14 best substrate for freshwater aquarium

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Below you can find our editor's choice of the best substrate for freshwater aquarium on the market
  

Seachem Fluorite

Seachem

Based on 466 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Flourite® Red 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® Red 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® Red is not chemically coated or treated and will not alter the pH of the water. Flourite® Red is good for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.

  • Performance driven at affordable prices
  • Made in the USA with quality materials
  • Field tested to ensure nothing but the best for your pet

User questions & answers

Question: How many pounds is the bag? One says 7 in description and other says 1 pound
Answer: The bag contains 7Kg, or about 15 pounds of material.
Question: Is this enough to cover a 110 gallon tank
Answer: I used 1.5 bags in a 21 gallon, the bottom is 11.8 x 24 in.
Question: Is this gravel or sand? The picture shows sand but the title says gravel
Answer: Seachem makes both. Verify the product with the vendor you are about to buy from. The gravel is a mixed grade of fracted clay rock, and grows plants like crazy. And it DOES REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT RINSING! I have not used the sand.
Question: Dose it have iron in it for the red plants
Answer: Yes, it has iron in it. Makes great substraight for planted tanks by its self or mixed. I've used it both ways and had awesome results.

Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel - Stable Porous Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate 15.4 lbs

Seachem

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

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).

Stoney River White Aquatic Sand Freshwater and Marine Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag

Stoney River

Based on 511 reviews Check latest price

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

Landen Namaule Sand, Super Natural for Aquarium Landscaping, Cosmetic Sand for Plant Tank, Natural River Sand for Freshwater or Blackwater Biotope Tank

Landen

Based on 58 reviews Check latest price

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.

Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular for Freshwater Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag

Spectrastone

Based on 965 reviews Check latest price

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

Hewnda 2 pounds to Complete Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate

Hewnda

Based on 119 reviews Check latest price

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.

Freshwater Aquarium Dwarf Hairgrass Seeds Foreground or Carpeting in Planted Fish Tank Betta Will Love it.

Based on 59 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hairgrass is an aquatic plant commonly used as a foreground or carpeting plant in planted aquariums.

Hairgrass need a fine-grained substrate rich in nutrients and minerals, especially iron.

live plants produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia that fish generate.

Instruction

Casting seed on the surface of the substrate. Keep the surface of the substrate moist, cover opening to keep moist in.

2-7 days is enough for sprouting, 15 days finish landscaping. After most seeds sprout fill tank with water. -Ideal temperature between 68F to 86F

  • Having live plants in your aquarium will help to produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia that fish generate.
  • Healthy live plant will help to balance the ecosystem in your aquarium
  • Easy to maintain and will germinate from 7 to 15 days.
  • Spread seed on substrate and keep it moist. Do not fill tank until fully germinate

Spectrastone Special Black Aquarium Gravel for Freshwater Aquariums

Spectrastone

Based on 236 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Black 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: Can this gravel be used with plants such as bamboo
Answer: It not toxic I put it in with my fish it didn't kill them so I suppose your plant would be ok
Question: How many pounds of gravel do I need for a 20 gallon tank
Answer: 10-20lbs is ideal (2-4 5# bags). Former aquatics specialist at Petco and fish hobbiest for life here.
Question: Looking for gravel that might be to scale for my 1/35th scale diorama, to model a cobblestone road. What is the size in inches or centimenters? Thanks
Answer: If it's not toxic for fish don't see why it would be an issue for plants.

Ultum Nature Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Fine Black

Marfied

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

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.

TeenTop Fish Aquarium Gravel, Decoration for Freshwater Aquarium, Solid Black, Aquarium Substrate 100g

TeenTop

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

Seachem Flourite Dark

Seachem

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Flourite dark 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 aquarium environment. Flourite dark 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 dark is not chemically coated or treated and will not alter the pH of the water.

  • No laterite needed
  • Perfect for planted aquariums
  • May be mixed with other gravels
  • The Premium Substrate For the Planted Aquarium

User questions & answers

Question: the description for this item reads 7k / 15.4 lbs but the item pictured reads half that 3.5k / 7.7 lbs; which is correct for the item
Answer: The container I received had 15.4 lbs., someone made an error.
Question: Will my plants live with only this substrate
Answer: I have only this substrate in my 29 gallon and it is sufficient to grow plants. I recommend periodically supplementing with Flourish in order to maximize plant growth, but a decent group of fish will provide enough nutrients for decent plant growth.
Question: How do you clean this stuff on a regular basis? I read some where not to use the handheld tube vacuum
Answer: Tube vacuum should work fine. I’d imagine whom ever wrote that hadn’t rinsed it very well and kicked up a ton of sediment. It’s really just chips of clay, nothing that should interfere with a vac any more than a gravel would!
Question: How does it taste
Answer: I haven't tasted it myself but my plants seem to really like it.

Product features

Flourite Dark, 7 kg / 15.4 lbs

Flourite Dark is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Its appearance is suited to planted aquaria, but may be used in any freshwater aquarium environment. Flourite Dark 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 Dark is not chemically coated or treated and will not alter the pH of the water. Flourite Dark is good for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.

Although it is pre-washed, because Flourite Dark 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 Dark 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).

  • Premium natural gravel for the planted aquarium
  • Good for the life of the aquarium

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, for Fish Tanks

Fluval

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

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.

Caribsea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand

CaribSea Aquatics

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

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.

CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium, Black

Carib Sea

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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.

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