[Quetzalcoatl]

When using AquaSoil, you must be very careful not to stir up the soil. Do not pull the plant out of the soil. If you must, cut the root and leave it in the soil. Also, you need to be very careful when changing water. You must pour it in a way so that it will not stir up the substrate.

As for algae problem... AquaSoil and Power Sand are very rich in fertilizer. This will result in algae for a new tank if not treated properly. You should 1) plant A LOT of rapidly growing plant that will suck up all the extra fertilizer, 2) use a second filter with activated carbon to suck up ammonia and 3) do water change every day for a week or until ammonia level becomes normal. This should prevent massive growth of algae in the beginning.

First tank is always very difficult. Be patient. Sometime it is necessary to let the water settle.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Do note that too much water change can be bad. This is particularly true with new setup using Amazonia. Amazonia will make the pH very low. I would normally get 6 or below, sometime even close to 5. Most everyone change water using neutral (pH = 7) water. This causes sudden fluctuation in pH level in the tank, damaging the micro bacterias. This will prolong the bacteria colony from growing, consequently prolonging the cloudy water. This is why it is recommended to use activated carbon or zeolite.