GEX soil

[york]

Is anyone familiar with this product.
:: Aqua Culture Trading :: -- Aquarium At Your Finger Tips

[John N.]

It hasn't made it to the states yet, but maybe some of our Asian members can share their experiences with it. As far as I know it's a good alternative to ADA Amazonia that is soil/clay based and has water parameter altering properties (lowers pH). From the user reviews, Gex Soil Substrates are virtually the same as Aquasoil.

Here's a quote from a member who tried it on AquaticQuotient.

Originally Posted by Valice

Did a comparison of GeX substrate and ADA substrate and this is what I feel.

1) GeX has a very very high iron contain compared with ADA soil. I came up with the conclusion due to a magnetised pincette I have. I crushed the GeX soil and then the ADA soil. More of the soil particles from GeX were sticking to my pincette compared to ADA.

2) GeX texture is more "crispy" and hard to the touch compared to ADA soil. This could again be due to the content of the soil.

3) GeX does not release air bubbles when the tank is filled with water like ADA. This could might mean that the composition and treatment process of the two soils are different. GeX seems to be fired up in the heat more than ADA soil. And the individual soil granuales seems to be more compact compared to ADA.

All these reasons could have caused GeX to not crumble into soil like ADA.

But lets wait for a year of the soil in the tank and a few rescapes before we all come out with a conclusion of whether GeX is better or ADA is better.

-John N.

[york]

Thanks for the feedback John.

Here's what I received thru e-mail from the supplier.
Well! Anyhow! The price and a posible custom challenge that I would have to clear.

Hello,
>> Can you tell me where I can purchase GEX shrimp & plants soil.
>> I live in New York USA.
>> I would love to try this product for my shrimp collection.

Let me know if this is possible. I would like to have an alternate to
> the ADA Amano products. It would be nice to share something different
> with the other American clubs.

>>:: Aqua Culture Trading :: -- Aquarium At Your Finger Tips
>> ,
>
> I am not sure where you can buy it in USA. We can send some to you,
> but I am not sure if the custom have any problem with soil.
>
, if custom is not a concern, the shipping cost for 16kg to USA is:
Air Parcel 2weeks $330
Speed Surface 6-10 weeks $220
Courier (Package) 2-4 days $410
> Good day Roland,

[Orlando]

I can tell you first hand that there will be a problem with customs. They will rip open every bag..If you order a large amount (barrel) then its easier. They will just scoop out some and close the lid. Then just bag some up...This would cost thousands of course. But you would have a thousand pounds of this stuff. Try going straight to the manufacturer of the product, you will have better luck maybe.

[york]

Thanks Orlando. I don't need problems.
I tried finding the manufacturer. No success!

[Orlando]

I can ask a guy I know on the other side of the globe and see what he says and get back to you..

[BPASCreighton]

What is Gex intended to be used for?

[goalcreas]

Substrate

[BPASCreighton]

I need to rephrase the question. You know how SMS is used for baseball fields. What is Gex used for. I heard its intended use is for bonsai soil? Is that right? Maybe a bonsai grower in the states may have some?

[goalcreas]

Oh, sorry

I don't know

[BPASCreighton]

Okay...I've been talking to a few people about this one. I've heard this stuff is pretty good to, but I've never used it:
Bonsaimonk.com - eStore

[goalcreas]

Wow, somebody find out.
$25 for a 14L, not bad, I would give it a go if I knew for sure it will be a good substrate.

Or maybe an experiment

I do have a 20Long with Co2 and lights sitting empty right now.

What do you think

Worth a go
or

[BPASCreighton]

Go for it and let us know!

[goalcreas]

OK, won't be right away, but I will work on doing it in the near future

[MasterChief]

Hi to all,
the problem with the "Akadama" is that it is very unstable in the tank and will be melt away after a few month, also the double line brand will do. We have some aquarists in Germany tried it. It is like mud and had a cruel yellow color


Any news about the GEX soil ?


cu
René

[iam_koi]

hey, im using GEX right now on my emerse setup nano.. but i used it as a top layer, bottom layer is a mixture of clay, riversand, and sera flordepot. hehehe

GEX (green bag) has big granules, which i didn't expect, although not appealing to nanos, its ok for me because its black.

I'm planting emerse HC on it, its been over a week now, so far, its doing A ok.

[akmal]

GEX is a good alternative to ADA AS...clay based if im not mistaken...writing on the bag is Japanese, so i can't be much of help there..the red bag is quite popular with shrimp keepers i heard (duh..its labbled "shrimps and plants :lol: ).

[Orlando]

GLA will be getting some in 2 months when the boat gets here. We will have Gex and Nisso. Both are great alternatives of ADA...Cant wait...

[MasterChief]

Im setting up an small tank with GEX soil and UG, but im just starting, please give me some days and i would tell you my experiences




René

[Orlando]

That would be great!