{"product_id":"kotobuki-energy-soil","title":"Kotobuki Energy Soil Normal Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esubstrate\u003c\/strong\u003e is the material covering the tank floor. An aquasoil is one that shapes water chemistry and does not sit inert. \u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e is the acidity scale, where below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. \u003cstrong\u003eKH\u003c\/strong\u003e, or carbonate hardness, is the water's buffer against pH swings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKotobuki 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNutrient-rich aquasoil made in Japan from natural black soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdded nitrogen, potassium, trace elements, and humic and fulvic acids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKotobuki states pH 6.0 to 6.5 with typical tap water and a lower KH. Test your own water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpect ammonia, cloudiness and some algae in the first month\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal Black grain, about 5 mm, in 3L or 8L bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eRead what Japanese keepers found in our Journal: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/kotobuki-energy-soil-review\"\u003eKotobuki Energy Soil: what Japanese shrimp and plant keepers found\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kotobuki","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":53708726763832,"sku":"KOTOBUKI-ENERGY-SOIL-NB-3L","price":28.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8L","offer_id":53708726796600,"sku":"KOTOBUKI-ENERGY-SOIL-NB-8L","price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0971\/3339\/6280\/files\/kotobuki-energy-soil-normal-black-3l.jpg?v=1793526846","url":"https:\/\/shrimpzone.com.au\/products\/kotobuki-energy-soil","provider":"Shrimp Zone ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}