Using Akadama as a Substrate for Shrimp Tanks

I. Introduction

One substrate that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Akadama bonsai soil. This unique substrate, originally used for bonsai trees, has proven to be an excellent choice for shrimp tanks as well.

Akadama soil is a type of volcanic clay that is widely used by bonsai enthusiasts to provide their trees with the ideal growing environment. However, it has recently been discovered that Akadama soil can also be a great choice for shrimp keepers. This substrate has several properties that make it ideal for use in shrimp tanks, including its ability to lower pH and its cation exchange capacity (CEC).

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using Akadama soil as a substrate for shrimp tanks. We will explore the different varieties of Akadama soil available and their suitability for shrimp keeping. We will also cover the process of cycling Akadama soil for use in shrimp tanks and provide tips on how to properly use it in your tank.

II. What is Akadama Bonsai Soil?

Akadama bonsai soil is a type of substrate made from volcanic clay that is commonly used in bonsai tree cultivation. It originates from Japan, where it has been used for hundreds of years to create ideal growing conditions for bonsai trees. Akadama soil is known for its unique properties, which make it an ideal substrate for shrimp tanks as well.

One of the primary benefits of using Akadama soil in shrimp tanks is its ability to lower the pH level of the water. This is due to its high acidity, which helps to create a slightly acidic environment that is optimal for the growth and health of shrimp. Additionally, Akadama soil has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which means it can absorb and release nutrients more efficiently than other substrates. This property helps to create a stable environment that is ideal for the growth of beneficial bacteria and plants.

Akadama soil is also known for its porous nature, which allows it to absorb and release water quickly. This property helps to prevent the buildup of harmful toxins in the water, such as ammonia and nitrites, which can be harmful to shrimp. In addition, Akadama soil is rich in minerals, such as iron and potassium, which are essential for the growth of plants.

Overall, the unique properties of Akadama bonsai soil make it an excellent choice for use in shrimp tanks. Its ability to lower pH, high CEC, and porous nature help to create a stable and healthy environment for shrimp and other aquatic life. In the next section, we will discuss the different varieties of Akadama soil available and their suitability for use in shrimp tanks.

III. Varieties of Akadama Soil Useful to Shrimp Keepers

There are different varieties of Akadama soil available in the market, and each one has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different purposes. In the case of shrimp tanks, some varieties are more suitable than others due to their lower CEC and other factors.

One popular variety of Akadama soil for shrimp tanks is the Double Red Line. This type of Akadama soil has a lower CEC than other varieties, which makes it an ideal choice for shrimp tanks. It also has a slightly reddish color, which can enhance the visual appeal of the tank.

Another popular variety is the Ibaraki Akadama soil, which is known for its ability to buffer water and prevent pH fluctuations. This can be particularly useful in shrimp tanks where stability is essential for the health of the shrimp.

Double White Line is another variety of Akadama soil that is commonly used in shrimp tanks. It has a similar CEC to the Double Red Line.

When choosing an Akadama soil variety for your shrimp tank, it’s essential to consider its properties and suitability for the type of shrimp you are keeping. Some shrimp species prefer a slightly acidic environment, while others require a more alkaline pH level.

By understanding the unique properties of each Akadama soil variety, you can choose the one that is best suited for your shrimp tank and its inhabitants.

IV. Cycling Akadama Bonsai Soil for Shrimp Tanks

Before using Akadama soil in your shrimp tank, it’s essential to cycle it properly. Cycling is the process of establishing a beneficial bacterial colony in the substrate, which helps to break down waste products and create a stable environment for shrimp and other aquatic life. There are two main methods for cycling Akadama soil for use in shrimp tanks: the fast cycling method and the longer cycling method.

The fast cycling method involves using a bacterial supplement such as Seachem Stability to quickly establish a beneficial bacterial colony in the substrate. To use this method, simply add the recommended dose of Seachem Stability to the water and wait for a week. During this time, monitor the water parameters regularly to ensure that they remain stable. Once the week is up, the substrate is ready to use in your shrimp tank.

The longer cycling method involves adding ammonia or ghost feeding foods to the water to simulate the waste products produced by shrimp and other aquatic life. This method takes a few months to complete, but it can be more effective in establishing a stable and healthy environment for shrimp.

To use this method, add a source of ammonia to the water, such as fish food or pure ammonia, and wait for the beneficial bacterial colony to establish. During this time, monitor the water parameters regularly and perform water changes as needed to maintain a stable environment.

While the fast cycling method is quicker, the longer cycling method can provide more long-term benefits for your shrimp tank. By establishing a robust beneficial bacterial colony, you can help to prevent spikes in ammonia and nitrite levels, which can be harmful to shrimp.

Additionally, a well-established bacterial colony can help to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful toxins in the substrate.

Overall, it’s essential to take the time to cycle Akadama soil properly before using it in your shrimp tank. Whether you choose the fast cycling method or the longer cycling method, the key is to establish a beneficial bacterial colony in the substrate to create a stable and healthy environment for your shrimp.

V. Using Akadama Bonsai Soil in Shrimp Tanks

Once you’ve cycled your Akadama soil and it’s ready to use in your shrimp tank, it’s important to properly acclimate your shrimp and set up the tank to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to use Akadama soil in your shrimp tank:

1. Acclimate your shrimp: The section discusses the importance of drip acclimating new shrimp in a tank to prevent shock. The recommended method is to slowly add tank water to the bag containing the shrimp over a period of 1-2 hours using a drip acclimation process, allowing the shrimp to gradually adjust to the new water parameters.
2. Add plants: Adding live plants to your shrimp tank can provide many benefits, such as oxygenation, natural filtration, and hiding places for the shrimp. When adding plants, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any pests (Alum dip)or contaminants that could harm your shrimp.
3. Buffer RO water: If you are using RO (reverse osmosis) water in your shrimp tank, it’s important to buffer it to prevent pH fluctuations. Akadama soil can lower the pH of the water, so it’s essential to buffer the water to ensure that the pH remains stable. You can do this by adding a buffering agent to the water, such as crushed coral or limestone.
4. Consider lighting: The lighting in your shrimp tank can have a significant impact on the health and behavior of your shrimp. Generally, shrimp prefer low to moderate lighting, so it’s best to avoid bright or intense lighting that can stress them out.
5. Monitor water parameters: Finally, it’s important to regularly monitor the water parameters in your shrimp tank to ensure that they remain stable. Test the water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels, and perform water changes as needed to maintain a healthy environment for your shrimp.

Overall, using Akadama bonsai soil as a substrate in your shrimp tank can provide many benefits, but it’s essential to properly acclimate your shrimp and set up the tank to ensure their health and well-being. By following these tips, you can create a stable and healthy environment for your shrimp to thrive in.

VI. Fun Facts

In addition to its use as a substrate for shrimp tanks, Akadama soil has many interesting and lesser-known uses. Here are some fun facts about Akadama soil:

1. Akadama soil is primarily used by bonsai enthusiasts to provide the ideal growing environment for bonsai trees. Its unique properties, such as its high drainage and water-holding capacity, make it an excellent choice for bonsai cultivation.
2. Akadama soil is also used by gardeners to improve soil quality and drainage in outdoor gardens. It can be mixed with other soils to create an ideal growing environment for plants.
3. In addition to its horticultural uses, Akadama soil has also been used in construction and road building. Its high compressive strength and durability make it an ideal material for use in building structures and roads.
4. Akadama soil is known for its ability to absorb and release water quickly, which makes it an ideal substrate for aquatic animals such as shrimp, fish, and turtles.
5. In Japan, Akadama soil is traditionally made by digging up the volcanic clay from hillsides and then sifting it to remove any impurities. This labor-intensive process helps to ensure the high quality of the soil.

Overall, Akadama soil is a versatile and useful material with many interesting and lesser-known uses beyond shrimp tanks. Whether you’re a bonsai enthusiast, a gardener, or a construction worker, Akadama soil is a valuable and unique material with many benefits.

VII. Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ve discussed the many benefits of using Akadama bonsai soil as a substrate in shrimp tanks. We’ve covered what Akadama soil is, its unique properties, and the different varieties that are useful for shrimp keepers. We’ve also discussed how to properly cycle Akadama soil for use in shrimp tanks, and provided tips on how to use it in your tank, including acclimating your shrimp and adding plants.

Akadama soil is an excellent choice for shrimp keepers due to its ability to lower pH, high CEC, and porous nature. When used properly, it can help to create a stable and healthy environment for shrimp and other aquatic life.

If you’re considering using Akadama soil in your shrimp tank, we encourage you to share your experiences with other shrimp keepers. By sharing your knowledge and insights, you can help others to create a thriving and healthy shrimp tank.

It’s important to note that while Akadama bonsai soil and other shrimp-keeping soils have many benefits, they do not last forever. Over time, soils can lose their nutrient value, become compacted, and develop anaerobic zones that can be harmful to shrimp and other aquatic life.

To ensure the health and well-being of your shrimp, it’s a good practice to consider changing the substrate every 12 months or so. This will help to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful toxins in the substrate. By regularly replacing the substrate, you can help to create a healthy and thriving environment for your shrimp.

VIII. Other Popular Shrimp Keeping Soils

While Akadama bonsai soil is an excellent choice for shrimp tanks, there are other popular soils that are commonly used as substrates as well. Here are some of the most popular shrimp keeping soils.

Recommended:

• ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia
• Akadama Bonsai Soil
• Master Soil
• Help Soil
• Platinum Soil
• SL-Aqua More Soil
• Environment Aquarium Soil

Not recommended:

• Fluval Stratum
• Shrimp King Soil
• Shirakura Red Bee

The 3 soils above all have the same issue in that they seem to run out of nutrients very fast meaning the tanks were never full of life and not enough to support young shrimp.

Shrimp King soil (which has been discontinued) in particulate could not hold a low ph which is a concern considering it starts at around 6.5ph.

Fluval Stratum was strange in that the ph was fine but lost all its nutrient value after just a few months.

Remember, the choice of soil for a shrimp tank depends on various factors such as the type of shrimp, plants, and desired water parameters. It is important to do your own research and choose a soil that fits your specific needs and preferences.

IX. FAQ Section

Q: Is Akadama soil safe for shrimp? A: Yes, Akadama soil is safe for shrimp. It is a natural product and does not contain any harmful chemicals or additives.

Q: How do you cycle Akadama soil for use in a shrimp tank? A: There are two main methods for cycling Akadama soil for use in a shrimp tank. The fast cycling method involves adding Seachem Stability or a similar bacterial product to the tank for a week, while the longer method can take a few months and involves adding plants and monitoring water parameters.

Q: What plants are compatible with Akadama soil? A: Akadama soil is compatible with a wide variety of plants, including mosses, anubias, and java fern. It is important to note that Akadama soil does not provide all the necessary nutrients for plants, so fertilization may be necessary.

Q: What are the benefits of using Akadama soil in a shrimp tank? A: Akadama soil has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which can help maintain stable water parameters and improve water quality. It can also lower pH levels, which is beneficial for certain species of shrimp.

Q: Can Akadama soil be used in a tank with other types of substrate? A: Yes, Akadama soil can be used in conjunction with other types of substrate, such as sand or gravel. However, it is important to ensure that the Akadama soil is placed underneath the other substrate to prevent it from being disturbed.

Q: Will Akadama soil affect the coloration of my shrimp? A: Akadama soil can have a slight impact on the coloration of some shrimp species, particularly those with a more transparent exoskeleton. It is important to monitor the water parameters and the shrimp’s behavior to ensure that they are thriving in the tank.

This video is not very good quality but the substrate is Akadama and there are thousands of shrimp.