14 best freshwater substrate

Product description

Fluval Stratum is the ideal aquarium substrate for stimulating the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plant roots easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate, allowing live aquarium plants to obtain a variety of keys, readily available nutrients that will make them flourish. The addition of Fluval Plant Micronutrients will ensure a full complement of essential macro and micro. The substrate's light, non-compacting, porous structure is also highly beneficial to nitrifying bacteria, which rapidly colonize the vast porous surface, providing optimal aquarium water quality for real plants. Fluval Stratum's inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. Fluval Stratum also provides new aquarium shrimp with the ideal refuge, allowing them to escape predation until they are large enough to emerge into the shrimp tank. This highly attractive substrate will not discolor water and helps control, organic discoloration usually presents when natural driftwood aquarium decor is used. For more fish tank accessories, check out the other Fluval products including Fluval aquariums, aquarium filters, filter media, aquarium heaters, aquarium air pumps, aquarium lights, fake plants, aquarium thermometer, fish food, aquarium gravel, planted aquarium tools, fish tank decorations and aquarium stands. Fluval has a wide variety of products that are perfect for your pet fish, shrimp, or beta fish to enjoy in any large fish tank, small fish tank, freshwater tank or in a saltwater tank. The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the perfect substrate for planted aquariums and is available in multiple sizes; available as a 4.4 lb bag, an 8.8 lb bag, and a 17.6 lb bag.

• Fluval Stratum is made of mineral rich volcanic soil
• Stimulates strong aquarium plant growth
• Promotes neutral to mildly acidic pH
• Suitable for live plants or shrimp
• 4.4 lb bag

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work in small pots in my tank. I have a gravel tank and a sand tank. Not sure if im ready to go all the way
Answer:	Yes it's the size of regular gravel just softer like compressed dirt balls. I put them in small glass bowls and put plants in it.
Question:	Will this break down into mush after a year or two like other planted tank substrates
Answer:	I have multiple tanks where I've used potting soil that have been up 2 years. I've never used ferts either. Skip this junk and go true soil.
Question:	Is this a good idea if you going to be siphoning in you aquarium
Answer:	No, I would not recommend it because the substrate do break down and deteriorate over time. The material is much lighter than gravel, so it's more prone to get siphoned. It's great for live plants, roots very well.
Question:	Do i need to cap this
Answer:	absolutely not......you would never cap "sand". it has no nutrient retention whatsoever. When you layer substrates, IF you layer substrates, you would use something like sand to do the capping. Like, you can do sand over dirt (regular non-fertilized garden soil)......that is excellent. First of all, never spend 35 dollars on a bag of sand.....u can get a 50 lb bag of "play sand" at home depot for 3 bucks.....same damn thing. Sand is Sand. Ive learned over the years that most substrates are common soil aggragates that are repackaged and marked up up 700%. A great great soil is MVP turface. 50 bucks for a 50 pound bag. But in my honest opinion, the best substrate for a planted tank is dirt, withn a 1-2 inch layer of either sand or gravel over it. Never met a plant that wont thrive in old fashioned dirt. Of course the big name companies dont want u to know that though.

Product features

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum

Collected from the mineral rich foothills of the famous Mont Aso Volcano in Japan. Fluval Stratum is the substrate for stimulating the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plant roots easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate, allowing plants to obtain a variety of key, readily available nutrients that will make them flourish.

The addition of Fluval Plant Micro Nutrients will ensure a full complement of essential macro and micro nutrients. The substrate's light, non-compacting, porous structure is also highly beneficial to nitrifying bacteria, which rapidly colonize the vast porous surface, providing optimal water quality for plants.

Product description

Seachem Flourite Black is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Its appearance is best suited to planted aquaria, but may be used in any freshwater aquarium environment.



For over three decades, Seachem has been a company rooted in sound science. Our experience in the hobby and an educated staff of chemists and biologists are part of the package when you purchase Seachem products. Seachem remains as one of the few surviving independent and privately owned pet care companies. Seachem is owned and operated by hobbyists. All of our employees are hobbyists who maintain aquariums at home and at the office. Seachem itself was started because one such passionate hobbyist - Dr. Leo G. Morin (Founder) - recognized that the available solutions to aquarists problem wanting. This resulted in Seachem’s very first product: Cupraplex (today known as Cupramine). Over thirty years later Seachem is still approaching old problems in a new way.



Seachem’s philosophy is that the knowledgeable hobbyist makes the best customer. This is reflected in solid and reliable customer education and support as well as products proven in science and performance. While Seachem has grown rapidly into a national and international firm, it retains the culture of a small company and is readily available to its customers.

• GRAVEL: Seachem Flourite Black is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Its appearance is best suited to planted aquaria, but may be used in any freshwater aquarium environment.
• AQUARIUM BED: Gravel modifiers such as laterite are not necessary when using Seachem Flourite Black as this product is most effective when used alone as an integral substrate bed, but it may be mixed with other gravels.
• SET-UP: When adding water to the aquarium, fill slowly to avoid disturbing Flourite Black substrate bed. Place a bowl in the aquarium and add water directly to the bowl, allowing water to overflow softly on to the gravel bed. Initial cloudiness is normal, but to remove this simply use mechanical filtration
• COMPATIBLE: Flourite Black substrates will work fine with an under gravel filter and will not soften or decompose to an unsuitable state within your tank.Flourite substrates will work fine with an UGF
• SAFETY: Seachem Flourite Black is not chemically coated or treated, thus does not alter the pH of the water. Flourite Black is beneficial for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.

User questions & answers

Question:	I want this as a substrate but I really want the white sand look. Does this come in white and if not, would I be ok with putting white sand on top
Answer:	I have 7 cory cats, 4 dojo loaches and 3 hillstream/chinese loaches and they don't mind it at all. It is like sand, I have the fine black one and I got it just for them...well and my plants too!
Question:	is this too much for a ten gallon tank? should I get a smaller bag or is this good
Answer:	I didn't wash it, because it contains beneficial bacteria. I had no issues. It did not make the water cloudy at all. I don't recommend washing it.
Question:	Can i use this with gravel? i want to put this as a bottom layer then put gravel on top or mix. can i vacuum it
Answer:	Yes you can add it into and established tank, that is what I did, I had a tank full of black sand and I removed all of my plants and driftwood int o a food safe container filled with siphoned tank water, then I removed my fish and placed them into food safe containers. Then I removed 75-80% of the sand from my tank, cleaned the debris that was left over and poured in the Eco complete in, mixing it in with the sand. I had reserved my tank water and poured it back into a container, although unlike other substrates this does not cloud the water. After I filled the tank about 25% I added the plants and driftwood back, then added some more water and my fish and topped the tank off with fresh water. It was a half day process but well worth it, something I would do again!
Question:	I have a loach and he loves to dig and stick his nose out. Is this a soft ground or rough
Answer:	It all depends on the length/dimensions of your tank. I used it on my 50 gallon that is 36" long and only needed about 2 1/2 bags to get 3 inches. If you have a tall tank the less substrate you will need.

Product features

Flourite Black

Flourite Black is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Its appearance is best suited to planted aquaria, but may be used in any freshwater aquarium environment. Flourite Black is most effective when used alone as an integral substrate bed, but it may be mixed with other gravels. Gravel modifiers such as laterite are not necessary. Flourite Black is not chemically coated or treated and will not alter the pH of the water. Flourite Black is good for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.

Set-up

Although it is pre-washed, because Flourite Black is a natural product, it may become dusty in transit and require rinsing before use to remove any residual dust.

When adding water to aquarium, fill slowly to avoid disturbing Flourite Black substrate bed. Place a bowl in the aquarium and add water directly to the bowl, allowing water to overflow softly on to the gravel bed. Initial cloudiness is normal. To remove cloudiness, use mechanical filtration (such as filter floss).

Product description

New formula for enhanced root development. Why does Eco-Complete planted aquarium substrate outperform other products? For the same reason that Hawaii, Bali and Costa Rica are famous for lush, exuberant plant growth. The secret lies in rich basaltic volcanic soil which contains iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur plus over 25 other elements to nourish your aquatic plants. Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate is mineralogically and biologically complete, giving you luxuriant aquatic plant growth without nuisance algae. Iron rich Eco-Complete eliminates the need for laterite. No artificial dyes, paints, or chemical coatings. Eco-Complete has highly porous spherical grains for optimum diffusion performance and contains live Heterotrophic bacteria to rapidly convert fish waste into natural food for your aquatic plants. It establishes a natural biological balance which makes cycling a new aquarium faster and safer. Directions: Add Eco-Complete to empty aquarium, then add water, plants, start all filters and pumps. If adding to an existing tank, mix in a few pounds a day over a period of a week or more.

• Complete substrate for freshwater planted aquariums
• Contains major and minor trace elements to nourish aquarium plants
• Substrate encourages healthy plant root growth

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this okay for Cory Cats? Sharp edges
Answer:	Depends on if it is in direct sunlight or shade. Direct sunlight lasts 4-8 hours and 1 to 2 days in the shaded areas. I am in FL and the summer sun wipes out the dye marks in 4 hours. North side of the house is about 1 to 2 days...
Question:	should you wash this before you add it to your tank
Answer:	If it gets on your house or fence it will stain, but not permanently. The dye is intolerant of sunlight so it fades within a few days of exposure to sun.
Question:	can i add to existing planted tank that is also inhabited by tropical fish without harming my fish
Answer:	it depends on how large your sprayer is. i bought this indicator and it did not work, on a scale of 1 to 10 I give it a big zero. The dye disappeared in 5 minutes not days.
Question:	how many bags should i purchase to fill a 55 gallon tank
Answer:	This is only a temporary dye-like liquid which indicates where you have sprayed herbicides or pesticides if you use it for such. I only use it herbicides.

Product features

About Us

CaribSea Inc. is in the hands of a second generation of aquarists, scientifically trained and with decades of experience. Since 1975 CaribSea has remained on the leading edge of closed system development by matching substrate mineralogy and hardscapes to the universe of microbiology. CaribSea is constantly changing and evolving but what remains the same is the commitment to producing one of the most advanced and very best quality products in our field.

Product description

Keep aquatic plants lush and vibrant with API LEAF ZONE Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer. API LEAF ZONE plant food for freshwater aquarium promotes strong, hardy, colorful leaves and prevent yellow, decaying leaves, using essential nutrients including chelated iron and potassium. This plant care solution promotes the lush, beautiful growth of aquatic plants. API LEAF ZONE is formulated for rapid absorption through plant leaves. This formula aids in photosynthesis and cell pressure maintenance. Use API LEAF ZONE plant food in freshwater aquariums containing freshwater fish and plants only. Dose your aquarium weekly with 5 ml of API LEAF ZONE per 10 US gallons of aquarium water. With API Aquarium products, it’s easy to keep a beautiful saltwater, freshwater or reef aquarium. For over 50 years, API has been creating innovative, research-driven solutions that make it easier to care for your fish and aquarium. API Aquarium Treatment Supplies are designed to work in conjunction with each other to provide best results to control algae, promote healthy bacterial growth and help control and cure fish diseases and conditions such as ich and fin rot. They work to provide a safe, hospitable environment for fish such as tropical community fish, cichlids, goldfish and more. With API, you can spend more time admiring your fish, and less time scrubbing your tank. Make sure to use all products as directed in order to ensure the best results.

• Aquarium plant food
• Promotes healthy aquarium plants
• For freshwater tanks
• Item Package weight : 1.25 pounds

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work with an under gravel filter system
Answer:	Yes , it works with undergravel filtration systems.
Question:	Does this product have copper in it
Answer:	According to this page: https://www.apifishcare.com/product.php?p=faqs&id=648 Is LEAF ZONE plant fertilizer safe to use with freshwater invertebrates such as shrimp? Yes, LEAF ZONE plant fertilizer is safe to use with all freshwater invertebrates, such as shrimp or snails. Since invertebrates are sensitive to copper, this suggests it does not contain copper.
Question:	Is this product safe for fish
Answer:	Yes. I get a great return on my aquatic plants and doesn't hurt the fish. Been using it now for a few years. Fyi..... my Angels are breeding and giving off healthy broods.
Question:	I am new at keeping live plants in fact I am waiting on my first order. I purchsaed this plant food but was also told I needed Flourish Excel, the ingredients are organic carbon. Are the these the same thing, ( plant food) ? and do I need to use both at the same time? Thank you
Answer:	I have found the following to be helpful. If you are comfortable with the API products you will also want to order API co2 booster. Every four months I also insert into the soil API plant food. I used these two products for the past year with my planted tanks. I currently have three planted tanks. All are flourishing and doing great.

Product features

API Leaf Zone

Leaf Zone contains both chelated iron, to promote growth and prevent yellow, decaying leaves, and potassium, which aids in photosynthesis and cell pressure maintenance for strong, hardy and colorful leaves.

API Makes it Simpler

Follow the API Easy Care Guide steps to simplify aquarium care.

Dose weekly. Use the API Dosing Cap on the Bottle. Add 5ml per 10 U.S. gallons of aquarium water.

For best results, use API Leaf Zone in combination with Root Tabs tablet fertilizer. Monthly addition Roots Tabs nourishes roots, stems and leaves.

Treatment Sizes

API Leaf Zone will treat the amounts in the chart to the left.

API CO2 Booster

Promotes a vibrant, healthy planted aquarium

Easy way to add carbon to a planted aquarium

Can be used alone or with CO₂ systems

For use in fresh water planted aquariums

API Root Tabs

A superior aquarium plant fertilizer in tablet form

Promotes lush growth of aquarium plants

Develops strong plant roots

Safe for use with tropical fish

For use in fresh water planted aquariums

API Stress Zyme

Keeps aquariums clean

Improves biological filter

Product description

Create a supernatural experience by re-creating the natural world in your home. Enjoy a piece of the Rio Negro as it winds its way through dark and brooding jungles. Own a sliver of the sunlit Sri Lankan gravel streams famous for sapphires and rubies. Dramatic black sand rivers and beaches grace the flanks of verdant tropical islands capped by smouldering volcanoes. These exotic locales provide the backdrop for some of the world’s most spectacular aquatic life. CaribSea' s Supernatural line is specially selected and crafted to match these exotic environments. When you demand authenticity don’t just decorate… ecoscape with Supernaturals by CaribSea.

• Create a supernatural experience by re-creating the natural world in your home
• grain size reduces built up detritus
• no paints or dyes used
• ph neutral ; safe for all aquarium systems
• made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	whats the difference btwn torpedo beach and Natural crystal river. which ones is larger grain
Answer:	Torpedo is .5 mm - 2.0mm , crystal is .5mm - 1.0mm
Question:	can you use it with live plants
Answer:	Yes. My tanks are planted fairly heavily with live plants and my substrate is this product only. Suppose it depends on which plants you have though. I have Amazon swords, anubias, some crypts, an unidentified tall and fast growing plant with slender leaves, java moss, java fern, and ludwigia repens. All do well.
Question:	Is this good for a Betta fish tank
Answer:	If you have it pretty thinly covering the bottom, yes. But if you want depth then I wouldn't recommend. It discolored easily if not oxidized. When I gravel vac and stir up sand to release any trapped gases, the sand beneath is a horrible grey color for a few days before going back to original color.
Question:	Is it really sand? It looks more like gravel
Answer:	It feels looks and feels like sand.

Product features

Caribsea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand

Description:

Create a supernatural experience by re-creating the natural world in your home. Enjoy a piece of the Rio Negro as it winds its way through dark and brooding jungles. Own a sliver of the sunlit Sri Lankan gravel streams famous for sapphires and rubies. Dramatic black sand rivers and beaches grace the flanks of verdant tropical islands capped by smouldering volcanoes.

Product description

Shallow creek regular natural for freshwater aquariums. Will not affect PH. Safe for use in freshwater aquariums.

• Will not affect PH
• Safe for use in freshwater aquariums
• Non-Toxic coating

User questions & answers

Question:	I have a 1yr old tank that I need to add more gravel to, I have happy healthy fish. By adding more gravel will this upset the echo balance, bacteria
Answer:	It depends on the thickness of your paving, I think 5 bags of 20LB or more .
Question:	What is the difference in size between "regular" or "pebble" gravel
Answer:	There are about 90 stones in a 3LB specification. I think you only need to buy a 3LB.
Question:	Is 5lbs enough to lay layer in 40g tank
Answer:	No, i would get 2-3 bags just to be safe.
Question:	What is the size of the gravel pieces in mm? Is the color of the gravel close to the color in the picture
Answer:	We bought blue and pink for my daughters tank and a few here and there floated but sunk immediately after we poked thrm it didn't take a weight or anything. We just poked thrm and they dropped. They looked good too. I should have a review up and you can see. Its a frozen tank haha

Product description

FlorinBase Laterin Substrat F can be used in all planted and freshwater shrimp biotope aquaria. Iron deficiency in plants causes slow growth rates, poor color for green and red plants and overall poor health. FlorinBase Laterin Substrat F is ideal for planted aquariums because it stores and makes minerals available for plants. This high porosity, kiln-fired clay substrate contains a multitude of minerals including iron to ensure plant health and new growth. A fine granular substrate designed to be used as a base layer above FlorinBase Laterin Substrat VF and FlorinBase Laterite powder.

• Fine, high porosity, kiln fired clay granular substrate
• Rich in a plethora of natural minerals, particularly iron, for luscious plant growth and health
• Designed to be used as a base layer just above FlorinBase Laterin Substrat VF and FlorinBase Laterite powder
• Will not elevate pH
• Age range description: All Life Stages

User questions & answers

Question:	Can substrat f be capped with a layer of gravel
Answer:	I used the florinbase Laterite under regular aquarium gravel to support the live plants iron needs.
Question:	How many bags are required for a 75 gallon tank. 48"x
Answer:	I used 1 bag in my 40gal tank
Question:	I am trying to build an anoxic filter for a koi pond, which requires laterite granules. is this the product i am looking for
Answer:	yes

Product description

1, the product does not need to wash before use;



2, under normal circumstances, the appropriate aquaculture aquaculture aquaculture soil thickness of about 3-5 cm is appropriate;



3, please flat on the bottom of the tank. Before the low after the high, will make the water features three-dimensional effect;



4, such as the breeding soil is more dry, please fill in the water before the use of watering or other water equipment will be wet, until 10 minutes after the water injection. Water control when the water flow, and the appropriate shelter with equipment, do not directly impact the black soil. The above method can minimize the muddy water phenomenon. After the water can be reusable tools carefully flat bed bed surface;



5, when the grass planted, the local need to keep wet or immersed in water to facilitate the operation;



6, water, the water may be slightly turbid, this is a normal phenomenon. Can be added by adding nitrifying bacteria, in the filter bucket using enough fine filter cotton, the use of activated carbon and other methods to speed up the clarification of water;



7, aquarium water quality and stability, nitrification system is established before the introduction of aquarium organisms;



8, please appropriate, appropriate use of root fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, under normal circumstances, the construction of 2 weeks can not use any fertilizer or nutrient solution, the proposed two weeks after the grass as the situation added;



9, this product is suitable for creating a weak acid water bed environment, not suitable for alkaline water fish and marine aquaculture environment

• The high-level substrate for planting aquariums provides basic nutrition for the plant root structure for long-term successful planting of freshwater aquariums
• Compared with sand and other sand, more suitable for the growth of most grass roots. Formulated for freshwater planted aquariums, tropical fish, and freshwater dwarf shrimp.
• Helps clarify and detoxify water. PH value: 7.5. You can adjust the water quality is more suitable for the growth of aquatic plants ideal range.
• There is no need to wash, please use the original state, if washed with water will lead to muddy mud.
• Note: This product is aquatic breeding purposes, absolutely not edible; Please store this product properly children can not reach the place, to avoid children eating.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this substrate hold the moisture well? I want to try just for the plants only
Answer:	Yes, it is made for plants and provides nutrients needed for plant growth.
Question:	Does this product come with seeds already inside
Answer:	There are no seeds inside, only water and grass mud.

Product description

White sand for freshwater and marine aquariums. Will not affect PH. Safe for use in freshwater aquariums.

• Will not affect PH
• Safe for use in freshwater aquariums
• Non-Toxic coating

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this be used with live plants
Answer:	Yes, it can. It is biologically active "live" sand and works very well with live plants!
Question:	Can you use it for goldfish tank? i have a 40 gallon tank and only want a thin layer sand at the bottom. how many bags do i need? thanks
Answer:	I use it with my goldfish and it works great. It is inert and does not change your water chemistry.
Question:	Can it be used for corydoras? They need a very fine sand
Answer:	I would say you could probably find finer sand not that this sand is bad but its like salt whereas you need a sand that is like sugar.
Question:	how is shipping weight 31lbs on a 5lb bag
Answer:	It containes live beneficial bacteria so it’s wet sand

Product description

Ultum Nature Systems has partnered with Marfied to bring you Ultum Nature Controsoil. UNS Controsoil is an andisol based substrate created from the volcanic ash of Mount Aso in Japan. Choosing the right substrate is a vital component for a successful planted aquarium. It allows plants to flourish while buffering the water to optimum levels for certain freshwater livestock. Proper aquarium substrate is paramount to successfully growing healthy aquatic plants. Controsoil absorbs impurities in your water column to provide a healthy environment for livestock. The texture and porosity provide the perfect medium for plant roots to latch onto. This soil is specifically designed for planted aquariums and shrimp keeping without excessive ammonia, which can lead to algae during initial use. Ultum Nature Controsoil does not require any rinsing and won't cloud your water when properly used. For the best results, place your Controsoil into your aquarium prior to adding water. Add water slowly without stirring up the soil For planted tanks, we recommend using UNS Controsoil with UNS Plant Food fertilizers. Directions: Place the substrate in to an empty aquarium. When filling the aquarium with water, place a dish or other item to disburse the water flow and minimize disruption to the substrate layer. How much soil do I need? Length x Width x Desired Substrate Height (in inches), Divided by 60 = Liters of soil needed. Made in Japan. Available in 2 colors: Black and Brown. Available in three granule sizes: Normal (5mm), Fine (3mm), and Extra Fine (1mm). Available in three bag sizes: 1L, 3L, and 10L.

• Formulated for freshwater planted aquariums, tropical fish, and freshwater dwarf shrimp.
• Helps clarify and detoxify water
• Dark "Black" color
• Naturally acidifies and softens aquarium water
• Fine granule size (~3mm)

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this break down into powder over time
Answer:	I have kept it in small plant glasses inside the aquarium... It will break down if touched but just having it in does not break. Certain fish may like to nibble on them thou. I have noticed some guppies do this.
Question:	Anyone tried to mix this with ada amazonia
Answer:	I haven't mix those two but I have used both of them. It's seem like Controsoil don't have as much nutrient as ADA, my plant growth much slower with Controsoil; but I encounter less algae with Controlsoil.
Question:	how many pounds do you get, pretty hard converting liters to pounds
Answer:	20
Question:	Does it need to be replaced periodically? Or will it be viable for the life of the tank
Answer:	Periodically to maintain that low ph 1-2y when use w do/di water. Much less w just tap water.

Product description

Landen Namaule Sand 2kg (4.4 lbs.), Super Natural for Aquarium Landscaping, Cosmetic Sand for Plant Tank, Natural River Sand for Freshwater or Blackwater Biotope Tank 311003

• 【Nature Landscaping】NAMAULE SAND is a natural product used as a general aquarium fish tank sand and a make-up sand for aquatic plant landscaping.
• 【Natural Color】With a gentle and natural color, available for different landscaping designs, applicable in a variety of ways; can express riverbed styles in natural landscapes
• 【Quality Assurance】With a gentle and natural color, available for different landscaping designs, applicable in a variety of ways; can express riverbed styles in natural landscapes
• 【Safe to Use】Purely natural product with moderate PH, friendly to the quality of water, without releasing any hazardous matter harmful to fish and aquatic plant
• 【Size】Weight per Bag: 2kg (approx. 4.4 lbs.); Grain Size: 0.3 - 0.5mm; Average Density: 75 pounds per cubic foot

User questions & answers

Question:	Anyone use this for an Axolotl
Answer:	Axolotls have a bad habit of ingesting gravel and mouth-sized objects if they are available. This can lead to gut impactions and the death of the axolotl. Landen Namaule sand is an ideal substrate for axolotls as its neutral in nature and aquarium-safe.
Question:	will plants grow in this or do I need a substrate
Answer:	Some substrate would help rooted plants. Other plants get nutrients from the water column, and need weekly dosing. Substrate under a half inch of sand will work, or can be mixed with the sand, so you might want to match the color. Recommend you read up on aquarium plants.

Product description

Light blue aquarium gravel for freshwater aquariums. Will not affect PH. Safe for use in freshwater aquariums.

• Will not affect PH
• Safe for use in freshwater aquariums
• Non-Toxic coating

User questions & answers

Question:	I'm concerned about leaching of the colorant into the water. What exactly is the colorant material
Answer:	No aquarium substrate materials leaches into aquariums unless not used in accordance with design use, i.e. fresh water vs sea water salinity .
Question:	The blue above looks a lot lighter than the blue when you click on the product. Can someone clarify which is the real color? I love the lighter one
Answer:	Ours looks mote of a turquoise blue.
Question:	How many bags would you need of this to equal 20 gallon tank
Answer:	25 lbs gives you a nice cover

Product description

Ultum Nature Systems has partnered with Marfied to bring you Ultum Nature Controsoil. UNS Controsoil is an andisol based substrate created from the volcanic ash of Mount Aso in Japan. Choosing the right substrate is a vital component for a successful planted aquarium. It allows plants to flourish while buffering the water to optimum levels for certain freshwater livestock. Proper aquarium substrate is paramount to successfully growing healthy aquatic plants. Controsoil absorbs impurities in your water column to provide a healthy environment for livestock. The texture and porosity provide the perfect medium for plant roots to latch onto. This soil is specifically designed for planted aquariums and shrimp keeping without excessive ammonia, which can lead to algae during initial use. Ultum Nature Controsoil does not require any rinsing and won't cloud your water when properly used. For the best results, place your Controsoil into your aquarium prior to adding water. Add water slowly without stirring up the soil For planted tanks, we recommend using UNS Controsoil with UNS Plant Food fertilizers. Directions: Place the substrate in to an empty aquarium. When filling the aquarium with water, place a dish or other item to disburse the water flow and minimize disruption to the substrate layer. How much soil do I need? Length x Width x Desired Substrate Height (in inches), Divided by 60 = Liters of soil needed. Made in Japan. Available in 2 colors: Black and Brown. Available in three granule sizes: Normal (5mm), Fine (3mm), and Extra Fine (1mm). Available in three bag sizes: 1L, 3L, and 10L.

• Formulated for freshwater planted aquariums, tropical fish, and freshwater dwarf shrimp.
• Helps clarify and detoxify water
• Dark "Black" color
• Naturally acidifies and softens aquarium water
• Normal granule size (~5mm)

User questions & answers

Question:	Will the balls breakdown? I want to use it with under gravel filter
Answer:	They will break down over time.
Question:	Do you have to use fertilizer with this
Answer:	No plants grow very well without fertilizer
Question:	Is this fish safe
Answer:	Yes it is fish safe. I had it in my filtered Betta tanks. I would not use it unless it is for a planted tank though. It looks very nice and my plants loved it. The tanks I didn't get around to planting developed algae, but that was my error in not using the product as it was intended. ☺️
Question:	How much of this would I need for a 40 gallon tank? I’ve never bought substrate according to liters
Answer:	For a 40 Gallons tank 1 bag should be ok. It all depends how much planting you plan you doing. The more plants you plan on growing the thicker the soil level you want so another bag may be the best route.

Product description

Product Description:

Item Type:Aquarium Substrate

Material:Gravel

Color:Black

Pattern:Solid

Weight:100g

Features:

1.Long fertility: with rich trace elements, this aquarium gravel has a longer life than common gravel and it is really economic.

2.Easy Method: it will never become powder and muddy water. You do not need to wash it and it can be put in the fish tank directly to be used.

3.Economic Friendly: the nutrient composition is in the gravel and can send out continuously which will not pollute the water.

4.High Stability: it can be adjustable and the size of the grain is moderate. The gravel is not decomposed easily.

5.Senior Color: mysterious solid black can make your fish tank more attractive.

Package Include:

1 x Aquarium Substrate

• 1.Long fertility: with rich trace elements, this aquarium gravel has a longer life than common gravel and it is really economic
• 2.Easy Method: it will never become powder and muddy water. You do not need to wash it and it can be put in the fish tank directly to be used
• 3.Economic Friendly: the nutrient composition is in the gravel and can send out continuously which will not pollute the water
• 4.High Stability: it can be adjustable and the size of the grain is moderate. The gravel is not decomposed easily
• 5.Senior Color: mysterious solid black can make your fish tank more attractive