls quickly when rooted directly into aquasoil with CO2.
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red'Reds deepen on active aquasoil thanks to the consistent micro-nutrient release.
Sources & further reading
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