Akadama
Also sold as Double Red Line akadama · hard akadama · Acadama · Akadama (Japanese bonsai clay) · Japanese bonsai clay
Synonyms Ibaraki akadama · Akadama clay · Akadama soil
Akadama from generic is a specialty substrate with a 1–9 mm grain. It holds no nutrients of its own and pushes pH down, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
Calculate substrate quantity before buying materials.
At a glance
| Type | Specialty substrate |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | None (inert) |
| Grain | 1–9 mm |
| Brand | generic (various Japanese producers) |
| Effect on pH | Lowers pH and KH |
| Shrimp | Suits Caridina |
Shown at real grain size, about 16 cm across
Before it goes in
- Akadama is a specialty substrate, 1–9 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 pulls pH and KH down, which suits soft-water shrimp and most plants. It also works against hardscape that raises hardness — Seiryu Stone and Elephant Skin Stone — so the two partly cancel out.
- It is rough on fish that sift the substrate. Something finer suits German Blue Ram and Julii Cory better.
- It suits Caridina — the soft, acidic water they need is what it buffers towards.
Akadama: care and setup
What kind of substrate is it?
Specialty substrate with a 1–9 mm grain, holding no nutrients of its own.
Does it change pH?
Yes, it pulls pH and KH down and holds them there until it is exhausted.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — Akadama is a complete substrate on its own.
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.