Is there "power" in Power Sand?

Intesting take on the product Art. I do believe there is something working in powersand that is not found in other substrate additives on the market, to me that is clear.

however, tropica has just released a new substrate line, very similar to the ada line, with a top layer, and a more nutrient rich bottom later that is not supposed to be messed with.

Hi Aquanut,

Thanks for your comment.

I love Tropica and respect their products tremendously. Claus Christensen of Tropica had told me back in 1997 that they were looking to put out a substrate but that they hadn't found one they liked. I guess now they have.

I've looked at it and it seems to be similar to the Dupla product but with added sphagnum moss (for CEC I suppose). While I think that this is beneficial for our aquariums and it is certainly better than much of what is out there, I think PS has a few aspects that this doesn't.

For example, PS's use of pumice stone, carbon and peat would cause me to favor it over the Tropica product. I am assuming that Tropica is using sphagnum "peat" moss rather than just sphagnum. Otherwise, I would much prefer the ADA product.

Do you feel that powersand is necessary? I have AS in a few of my tanks and am satisfied with it (other then the batch I recieved that turned to mud).

i don't think its mandatory, however i am using it as a substrate in a wabi-kusa isnpired layout, where the plants are in bonsai pots and it works great without any aquasoil at all..

It's not necessary but read my other post on plants having cold feet.