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Originally Posted by erijnal  Aaron, could you give a general ballpark in terms of total overall cost? (Not per tank-wise, but with the materials you presented) |
Sure...
Topsoil: $2.00 / bag
Potash: $8.00 / bag
Clay: $15.00 / 13 lb. block (You can also use Laterite)
Dolomite $12.00 / bag
Top Layer $ ??? It depends on which one you choose.
The three additives are pretty much lifetime supplies so just figure on $2.00 / bag for topsoil from there on out.
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Are there any irregularities with the cycling process, or will planting the tank densely take care of most issues?
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No, it seems to be pretty similar to cycling a tank with new Aquasoil. If it's been mineralized thoroughly any initial ammonia release should go away in a few days. It's not uncommon to experience algae in a fresh setup, but that's true with any new setup. Once the bacteria become established in the filter and substrate in a few weeks everything will stabilize and algae will begin to fade.
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Have you noticed any effects on water parameters, or the general well-being of fish/shrimp/plants that are known to prefer softer water?
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No, I haven't noticed that it adds any significant hardness to the water parameters. I keep mostly softwater fish and have cherry, yellow and amano shimp in all of my tanks.
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Finally, using the materials you presented, what's your estimate in terms of volume (in liters)?
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Estimate for what? I'm not sure I follow you?