{"title":"Substrates and Activators","description":"\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: .5rem;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium substrates\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ebottom activators\u003c\/strong\u003e are the foundation of a healthy planted aquarium: strong roots, stable growth and more balanced water. Choose between \u003cem\u003eactive soils\u003c\/em\u003e (nutrients, dropping pH\/KH) and \u003cem\u003einert\u003c\/em\u003e (sands\/gravels) to enrich with \u003cem\u003etabs\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003elaterite\u003c\/em\u003e and bottom bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin: .5rem 0 1rem;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"display: inline-block; cursor: pointer; padding: .55rem 0; color: #006bb3; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: .75rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypes of substrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e• \u003cem\u003eActive soils\u003c\/em\u003e (high CEC): release nutrients, \u003cu\u003elower KH\/pH\u003c\/u\u003e (stable acidic environment), ideal for planted aquariums and sensitive shrimp. \u003cb\u003eDo not wash\u003c\/b\u003e before use. \u003cbr\u003e• \u003cem\u003eInert\u003c\/em\u003e (sand\/quartz\/gravel): neutral and decorative, perfect with undemanding plants or for community tanks; they should be \u003cb\u003eenriched\u003c\/b\u003e with tabs or a fertile layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom activators:\u003c\/strong\u003e powdered bacteria, \u003cem\u003elaterite\u003c\/em\u003e (iron), \u003cem\u003eroot tabs\u003c\/em\u003e (N–P–K + micro) to recharge root zones without clouding the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLayering \u0026amp; granulometry:\u003c\/strong\u003e for strong roots use granulometry of \u003cem\u003e1–3 mm\u003c\/em\u003e; indicative thickness of \u003cem\u003e4–7 cm\u003c\/em\u003e. Possible layering: porous base (lapilli\/pumice) → soil → front sand for aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003elightly\u003c\/em\u003e siphon the surface (never mix layers), replenish tabs \u003cem\u003eevery 4–8 weeks\u003c\/em\u003e depending on consumption. With active soils, check KH\/pH and replenish macro\/micro in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cem\u003eCaridina\u003c\/em\u003e, prefer active soil with \u003cem\u003eGH+\u003c\/em\u003e integration; for \u003cem\u003eNeocaridina\/community\u003c\/em\u003e, inert + tabs also work; with \u003cem\u003eCO₂\u003c\/em\u003e you get denser growth and fewer algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic;\"\u003eTip: if you start with inert, place \u003cstrong\u003eroot tabs\u003c\/strong\u003e under plants with strong root systems (Echinodorus, Cryptocoryne) and renew in zones: fertile substrate \u003cem\u003etailor-made\u003c\/em\u003e without disturbing the setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic;\"\u003e— Advice from the Hobby Pesca \u0026amp; Acquari Team \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ada-aqua-soil-amazonia-ver-2","title":"ADA AQUA SOIL AMAZONIA VER.2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver.2\u003c\/strong\u003e — premium nutrient substrate based on natural black soil, enriched with Amazonia supplement to maximize nutrient availability. Suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists, it simplifies maintenance during the initial phase and creates ideal conditions for aquatic plants and tropical fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color:#0057b8; font-weight:bold;\"\u003e▼ Main features\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSubstrate based on high-quality natural black soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes integrated Amazonia supplement to enrich the soil nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eOptimizes water quality for aquatic plants and tropical fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePromotes vigorous and lush plant growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSimplifies aquarium management during the start-up phase\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for beginners and experienced aquarists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable in 3 L and 9 L sizes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color:#0057b8; font-weight:bold;\"\u003e▼ How to use\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpread the Amazonia supplement evenly on the bottom of the aquarium (50 ml for every 9 liters of Amazonia Ver.2), then add a layer of Amazonia Ver.2 on top, creating a clean and straight substrate line. When using with Power Sand and Bacter 100, spread them first, then add the supplement and finally Amazonia Ver.2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpert advice: Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver.2 is the benchmark substrate for ADA-style natural aquariums. By slightly lowering the pH and hardness, it creates optimal conditions for most demanding aquarium plants and for fish such as tetras and discus. During the initial phase, a slight release of organic substances is normal: frequent water changes in the first few weeks accelerate the maturation of the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"[ADAview] AQUA SOIL AMAZONIA ver.2\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YHYTNz7jTrc\" height=\"208\" width=\"317\" allowfullscreen=\"\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ADA","offers":[{"title":"3Lt","offer_id":46049251590307,"sku":"104-061","price":22.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"9Lt","offer_id":46049251623075,"sku":"104-060","price":43.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/3472\/5027\/files\/ada_aqua_soil_amazonia_ver2_1_7a7f2d3f-5538-478a-badf-30d11fa8e31d.jpg?v=1757366188"},{"product_id":"ada-power-sand-basic-s","title":"ADA POWER SAND BASIC S","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePower Sand Basic replaces Power Sand. Made mainly of natural porous volcanic rock, it is a substrate mixed with organic nutrients to nourish soil microorganisms and with slow-release inorganic nutrients that are absorbed by the roots of aquatic plants. In addition, Bacter 100 and Clear Super are also present to quickly activate soil microorganisms. Power Sand Basic S should be used in aquariums up to 40 cm high. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"ADA","offers":[{"title":"1 Lt","offer_id":46049251655843,"sku":"104-014","price":15.49,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Lt","offer_id":46049251688611,"sku":"104-015","price":23.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/3472\/5027\/files\/ada_power_sand_basic_s_15b0324b-5fbf-45a2-b7a3-f8c887ffe407.jpg?v=1757366190"},{"product_id":"ada-power-sand-advance-m-6l","title":"ADA POWER SAND ADVANCE M - 6L","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePower Sand Advance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e replaces Power Sand Special. It contains more nutrients than POWER SAND BASIC and, in addition to Bacter 100 and Clear Super, it also contains BC powder (bamboo charcoal powder), which intensifies plant growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Power Sand Advance M should be used in aquariums between 45 and 60 cm high.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ADA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46049257291939,"sku":"104-017","price":72.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/3472\/5027\/files\/104-017.webp?v=1790955788"},{"product_id":"chihiros-aquasoil-substrato-fertile-per-acquari-piantumati","title":"Chihiros - AquaSoil \/ Nutrient-Rich Substrate for Planted Aquariums","description":"\u003cp\u003eA planted aquarium starts from the bottom. \u003cstrong\u003eChihiros AquaSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e is the substrate that transforms an inert base into a living environment: it nourishes roots, stabilizes pH, purifies the water, and supports beneficial bacteria. Everything you need to grow plants properly, from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color:#0057b8; font-weight:bold;\"\u003e▼ Why it works\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eNutrients and minerals released directly to the roots, where they are really needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eNaturally lowers pH and hardness: an ideal environment for aquatic plants and soft-water fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePorous structure with a high cation exchange capacity: nutrients are retained longer and roots absorb them easily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePromotes beneficial bacterial colonization for a stable nitrogen cycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eFilters impurities while keeping the water clear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eLong-lasting granules: they do not break down or cloud the tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color:#0057b8; font-weight:bold;\"\u003e▼ How to use\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo washing required. Pour 6-8 cm of AquaSoil onto the bottom of the aquarium, position the plants, and fill slowly with water to avoid disturbing the substrate. During the start-up phase, slight yellowing of the water and a temporary increase in TDS are normal: a few water changes in the first few weeks will speed up the stabilization of parameters. Introduce fish only after nitrification has stabilized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDo not use in conjunction with fish medications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpert tip: pair it with a liquid fertilizer for trace elements — AquaSoil nourishes the roots, but the water column must be supplemented separately, especially in tanks with demanding or high-density plants. Ideal for tetras, discus, and all species that prefer soft, slightly acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHIHIROS","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":50530101166243,"sku":"110-1002","price":12.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"9L","offer_id":50530101199011,"sku":"110-1001","price":34.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/3472\/5027\/files\/chihiros_aqua_soil.png?v=1790352457"}],"url":"https:\/\/hobbypescaeacquari.live\/en-be\/collections\/substrati-attivatori.oembed","provider":"HobbyPesca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}