Check for Best Price. How often do I need to replace the substrate? If you have a fish-only aquarium, you can get away with having a substrate layer that is only 1-inch deep. Before you can choose a brand of planted aquarium substrate, you’ll first need to learn about the various types of aquarium substrates and which aren’t as suitable for planted aquariums. There’s really no secret way to layer your aquarium substrates, it’s really quite straightforward. This is another great substrate for a planted aquarium or if your aquarium has any... 3. If you want reliable gravel that doesn’t go bad for a long time and also looks great, then this is the product you’re looking for. Aquasoil is a substance designed to best imitate the natural substrate of which many river systems and lakes. Therefore, instead of replacing the substrate every time it runs out of nutrients, you can add root tabs and liquid fertilizers to replenish it. It’s great for planted aquariums as well as breeding tanks overall. Overall Best Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium - Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular Review The substrate utilizes bi-modal substrate technology, which means the substrate contains two layers. Naturally stabilizes pH levels within the tank; 100% natural substrate made from rare Japanese plant-based black soil; Rich in nutrients, it encourages healthy plant growth and it has a positive influence on the physiological functions of shrimp and fish; Stabilizes pH levels and water hardness to levels suitable for most aquatic plants. This assists your aquarium plants in absorbing and breaking down the nutrients much more efficiently. For planted aquariums, you’re going to want to opt for aquarium sand, specifically, soil-like substrate. These are general guidelines and the exact numbers will depend on the exact parameters of your tank. Fluorite is one of those substrates that play well with other substrates, so you can mix it with gravel, sand or dirt. Even so, it has a great nutrient absorbing capacity. Take a clean bucket of water and fill it with your substrate. If you’re running a breeding tank or just have fry or shrimp in your aquarium then this substrate is ideal for you. Before you can choose a brand of planted aquarium substrate, you’ll first need to learn about the various types of aquarium substrates and which aren’t as suitable for planted aquariums. Today, we’ll delve deep into the strengths and weaknesses of different freshwater substrates and discuss what a freshwater aquarium normally needs from its substrate. Are there certain types of substrates which I should avoid having in my freshwater aquarium? Most of them have a bottom of layer aquarium sand that’s topped up by a very thin layer of aquarium gravel. What are the most trusted brands out there when it comes to substrates for freshwater aquariums? If the water flow in your tank is going to be gentle, this is one of the wise choices you can put your money in. While you can use crushed coral substrate in freshwater aquariums to help increase your water’s pH, it can be toxic to aquatic plants. All you need to apply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of country offering Afterpay Made from rich and textured volcanic soil, this product is perfect for tanks with fish fry and shrimp. In the end, we’ve given the crown to the Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular. Aqua Pet Pro is a community of passionate aquarists who research, test & review best products for your fish and aquatic pets. A beautiful planted aquarium can be achieved with any of the options I presented in this guide. Required fields are marked *. It’s the most common type of aquarium substrate and it’s polished well so that your fish don’t hurt themselves when they play with it. Often recommended as an alternative to AquaSoil, the CaribSea Eco Complete is a complete substrate for any planted aquarium that contains trace elements for plant nourishment. Learn MoreAcceptX. If you get a substrate that mimics what fish see on the ocean floor, i.e., pebbles, sand or rocks that are slightly brownish in color, you might end up with fish that are much more at ease with their surroundings. Your fish will love this substrate as it looks natural and it’s also pleasing to the human eye. Yes. Plus, you’ll need to replace or add additional nutrients to the substrate every 12 to 18 months as nutrients become depleted. Aquarium-safe water refers to either water that comes straight from a cycled aquarium or water that has been treated with a dechlorinating agent and a water conditioning agent. As we’ve discussed above, in the case of planted aquariums, you’ll need substrate that’s able to secure your plants firmly into place. This substrate is suitable for freshwater aquariums only. This concludes my guide to freshwater aquarium substrates. That said, having a natural “tank cleaning crew” such as algae-eating shrimp and snails or bottom dweller fish that like to scavenge in the bottom of the tank for uneaten food is a good way to keep things clean. With that, we’re at the end of our post for the best substrates for freshwater aquariums. You do this by rinsing it with aquarium-safe water. Yes. Now that you know the features, pros and cons of each brand, you can make an informed choice based on you needs. Post category: Freshwater Fish / Substrates; Post comments: 0 Comments; Almost all aquariums need some type of substrate to cover the bottom part of the tank. In fact, that’s what most advanced aquarists do. Eco-Complete has become one of the most popular substrates for live planted aquariums. The substrate is made for freshwater aquariums, controlling organic discoloration without endangering the newborn shrimp. The fact that it comes in a 2-pound bag is also quite unique. Some fishes love to eat the fine substrate particles along with their food, whereas some varieties of fish fall sick when particles such as sand or gravel get inside their stomachs. For example, you should not buy a large substrate if there are fish that like to dig the bottom, and the fine-grained substrate is not suitable for aquatic plants whose roots will rot with little water and air circulation. Check for Best Price It would take forever to open, rinse and wash them. It’s the most common type of aquarium substrate and it’s polished well so that your fish don’t hurt themselves when they play with it. Gravel is the most common type of aquarium substrate and is an ideal product for most freshwater aquariums. If you’re going to choose it for your planted aquarium, make sure you rinse it well, add root tabs to it and avoid adding bottom dwellers with sensitive bellies. This product also looks quite natural and comes in the form of polished gravel. Not to mention, aquarium gravel isn’t that fun to sift through anyway. Do I need to have a special type of substrate if I have plants in my freshwater aquarium? Gravel is typically made from rocks such as quartz or sandstone that have been crushed, smoothed and rounded into shape. Best Organic Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium - Mr. Aqua N-MAR-066 1 L Fine Pet Habitat Water Plant Soil Review, Features of Mr. Aqua N-MAR-066 1 L Fine Pet Habitat Water Plant Soil. What can I do to fix this? Overall Best Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium - Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular Review, Features of Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular – Best Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium, 2. An ideal aquarium should be established in a way so that you are placing a small piece of an underwater world beside you. Let us know in the comments what substrate you’re using inside your freshwater aquarium. Sand also has little to no gaps between each grain, meaning nowhere for uneaten food and poop to get stuck – making sand one of the easiest substrates to keep clean. Before the hobby of planted tanks and aquascaping became more well-known, people took a cue from mother nature and used soil to grow plants. But don’t worry, this ultimate guide to the best freshwater planted aquarium substrate will help you make the right decision for your planted tank. Your email address will not be published. Substrates make the aquarium look attractive and natural. Cleaning the substrate is part of a regular tank maintenance. Depending on what type of planted aquarium you’re going after, you can find a great option for any planted tank. This organic substrate is rich in all kinds of nutrients that are needed by freshwater plants in order to grow effectively. That’s where this product steps in. Aquarium sand can work very well if your freshwater aquarium has a lot of bottom-dwellers such as Cory Catfish, Kuhli Loaches, etc. If you’re going to choose this substrate for your planted freshwater aquarium, here’s what you should know: Because it contains a lot of nutrients, it has a long service life and looks good in a tank, and has little to no downsides, I recommend it as a good choice for planted aquariums. Another popular choice for aquarium substrates, sand isn’t the best choice when it comes to planted aquariums. If you want to create a great environment for your aquatic animals and plants this is the best aquarium to use. To give you a comprehensive understanding of the various substrates, I’ll discuss the most common types of aquarium substrates, highlighting the pros and cons of the best brands on the market. If you’re looking for a substrate with good CEC and a natural look, I recommend the Eco Complete. Do fish like hiding in substrate in freshwater aquariums? 13 Amazing Tips for People Who Love to Have Fish Pets (Guide, FAQs & More), 10 Essential Things you Need to Have to Keep Fish Pets! This product is a wonderful option for you if you’re running a freshwater fish-only aquarium. Rocks that you’ve found outside could have all sorts of bacteria, parasites, pests or viruses on them and if you introduce them to your aquarium without treating them properly first, the consequences could be disastrous. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Aquarium substrates are used for many reasons. Substrates hold a number of benefits for freshwater aquariums. Here we go…. It is impressive how clear the water is when setting up with this substrate. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. For plants to thrive in an aquatic environment, the substrate must meet certain characteristics that an untrained aquarist may not be aware of. You should definitely avoid coral sand as that type of substrate is mainly intended for coral reef aquariums. Ready to learn about planted aquarium substrates? Best Inexpensive Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium - Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel Review, Features of Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel, 5. It would be best if you made a living home for your aquatic friends that resemble their natural habitat conditions.. Aquarium substrate plays a vital role in bringing natural flavors in aquariums for making it an ideal living place for aquatic plants and animals. Inexpensive substrate for a substrate with good CEC and a natural look, I recommend the Complete... With your substrate with this substrate is part of a Regular tank maintenance have... A special type of substrate if I have plants in absorbing and breaking down nutrients... 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