Cycling Aquasoil Amazonia

Aquasoil Amazonia is one of the best substrates available to the Dwarf Shrimp hobbyist.  It helps maintain a slightly acidic pH and helps keep the water soft.  There is, however, one major drawback to Aquasoil Amazonia, it causes a large Ammonia spike when new.

When Aquasoil Amazonia is first put in an aquarium Ammonia in that aquarium will spike up to 2.0ppm (or mg/l).  Because of this it is important to cycle any Aquasoil Amazonia before adding to an established aquarium, or make sure it is cycled in a new aquarium before adding any invertebrates or fish.

Cycling in a new aquarium:

When setting up a new aquarium with Aquasoil Amazonia you should follow these steps:

• Add Substrate to the aquarium.
• Fill the aquarium with water.
• Activate filter.
• Perform a 95-100% water change in 24 hours.
• Perform another 95-100% water change 24 hours later.
• Perform a 50% water change 24 hours later.
• Add any live plants you plan on adding.
• If you have filter media from an established aquarium add the media to the filter.
• Watch Ammonia levels and Nitrite levels.
• The aquarium should be fully cycled in 1.5-2 weeks.  0ppm Ammonia and nitrite indicate a fully cycled aquarium and it is ready for inhabitants.

 

Cycling for an established aquarium.

If you plan to add Aquasoil Amazonia to an already established aquarium the substrate must be cycled before adding it to the aquarium.

• Place the substrate in a spare aquarium or large holding container
• Fill with water
• Add a small filter or power head.
• Perform a 95-100% water change in 24 hours.
• Perform another 95-100% water change 24 hours later.
• Perform a 50% water change 24 hours later.
• Watch Ammonia levels and Nitrite levels.
• The aquarium should be fully cycled in 1.5-2 weeks.  0ppm Ammonia and nitrite indicate a fully cycled aquarium and it is ready for to be added to the aquarium

Note:  Be sure to add the substrate to the aquarium gently to avoid stirring up a mess and causing another possible Ammonia spike.