Tropica · Active aquasoil
Tropica Aquarium Soil Powder
Denmark · Dark brown · grain 1 to 2 mm
External link to tropica.com — opens in a new tab.
TL;DR, Tropica Aquarium Soil Powder
Same composition as standard Tropica Aquarium Soil with smaller grain (1 to 2 mm). Top layer over standard Tropica or another active soil base, or as the only substrate in a nano tank where the visual finish matters.
Full specs
- Brand
- Tropica
- Country of origin
- Denmark
- Category
- Active aquasoil
- Colour
- Dark brown
- Grain size
- 1 to 2 mm
- pH target
- 6.0 to 7.0
- pH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- KH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- Ammonia release
- Light
- Nutrient content
- Medium
- Buffering longevity
- 12 to 18 months
- Recommended water
- Tap or RO
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5
- Shrimp-safe
- Yes
- Best for
- Carpet plants, top dressing, nano tanks
How it works
Same composition as standard Tropica Aquarium Soil with smaller grain (1 to 2 mm). The smaller grain holds carpet plants more securely and produces a denser-looking substrate surface.
Best use cases
Top layer over standard Tropica or another active soil base, or as the only substrate in a nano tank where the visual finish matters. The reduced ammonia release also makes powder type a good choice for shrimp-friendly setups.
Common mistakes
Same as ADA powder: compaction in deep layers. Use as a 1 to 2 cm cap rather than a 5 cm pure layer.
Pro tips
Often easier to find than ADA powder type in European and US retail. Works well as a starter substrate for keepers who want the powder grain without ADA's price.
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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