ADA La Plata Sand
Also sold as La Plata Sand · La Plata · ADA cosmetic sand · ADA La Plata
ADA La Plata Sand is a sand with a 1–4 mm grain. It holds no nutrients of its own, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
At a glance
| Type | Sand |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | None (inert) |
| Grain | 1–4 mm |
| Brand | ADA (Aqua Design Amano) |
| Effect on pH | Neutral |
| Ammonia when new | None |
| Shrimp | Suits Neocaridina |
Before it goes in
- ADA La Plata Sand is a sand, 1–4 mm grain.
- It is inert: it holds no nutrients of its own. Root feeders such as Cryptocoryne wendtii and Dwarf Hairgrass Mini need root tabs under them.
- It is pH-neutral: whatever comes out of your tap is what the tank sits at.
- It releases no ammonia, so livestock can go in as soon as the tank is cycled.
- Carpeting plants struggle to root in it: the grain is too loose or too large to hold their runners.
- It suits Neocaridina, which want harder water than Caridina do.
What kind of substrate is it?
Sand with a 1–4 mm grain, holding no nutrients of its own.
Does it change pH?
No — it is inert and leaves your tap water where it is.
Does it leach ammonia?
No, so you are not waiting on it to stop before stocking.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — ADA La Plata Sand is a complete substrate on its own.
Will carpeting plants root in it?
Not easily. Runners struggle to get a hold in it.
What it goes with
- Plants that do not care that it is inert, because they feed from the water: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Frogbit.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| ADA La Plata Sand | ADA Colorado Sand | Black Diamond Blasting Sand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Sand | Sand | Sand |
| Nutrients | None | None | None |
| pH | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Grain | 1–4 mm | 1–4 mm | 0.3–0.8 mm |
| Leaches ammonia | No | No | No |