MGOS vs aqua soil

[Bratyboy2]

Okay I have seen the debates in substrates and whats what but I have yet to see anyone talk about mircale organic potting soil.

Not everyone says that the aqua soil buffers and feeds the shrimp because its dirt...but why not use the soil when its at your local store?

Takes the same time to cycle, you get the choice of top layer and you can plant it....so why shouldn't we use this for all the shrimps? Im wondering if this would be okay for the TB and such....

Opinions?

[madness]

The organics in the Miracle Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix not only cause ammonia release in the initial month(s) of the tank set-up but this release of ammonia and other gasses (from decomposition of the organic material contained in the potting mix) is somewhat unpredictable (fluctuating levels).

I have used this potting mix (capped with sand) in several tanks and have had good luck with keeping Red Cherry Shrimp in those tanks but I would be scared to death to try anything really sensitive or expensive with the potting mix.

While the potting mix releases some tannins and probably lowers the pH a bit initially I have never heard anything about this buffering of pH being very large or long lasted.

[Bratyboy2]

I actually can say when I got my very first batch of crystals in I placed them in a mature 20 with soil and turface...they did great...i can't say for long term because I set up a new tank for them....but they were always on the gravel picking away at stuff...

[madness]

Not saying that it isn't possible.

There is a guy on TPT who breeds crazy angel fish and plecos with dirt tanks like this.

Just saying that it isn't the easiest or safest method of setting up a bee shrimp tank.

[Bratyboy2]

I not too long ago came across your write-up and have been reading along. I wish to express my admiration of your writing ability and capability to create readers read from the starting for the finish. I'd like to read newer posts and to share my thoughts with you.

Who is this directed to? Lol

[nilocg]

People use AS because it buffers the water to ideal levels for soft water shrimp, MGOS to the best of my knowledge does not do this. In my opinion the fact that AS contains lots of nutrients and ammo is a negative when it comes to shrimp tanks. Its great for growing plants not so much for shrimp.