in my life time ..i have set up hundreds of planted tanks, tested hundreds of different plant species... for my clients....but for my own personnel tank i would go back to the basic, planting the way i know best..using cheap diy equipment, cheap fine gravel, cheap ferts etc etc....in this way my skills are tested.....whats the point of having ADA soil...since we learn nothing....poke your plants in ADA soil...guarantee they will grow....u attain the GURU statues with your lovely plants....but take away ADA ...u cant even grow peanuts!!!....thats the gospel truth.
When i judge a Tank ...the first thing i would look at is the substrate....only then i look at the plants and its age. and if u have fine gravel substrate and your plants are rooting nicely and happens to spell exotic species...i would say...brader your tank is A1...top class. tell me your story.
but if the substrate is ADA or any other expensive soil...your tank will not receive a closer inspection from me no matter what exotic plants u have....simply because 75% of your battle is being won by purchasing with hard cash! very little skill by yourself.
I can't believe what i read! hahaha. That's a pretty outrageous statement!
ADA soil doesn't win 75% of the battle!
It's nice to use for aesthetic appeal and doesn't cloud water for first time setups but for rescaping it's a different story.
I love holland sand and ADA soil, both have their advantages and disadvantages but certainly not a 75% difference!
Regards
Stan