FZONE Aquarium Soil for Planted Tanks, 8L/18lb

FZONE Aquarium Soil is a nutrient-rich substrate for planted tanks, sold in an 8L/18 lb bag. It blends organic matter, activated carbon, silica, soil and minerals, and forms 3mm porous granules.

What it does to water

Like most active aqua soils, it gently lowers pH by absorbing alkaline ions and creates low hardness, slightly acidic water. That suits soft water plants such as Tonina and Eriocaulaceae species, and soft water fish and Caridina shrimp.

Hard water plants

FZONE notes that plants that prefer harder water, such as Ammania gracilis, Rotala macrandra, Hygrophila and Vallisneria, need a GH booster to grow well on this soil. Plan your plant list accordingly.

No rinsing

The granules are sintered at high temperature, so they keep their shape underwater without breaking into dust. FZONE says not to rinse; rinsing soils damages them and wastes nutrients.

First week

FZONE recommends changing water daily for the first week, then adding fish or shrimp once the water has stabilized. New soils release ammonia and nutrients at first; frequent changes keep that in check. Test ammonia before adding livestock.

Setup tips

• Pour dry, slope it, and plant densely from day one.
• Fill very slowly over a plate to avoid disturbing the bed.
• Use tweezers for small plants and carpets.
• Run strong light only once plants are rooted.

Light and CO2

Nutrient soils shine under strong light with CO2. A diffuser like the FZONE acrylic CO2 diffuser pairs naturally with it.

Soils slowly lose buffering and nutrients over time. Add root tabs as plants mature, and expect to replace the soil after a long run.

ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia is a well-known soil in the same category if you want to compare options.

Keep the bag sealed until you are ready to set up, since moisture can start breaking down the granules before they are in the tank.