A vital first step in providing your fish and plants with a healthy habitat is selecting the appropriate soil for your aquarium. Substratum, also known as nutritious soil, is a vital source of nutrients that aquatic plants need to grow, thrive, and hold onto their vivid colors. Additionally, it is essential for the growth of good bacteria that maintain the water’s purity and safety for all users.
The overall health of your aquarium can be greatly impacted by the type of soil you choose because not all soils are created equal. Rich soils are designed specifically to give plants a well-balanced diet, giving them all the nutrients they require to grow robust roots and lush foliage. These soils gradually release nutrients, which contributes to the establishment of a stable environment that resembles your plants’ and fish’s native habitats.
Whether you are refilling an old tank or setting up a new one
| Type of Nutritious Soil | Description |
| Clay-based Soil | Rich in minerals, helps plant growth, suitable for most freshwater aquariums. |
| Peat-based Soil | Improves water acidity, ideal for aquariums with soft water plants. |
| Sand and Gravel Mix | Provides stability for roots, often used with fertilizers for nutrient supply. |
| Aquatic Plant Substrate | Specially designed for plant growth, contains balanced nutrients and minerals. |
A healthy aquarium requires nutrient-rich soil because it gives plants the minerals and nutrients they require to grow robustly and colorfully. A healthy substrate supports the ecosystem as a whole by fostering fish in a balanced environment and promoting plant growth. Selecting the appropriate soil type can have a significant impact on keeping your aquarium looking beautiful, preventing the growth of algae, and maintaining water quality.
- How to choose the main soil
- Nutrient soils
- How to properly lay the nutrient substrate
- Fertilizers in the form of tablets
- Video on the topic
- Experiment nutrient soil Ada vs Ista !
- Review of SOIL. Perhaps the best soil for an aquarium! SOIL Fluval Stratum.
- Soils for an aquarium herbalist. Which ones can be used and which ones cannot
- Nutrient soils: substrates and soils for an aquarium
- A penny nutrient substrate for an aquarium with your own hands
- Selecting soil for an aquarium: basic, nutrient and soil
- Soils for an aquarium Which one to choose?
How to choose the main soil
Not only does soil serve as a biofilter in aquariums, but its qualities also affect plant growth. As a result, it must be carefully chosen. Using colored mixtures is not recommended. Natural soil with a fraction of 3-5 mm is ideal.
Plant roots in sand will rot, and in too-coarse soil, plants won’t be able to take root. Fish waste will also build up between the stones, increasing the amount of organic matter in the aquarium and eventually causing more fish poisoning and possibly death. In this kind of soil, unassuming plants like Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and Echinodorus will flourish.
Plants can have their roots covered with clay balls or nutrient tablets as a top dressing.
Herbalists should avoid using marble chips and sea pebbles because they cause the water to become hard.
Use vinegar to inspect soil before purchasing it. Pour 9% vinegar into a glass with a few pebbles. Hissing or bubbling soil is an indication that the soil is not good for plant growth because it makes the water more alkaline. Furthermore, when the soil releases calcium, plants will not be able to absorb the micro and macronutrients needed for growth.
Nutrient soils
Nutrient substrates come in a wide variety in stores. Every major business provides herbalists with its own range of substrates. Because they are all porous and light, stagnant zones cannot form in them. We’ll list the most popular nutrient substrates below.
Tetra Active Substrate is an affordable soil that’s perfect for novices. Excellent soil for aquarium plants and beneficial bacteria is sintered clay. Plant roots do not rot, and the soil does not compact over time. Furthermore, the substrate is smooth and free of jagged edges.
Dennerle DeponitMix Professional is an aquarium substrate that offers biofiltration. It is made up of quartz sand, clay, peat, and granules. Iron and nutrients can be found in the soil. It should be noted that the macronutrients (phosphates and nitrates) that promote the growth of algae are absent from this mixture.
Mineral elements, natural sand, peat, and humic acids are all included in Tetra Plant Complete Substrate Concentrate, a nutrient substrate. The soil is added to the container in a layer of two centimeters. Gravel or fine quartz can be combined with the substrate.
Plant development is accelerated by AQUAYER nutrient substrate. Micronutrients are present in it. doesn’t become bitter over time. Place a layer 1-2 cm thick and top with 2-3 cm of the primary soil.
How to properly lay the nutrient substrate
We would like to remind you that the nutrient substrate is only required for aquariums that have a dense plant population. If you only want one corner of the bottom area for the plants to grow in, then use a 1-3 cm thick nutrient substrate there and temporarily divide it from the remaining soil with cardboard or plastic tape. Place a layer of 2-3 cm thick main soil on top of the substrate. You can choose to add driftwood or stones to the remaining portion of the container or leave it empty.
Fertilizers in the form of tablets
There are many different types of tablets that can be used in an aquarium, including CO2, O2, and peat tablets. Furthermore, not every aquarist is aware of their purpose or necessity.
Let’s begin by discussing O2 tablets. Hydrogen peroxide is an alternative. Using a syringe, add peroxide to the aquarium’s bottom to create inexpensive, pure oxygen.
Carbon dioxide supply systems that are fully functional cannot be substituted by CO2 tablets. Consequently, it makes no sense to purchase them at three times the price. Plants can be grown more successfully without them.
Now let’s get more specific about nutritional tablets. Microelements and growth stimulants required by plants are present in the well-known tablets Tetra PlantaStart and Tetra Plant Crypto. Only novice aquarists are intended users of both products. The truth is that phosphates and nitrogen compounds are always present in beginner aquariums, frequently in fairly large amounts.
The fish will become poisoned by the excess macroelements in the jar, and algae will start to grow in place of plants. Thus, research the composition of nutrient tablets before purchasing them and purchase tablets containing the micro- or macro-elements that plants require.
The ingredients of peat tablets are zeolite, biohumus, and peat. The most well-liked of these goods are AQUAYER’s nutrient tablets. Humic acids are among the microelements in the composition. Plant roots can be covered with a tablet that loosens the soil and encourages the growth of good bacteria. Tablets of peat are added to loose grass beds in which substrate is not required. However, this product has a drawback as well. The soil experiences significant siltation and disruption of oxidation-reduction processes approximately a year after the plants are fertilized. You will need to replant the plants after taking a thorough siphon of the soil in order to improve the condition.
A healthy environment for fish and plants in your aquarium depends on the selection of nutrient-rich soil. The soil gives plant roots a place to grow and releases vital nutrients that maintain the health and vibrancy of the plants.
The requirements of your plants, the kind of fish in your aquarium, and your level of maintenance tolerance should all be taken into account when choosing a soil. While some soils help to stabilize water conditions over time, others call for more frequent water changes. Consider your long-term objectives for your aquascape in addition to the size and style of your tank.
Keep in mind that your tank’s general health and appearance can be greatly improved by having high-quality aquarium soil. Making the appropriate decision will allow you to enjoy watching your fish remain active and healthy in a gorgeous, well-balanced habitat while your aquatic plants flourish.
