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Aqua Natural Gold Pearl Aquarium Substrate - 4.5kg2-4mm Gold Pearl is a naturally smooth pebble sourced from New Zealand Southland's east coast beaches. Its shapes are perfectly round or oval and are a brilliant gold pebble with black, grey, brown, green and white pebbles sprinkled in the background. This pebble gives a tropical beach feel to any...
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- $21.99
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- $21.99
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Aqua Natural Iron Sand 7kgSourced from the wild west coast of New Zealand our Iron Sand is rich in iron and other minerals.Formed deep inside the giant volcanoes of New Zealand this sand worked its way down the estuaries and rivers to the ocean.It’s iron rich properties will promote exceptional plant growth which till...
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- $32.99
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- $32.99
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Aquaearth 6 Litres
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- $60.99
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Aquanatural Iron Sand 14kgSourced from the wild west coast of New Zealand our Iron Sand is rich in iron and other minerals. Formed deep inside the giant volcanoes of New Zealand this sand worked its way down the estuaries and rivers to the ocean. It’s iron rich properties will promote exceptional plant growth...
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- $58.99
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Aquanatural Shrimp Scoria Black 2l100% Natural mineral rich Volcanic Lava for Extreme Bio-Filtering Suitable for Shrimp, Tropical Fish and Live Plants Assists in stabilising pH levels.
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- $36.99
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- $36.99
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Bioscape Pastel Bronze Coarse 2-4mm 3kgNatural aquarium substrate Does not affect aquarium pH Triple washed Use by itself or create scaping highlights Directions: Our Bioscape Natural Premium Scaping Substrates are triple washed, we recommend also giving it a rinse before placing in your aquarium. Fill the aquarium slowly to avoid stirring up the substrate.
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- $18.99
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Deep Colour S 1kg - Colour Stones
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- $10.99
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Dymax Base Soil 1l
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- From $16.99
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Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 2kg
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- From $29.99
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Fluval Stratum Betta/shrimp 800gm
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- $15.99
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Galaxy Gravel 4.53kgAqua Natural Galaxy Aquarium Sand is a premium quartz sand for use in both aquariums and terrariums.It is made from natural quartz sand and is safe for fish and plants.The sand is also very easy to clean and maintain, and it will help to keep your aquarium looking its best.All colours are natural...
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Hermit Aragonite 4.5kg
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- $39.99
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Ice White 4.5kg
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- $20.99
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Natural Black Gravel 11kg
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- $47.99
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Pisces Gold Pearl 10kgGold Pearl is a naturally smooth pebble sourced from New Zealand Southland's east coast beaches. Its shapes are perfectly round or oval and are a brilliant gold pebble with black, grey, brown, green and white pebbles sprinkled in the background. This pebble gives a tropical beach feel to any aquarium...
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- $41.95
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- $41.95
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Samurai Soil 9lbThe ideal substrate for shrimp and planted aquaria This unique, uniformly graded material fits the pH and mineral requirements of the most sensitive freshwater fauna and flora, without the muddy texture and crumbling often seen with other brands.
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- $54.99
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Silver Pearl 4.5kg
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- $21.99
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Substrate
Believe it or not, the first thing you add to your brand-new aquarium isn’t water. That honor goes to the substrate. Sub…what? I’ll answer that and more in my beginner’s guide to aquarium substrate!
What is a substrate?
You actually already know what a substrate is. You just don’t call it by that name…When it comes to aquariums, the substrate refers to any loose material that makes up the bottom of your tank. You know those pebbles at the bottom of your aquarium? Well, that’s the substrate. Pretty simple, huh? It doesn’t have to be pebbles. It can be anything. If it’s loose and covers the bottom of your aquarium, it’s a substrate.
Why do aquariums have a substrate?
Below are the most common reasons why a substrate is used in aquariums…
1. Good looking – Let’s be realistic. The main reason people use a substrate is because it enhances the look of the aquarium.
2. It’s natural – Do fish in the wild have a glass-bottomed habitat? No. By using a substrate, you are creating a more natural environment for your fish.
3. Enhances your fish – You can use the substrate to make your fish pop. Dark fish are easier to see on a light-colored substrate while light-colored fish are easier to see on a dark substrate.
4. It houses bacteria – You know those beneficial bacteria that take part in the Nitrogen Cycle? While the majority of them live in your filter, some also cover the substrate of your aquarium. In fact, you can use the substrate from an established tank to make your brand-new aquarium cycle faster.
5. Plants need it – Plant roots need to go somewhere. Without a substrate, your plants will float to the top of your tank.
As you see, there are some pretty compelling reasons to use a substrate in your aquarium.