Gravel & Substrate

Substrate does more than cover the bottom pane. It anchors plants, hosts bacteria and sets much of the tank's character. Our current range is mostly CaribSea and Fluval: aragonite sands for marine systems, Eco-Complete for planted setups and Plant & Shrimp Stratum for softer-water aquascapes.

Two decisions

Grain size comes first. Fine sand suits burrowing fish and corydoras barbels but compacts if left undisturbed, while coarser gravel lets water pass and traps debris deeper down. The second decision is whether the substrate is inert or nutrient-rich. Inert gravel needs root tabs for demanding plants; active soils supply nutrients and can shift pH and hardness, which suits shrimp and planted tanks but not every fish.

Substrate is usually bought with a gravel vacuum and root fertilizer.

Plant nutrients are listed in Plant Fertilizer & Additives.