Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Tank Size | Front Depth | Back Depth | Gross Volume | Common Bag Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 cm × 27 cm | 3 cm | 7 cm | 6.08 L | 1 × 9 L bag |
| 60 cm × 30 cm | 4 cm | 8 cm | 10.80 L | 1 × 9 L + 1 × 3 L |
| 90 cm × 45 cm | 5 cm | 10 cm | 30.38 L | 3 × 9 L + 2 × 3 L |
| 120 cm × 45 cm | 5 cm | 12 cm | 45.90 L | 5 × 9 L + reserve |
Formula Used
Average depth: (front depth + back depth) ÷ 2
Effective area: tank length × tank width × shape factor
Gross volume in liters: effective area × average depth ÷ 1000
Adjusted volume: gross volume × hardscape factor × terrace factor × compaction factor × waste factor
Bag volume: selected large bags × large bag size + selected small bags × small bag size
The calculator converts inches to centimeters first. It then estimates liters from the tank footprint. The result is not a strict packing guarantee. Soil granule size, moisture level, layout style, and rock placement can change the final amount.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select centimeters or inches.
- Enter the aquarium length and width.
- Add the planned front and back substrate depth.
- Use the shape factor for curved or reduced footprints.
- Enter hardscape displacement if rocks or wood cover the base.
- Add reserve percentages for terraces, settling, and handling waste.
- Enter bag sizes and prices.
- Press calculate, CSV, or PDF.
Planning ADA Aquasoil for Planted Aquariums
Why substrate volume matters
Aquasoil planning affects the full aquascape. A shallow bed may look clean, but it may not hold rooted plants well. A deeper bed gives better planting room. It also helps create perspective. The back can rise higher than the front. This makes the tank look larger and more natural.
Depth and slope control
Many planted tanks use a front depth of three to five centimeters. The rear depth is often higher. This slope supports stem plants, rocks, and background detail. The calculator uses average depth. That gives a practical estimate for sloped layouts. It is better than using one flat depth.
Hardscape and reserve factors
Rocks and driftwood can reduce the open footprint. Large stones may replace several liters of soil. The hardscape displacement field handles this case. Terraces and mounds work differently. They add height and need more material. The terrace field gives extra allowance for these raised zones.
Settling and buying margin
Aquasoil can settle after flooding, planting, and maintenance. Small losses also happen during rinsing, moving, trimming, and rescape work. A reserve is useful. It prevents short purchases. It also gives spare soil for future repairs. This calculator includes compaction and waste fields for that reason.
Bag selection and budget
The mixed bag option compares large and small bags. It tries to cover the needed volume while limiting cost and excess. Prices vary by store, region, and bag size. Enter your local prices for a better budget. For final buying, round upward. A small surplus is safer than a visible thin area.
FAQs
1. What depth should I use for ADA Aquasoil?
Many aquascapers use about 3 to 5 cm at the front and 7 to 12 cm at the back. The best depth depends on plants, hardscape, slope, and the visual style you want.
2. Why does the calculator use average depth?
Most planted tanks are sloped. Average depth gives a practical volume estimate for a bed that rises from front to back. It is more useful than treating the substrate as flat.
3. What is the footprint shape factor?
The shape factor adjusts the base area. Use 100% for a normal rectangle. Use a lower value for curved corners, rounded fronts, internal filters, or areas that will not hold soil.
4. Should I include hardscape displacement?
Yes, when large rocks or wood sit directly on the tank base. They replace some substrate volume. A small displacement value can prevent overbuying for stone-heavy layouts.
5. Why add compaction reserve?
Substrate can settle after water is added. Planting and maintenance can also compact the bed. A reserve keeps the layout from becoming thinner than planned after setup.
6. Can I use this for other aquarium soils?
Yes. Enter the correct bag size, density, and price for your chosen soil. The volume formula works for most granular planted aquarium substrates.
7. Why does the bag result show extra liters?
Bags are sold in fixed sizes. The calculator rounds up so you do not buy too little. Extra soil can be saved for touch-ups, future rescapes, or deeper planting zones.
8. Is the cost estimate exact?
No. It depends on your entered prices, store discounts, taxes, shipping, and available bag sizes. Use it as a planning estimate before checking final supplier pricing.