Aquarium substrates have many uses It can help in controlling the chemistry of water to creating a place for beneficial bacteria. It also helps to enhance fish color and add to the aesthetic of a tank.
The kind of fish and the flow in your tank will determine the type of substrate you will use.
Tank Substrate Options
There are numerous options when it comes to substratum for tanks. The most common type of substrate used is pebbles or gravels that are available in a myriad of sizes and colors. They are also made from glow-in-the dark plastic. Most often, these are used in conjunction with other materials like crushed shell, clay and ADA’s Aqua Soil to make distinctive and captivating aquascapes.
Other gravels that are popular include lava rock and cobble that can be used to create a volcanic look in the aquarium. The similarity of crushed shells to natural stone beaches has led to it becoming popular for enthusiasts. The water’s pH and KH levels are also boosted by it. Clay is a great medium for supporting bacterial colonies, and it is a great cation exchange capacity (CEC).
Seachem Flourite black is a product that has smooth texture and lower iron content than regular Flourite. It is used in tanks with barbels or other fish which require a lower Iron level. It has the same amount of nutrients as regular Flourite making it ideal for planted tanks. Another option that is great for those who do not have a rich nutrient substrate is API’s Root Tabs which are classic pill shaped products that contain potassium, phosphorous, nitrogen and trace elements.
The most effective Substitute for Planted Tanks
Soil is a great option for planted tanks. It provides a nutrient-rich surface for roots to develop into. It can also aid in anchoring plants in the tank. It’s generally easy to find in a wide variety of sizes and colors to suit many different aquarium designs.
Certain plant enthusiasts make use of a mixture of pebbles and soil. This gives the aquarium a distinctive look and can be aesthetically pleasing. CEC is typically higher in soil than sand. CEC is a very SMALL account that your plants could utilize to store nutrients. The cost of soil can be high, but it is generally worth the additional cost.
Some popular soils include Fluval Stratum, Seachem Flourite Black and CaribSea Eco-Complete. One disadvantage to some of these soils is that they are often sterilized, which could deplete the soil of beneficial microbes. In addition the clay baked into which the substrates are made of has lost some of its CEC. This makes them less suitable for aquariums that have plants where the aquarist fertilizes it frequently.
Freshwater Tank Gravel vs. Sand
The choice of sand or gravel for freshwater planted be ca cong nghe tanks depends on the kind of species of fish and plants to be kept. Gravel is suitable for the majority of freshwater animals and does not alter the water’s chemistry which makes it simple to clean. It promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms and bacteria, which help break up waste.
However, larger gravel grains can block filters and are difficult to clean, which is why regular cleaning is required. The gaps between gravel particles permit debris to collect which can quickly rot and release toxic substances. This is a particular problem with driftwood or bogwood that can release toxic substances in the decomposition process.
Alternatively, you can choose to use artificial aquarium gravel that is made of industrial resin or silica and sealed to keep its colour. It appears like natural gravel, and requires little rinsing. It is also available in many colours and shapes. However, it does not encourage the growth of healthy bacteria, and may not be as good for air aeration as sand. Additionally, you will need to use liquid fertilizers in order to fill in the limited capacity of soils to store nutrients.
Select from a range of marine tank substrates
When it comes to marine aquarium substrate there is a broad variety of options. The substrate material you select has a direct effect on the water’s quality as well as the habitat and overall health for the marine species you have.
One of the most popular aquarium substrates is crushed coral (CC). CS is made up of crushed skeletons or shells cut into smaller pieces, serves a variety of purposes. For instance, it can help to buffer alkalinity and calcium levels while also providing an environment for beneficial bacteria colonies to grow.
Another option is aragonite sandy. They are a result of the crushing of crystallized calcium carbonate. They work similarly to CC in that they help to buffer pH levels and alkalinity. They are also serving as a great environment to support the growth of coralline algae and beneficial colonies of bacteria. It also has the added benefit of being somewhat heavier than sand, and, consequently, less likely to be carried around by the flow of water in the tank. This makes aragonite a good choice for deep bed aquariums or tanks that house sand-dwelling creatures such as sifting gobies or wrasse species.
The choice of a Substrate for Terrariums
Selecting the appropriate substrate is an extremely personal choice, ranging from neon pink gravel that can be used to complement a castle or mermaid theme for children’s aquariums to a natural brown gravel that matches driftwood, rocks and other live plants. Dark colors for a tank is preferable because it helps light colored fish stand out. Colors that are bright can smudge the darker colors of fish.
Adding an admixture like perlite or vermiculite to the soil mix of a terrarium enhances drainage, aeration and permeability. It also helps to keep the soil loose and lessens soil compaction, which hinders root growth. Furthermore, these lightweight materials bind to terrarium contaminants and then remove these from the water.
The terrarium’s substrate should also be able to allow for burrowing, the lay of eggs and hiding areas. For instance, a good old”cypress mulch” is a well-loved option for terrariums with leopard geckos, bearded dragons and fat-tailed geckos because it holds moisture and won’t splinter. Stone desert, plantation dirt, and forest moss can also be used as substrates for terrariums.
