Soils and layers

Aquasoil

Dark, rich baked granules from planted aquariums. Feeds plants and makes the soil acid.

What the simulation uses

Holds water: 40 % by volume; Water it keeps after draining; the rest runs down to the drainage.
Pore space: 60 % by volume; Room for air and water between grains; low means roots suffocate when wet.
Weight: 1000 g/L; How heavy a litre is.
pH: 5.5 to 6.5 pH; How acid it keeps the soil.
Mould risk: low; How much fresh food it gives white mould; high-risk soils fuzz over in the first weeks.
Breaks down in: 1 to 2 years; How long it lasts before rotting down to fine soil.
Nutrients: high; Plant food it brings.
Presses down to: 72 % of its loose depth; How far pressing can pack it, keeping its weight.

Made from baked volcanic soil, these granules hold their shape for a year or two before slowly crumbling. They also hold a fair amount of water.

Also called aqua soil, baked soil granules.

Estimated, where sources were thin: values estimated from hobby and horticultural references; not measured.