Learn more about the aquarium substrates (2024)

A proper substrate is essential for a beautiful aquarium

Although we are talking about aquatic plants, plants do not absorb nutrients solely and exclusively through their leaves. It is essential to use the right substrate, soil, medium for healthy development.

Plants prefer airy and light substrates, making it easier for roots to get oxygen due to constant water movement. In gravels or sands, this works less efficiently. The active soils provide a continuous source of nutrients for the plants and help optimize water parameters.

Soils also soften the water, lower the pH parameter of the water, and store nutrients.

When to use it? When is active soil is recommended?

We use it mostly when we plant straight into the soil. Nutrient-rich substrates without planting are more of a problem due to the nutrients released and not utilized.

Aquarium Soils on our website: click for more

Do i need substrate if i use active soil? What are the reasons to use it?

The additional substrate under the soil is needed because they typically contain more nutrients than active soils and provide these nutrients to our plants for several months. The nutrients released from the substrate stored in the covering layers, so we do not reduce their efficiency with water changes.

Substrates on our website: click for more

What else can we use when a substrate is not required?

In cases where our plants are mainly floating plants, plants tied to stone or trees, active soil is unnecessary. In this case, simple decorative sand or gravel is also a perfect choice for our layout.

Decor sand and gravel on our website: click for more

Maintaining and care of the substrates

We need to take care of the soils. The clay soils need regular cleaning; the sand needs to be turned over or washed from time to time. Root sticks provide nutrients after depletion of the substrates.

Accessories on our website: click for more

How long it last? Do I need to replace it on rearrangement?

Sand and gravel last forever, but clay soils can also be used for years with proper maintenance. Although the substrate under the cover layer runs out of nutrients after 6-8 months due to intensive nutrient uptake and water changes, we can improve the substrate again with root sticks. You do not have to throw away the old substrate: after washing and cleaning it, you can reuse it by topping up a bag of fresh soil.

Root sticks, bottom fertilizers on our website: click for more