Kotobuki Energy Soil Normal Black

A nutrient-rich aquasoil from Kotobuki Kogei, made in Japan from natural black soil. It holds water slightly acidic and feeds plant roots from the substrate.

A substrate is the material covering the tank floor. An aquasoil is one that shapes water chemistry and does not sit inert. pH is the acidity scale, where below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. KH, or carbonate hardness, is the water's buffer against pH swings.

Kotobuki Energy Soil is Japanese natural black soil fired into grains, with added nitrogen, potassium, trace elements (iron, manganese and magnesium among them), and humic and fulvic acids. Kotobuki says it holds water at pH 6.0 to 6.5 with typical tap water, lowers KH, and keeps feeding roots for longer than older soils. It is sterilised and should not be rinsed. These are the maker's figures, so your own test kit is the reference.

It went on sale in Japan in early 2024, a few months after ADA stopped selling its original Aqua Soil Amazonia, and Japanese planted-tank reviewers compare its plant growth to early Amazonia. Because it is rich, expect ammonia, cloudy water and some algae in the first month, and plan water changes around that. Kotobuki asks that it not be used for marine, brackish or hard-water fish, or alongside products that raise pH or KH.

This is the Normal Black grain, about 5 mm, in 3L and 8L bags. As a guide, Kotobuki suggests 6 to 8 L for a 45 × 30 × 30 cm tank and 8 to 11 L for a 60 × 30 × 36 cm tank.

• Nutrient-rich aquasoil made in Japan from natural black soil
• Added nitrogen, potassium, trace elements, and humic and fulvic acids
• Kotobuki states pH 6.0 to 6.5 with typical tap water and a lower KH. Test your own water
• Expect ammonia, cloudiness and some algae in the first month
• Normal Black grain, about 5 mm, in 3L or 8L bags

Read what Japanese keepers found in our Journal: Kotobuki Energy Soil: what Japanese shrimp and plant keepers found.

Use as the maker directs. Dosing and placement are in the description above.

By courier at a weight-based rate: $16 up to 5 kg, $24 for 5 to 10 kg, $36 for 10 to 22 kg. Not included in free delivery.

We deliver to your door, a PO box or a parcel locker. Collect it the day it arrives, because any claim needs to reach us within 8 hours of the delivery scan. Parcels left by safe-drop are not covered.

Packed insulated, with a heat or cold pack when the weather needs it. We dispatch on Mondays and Tuesdays. Express delivery usually takes 1 to 3 business days, though Australia Post does not guarantee it. Dry goods ordered with livestock travel in the same box, for the one Express post price.

If any animals arrive dead, send your order number, clear photos and a short video within 8 hours of the delivery scan, ideally of the sealed bag. You choose a refund, free replacements with your next order, or store credit.

• Under 96 hours (4 days) in transit: full cover
• More than 96 hours: outside the guarantee, but contact us and we will work something out

Full DOA & missing items policy

A pre-order is a one-off purchase, not a subscription. You can pay a deposit or pay in full. If you pay a deposit, we email you before charging the balance to the same card ahead of your shipping date.

Estimated dispatch is within 14 days of ordering. The batch has to be ready and the weather safe to travel, and we tell you if either delays it.

Cancel any time before dispatch for a full refund of your deposit. To cancel, email support@shrimpzone.com.au with your order number.