ADA Power Sand
A high-functioning base substrate layer — supporting nutrient delivery, root health, and long-term substrate stability
Product Overview
ADA Power Sand is a specialized base substrate engineered to sit below your main planting substrate (for example, Aqua Soil). Its design is to deliver both short-term and sustained nutritional benefits, optimize soil ecology, prevent compaction, and foster healthy root and bacterial systems within your tank.
The newer variant, Power Sand Advance, upgrades on the original formula by adding BC powder (bamboo charcoal) along with its nutrient and microbial components.
Key Features & Benefits
Dual nutrient supply (organic + inorganic)
Power Sand includes both slow-release organic nutrients (which are decomposed by substrate bacteria over time) and immediate inorganic nutrients that plants can absorb early on.
Enhanced microbial habitat
Its porous volcanic rock base offers crevices and irregular structure, promoting colonization by beneficial bacteria that break down waste and release plant-available nutrients.
Improves substrate permeability & prevents compaction
The irregular shape of the granules helps maintain interstitial space under pressure, which preserves water and gas circulation even in deeper substrate layers.
Support for healthier root systems
Because nutrients and bacteria dwell at the base layer, plants with deep root systems (e.g. Cryptocoryne, Echinodorus) find a richer environment to spread roots into.
Upgraded “Advance” version with charcoal component
Power Sand Advance includes bamboo charcoal (BC powder), in addition to Bacter 100 and Clear Super, to stimulate microbial activity and possibly aid long-term substrate stability and nutrient absorption.
Usage & Application Guidelines
Substrate layering
— Begin by laying Power Sand evenly across the aquarium bottom.
— Then cover it with your main substrate (e.g. Aqua Soil). The Power Sand should not be exposed.
Selecting correct grade
— Use the size (S, M, L) that corresponds to your tank depth to maintain structural integrity and permeability under load.
Combine with microbial additives / boosters
— Though Power Sand includes Bacter 100 and Clear Super, some aquascapers also sprinkle additional substrate additives (e.g. Tourmaline BC) to boost initial microbial colonization.
Plant carefully
— When planting, try not to overly disturb the base layer. Gentle planting techniques help preserve structure and maintain bacterial zones.
Long-term maintenance
— Over time, the inorganic nutrients will deplete (typically in months to a half-year), so supplemental nutrient inputs (e.g. bottom tabs or liquid fertilization) are still necessary.
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