Aquasoil Amazonia is one of the best substrates available to the Dwarf Shrimp hobbyist. It helps maintain a slightly acidic pH and helps keep the water soft. There is, however, one major drawback to Aquasoil Amazonia, it causes a large Ammonia spike when new.
When Aquasoil Amazonia is first put in an aquarium Ammonia in that aquarium will spike up to 2.0ppm (or mg/l). Because of this it is important to cycle any Aquasoil Amazonia before adding to an established aquarium, or make sure it is cycled in a new aquarium before adding any invertebrates or fish.
Cycling in a new aquarium:
When setting up a new aquarium with Aquasoil Amazonia you should follow these steps:
Cycling for an established aquarium.
If you plan to add Aquasoil Amazonia to an already established aquarium the substrate must be cycled before adding it to the aquarium.
Note: Be sure to add the substrate to the aquarium gently to avoid stirring up a mess and causing another possible Ammonia spike.