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Aqua Natural African Cichlid Aragonite 4.53kgCalcium carbonate derived from oolitic aragonite is biogenic (created by living organisms) and naturally re-occurring. Protect the reef by using this superior and sustainable substrate. Bahamas sand is raw, naturally renewable oolitic aragonite sand that is up to 98% pure calcium carbonate. The grains are OOLITIC (egg-shaped) and smooth. It...
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- $36.99
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Aqua Natural Iron Sand 7kgTransport Your Aquarium to New Zealand's Untamed Wilderness. Our iron-rich black sand opens a portal to New Zealand's wild natural beauty, bringing the raw, primal power of its rugged volcanoes and windswept beaches right into your own home. Formed in the heart of a towering volcano, each sleek black granule contains...
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- $31.99
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Bio Substrate Marine Aragonite 2.26kgqua Natural Oolitic Aragonite Bahamas sand is raw, naturally renewable Oolitic Aragonite sand that is up to 98% pure calcium carbonate. The grains are OOLITIC (egg-shaped) and smooth. It is tasteless, odorless, dustless and sustainable. Combined with its near chemical purity, size consistency, and small grain structure, Bahamas aragonite possesses...
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Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 2kgCollected from the mineral rich foothills of the famous Mont Aso Volcano in Japan. Fluval Stratum is the ideal substrate for stimulating the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plant roots easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate, allowing plants to obtain a variety of key, readily available nutrients...
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- $28.99
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Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 4kgFLUVAL PLANT AND SHRIMP STRATUM 4KG Encourages strong plant growth - roots easily penetrate and spread throughout substrate to obtain key nutrients Porous structure allows for rapid colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria Helps support neutral to slightly acidic pH - ideal for most plants, tropical fish and shrimp normally...
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Silver Pearl 4.5kgAQUA NATURAL SILVER PEARL 4.53KG Silver Pearl is, without doubt, our premium aquarium gravel. When wet it gives off a blue silver and light Jade hues, however, dry it is fresh and bright with blazing white gravel highlighted with grey pebbles. Its natural smooth roundness comes from being deposited in...
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- $21.99
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Turtle & Axolotl Pebbles 5kgAttractive natural river pebble ideal for turtles and axolotls. New Zealand River pebble sourced from the Central Otago region. It is a predominantly larger type pebbles ideal for turtles and axolotls. Shaped by ancient glacial flows and the swift rivers of Central Otago, it is mostly oval in shape. This...
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White Pebble 5mm 2kgWhite Pebble 5mm 2kg bag (Rinse before use)
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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.