Penac W - Substrates

niko · 07-29-2004, 08:16 PM

It took a while to find this pdf document on the www.organicsa.co.za web site.

For those who may not know Amano uses Penac W.

--Nikolay

pineapple · 07-30-2004, 06:43 AM

Hi, Nikolay,

In the recent thread on the Amano tank stats I queried Penac but no takers. Seems that it is not in use in the USA. It's easy to talk plants because one prunes, plants, replants them day-by-day. But when it comes to substrate issues such as Penac in the substrate the once-a-year-maybe dealing with substrate issue is not at the top of the mind. Once it is in there, it's in there and there is not a lot one can do about it without a complete tear-down.

Anyway, Penac, that link was the best that I have found (a South African link I think). I was wondering where to get some Penac in the USA. I would like to give it a shot.

Andrew Cribb

ShaneSmith · 07-30-2004, 09:23 AM

I want to try it to, what is this stuff? The website didn't help at all and i cant read the pdf file until after work.

Robert Hudson · 07-31-2004, 03:15 AM

THe PDF file didn't work for me, but hunting thru every page of their WEB site, I don't see a clear application for aquatic plants, a clear definition of what it is or what it does. On this page:

http://www.organicsa.co.za/Knowledge...Plants6-99.htm

it says it is available in two base forms, 1 is calcium carbonate, 98%, and the other is Molasses! I do not think I would want large amounts of either in my substrate. It's primary use seems to be to make the plants more disease resistant and resistant to bugs without pesticides. It also mentions larger root growth, but no where does it talk about using with aquatic plants.

Their Penac water product does mention aquariums, but it is to treat the water and somehow cut back algae, not to benefit plant growth. The same product is used as a sewage treatment. Their "plant" Penac is what contains calcium carbonate and is a soil treatment. As far as I could tell, Penac W (water) is a liquid for treating water quality. Where do you see an application for us?

MiamiAG · 07-31-2004, 04:17 AM

Folks,

I missed the comment on the Amano stats thread.

The Penac line is used by Amano and many people in Japan. As you may have learned, it is made in Germany and also popular their.

It is not a substrate amendment in the sense that we think. It is meant to correct the biorythm of the aquarium through the use of certain powders and wood sticks. This is thought to increase the health of plants and the overall aquarium.

We never imported the line because we thought nobody in the US would buy into it. Snake oil comments would run rampant as we are not accustomed to such things here.

Anyway, it is certainly NOT available here. However, the Aqua-Equalizer may be something similar that some reef hobbyists are using.

plantbrain · 07-31-2004, 11:37 PM

Grey Coast Calcite= Onyx sand
Same stuff

Raises KH, has iron etc.

I use it in Marine, AF rift and FW.

Regards,
Tom Barr

tanVincent · 08-01-2004, 06:22 AM

Hi,

If anyone wants to lay their hands on some PenacW or PenacP, I'll be glad to help.

Cheers
Vincent

pineapple · 08-02-2004, 12:54 PM

Vincent,

What's your experience with Penac. Anything you can relate? Is it mainly of aid in starting up a tank or has it some sort of long-term advantageous effect? Is it expensive in Singapore?

Andrew Cribb

Robert Hudson · 08-04-2004, 12:47 AM

Quote:

the Aqua-Equalizer may be something similar that some reef hobbyists are using.

Well that thing is totally different, it is a supposed science that uses the energy of magnets that is supposed to have some affect on water quality, and has been severly raked over the coals as a bunch of hooey! If this stuff is as ambigouis as the Aqua equalizer, it would be laughed out of the market in no time. Biorythms in an aquarium heh? Biorythm in human health hasn't been taken very seriously either. Since this is the substrate forum I thought this was being discussed as something to add to the substrate. That was what I was looking for on their WEB site.

MiamiAG · 08-04-2004, 03:31 AM

It is used on the substrate. It is a powder and the sticks are buried in the substrate.

I likened it to the Aqua Equalizer because, IMHO, the science behind it is questionable as far as aquarium use. However, I have not thoroughly researched either item so can't really comment beyond this.

If anyone has tried either product, let us know.