{"title":"Substrate","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelieve it or not,\u003c\/strong\u003e the first thing you add to your brand-new aquarium\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eisn’t\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e water. That\u003c\/span\u003e honor goes to the substrate. \u003cstrong\u003eSub…what?\u003c\/strong\u003e I’ll answer that and more in my beginner’s guide to\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esubstrate!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-substrate\"\u003eWhat is a substrate?\u003cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"why-do-aquariums-use-substrate\"\u003e\n\u003cspan id=\"Why_do_aquariums_have_a_substrate\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhy do aquariums have a substrate?\u003cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow are the most common reasons why a substrate is used in aquariums…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1. Good looking\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Let’s be realistic. The main reason people use a substrate is because it enhances the look of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. It’s natural\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3. Enhances your fish\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– You can use the substrate to make your fish\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003epop\u003c\/i\u003e. Dark fish are easier to see on a light-colored substrate while light-colored fish are easier to see on a dark substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4. It houses bacteria\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– You know those beneficial bacteria that take part in the\u003cspan\u003e Nitrogen Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e? 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\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca\u003ebrand-new aquarium cycle faster.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5. Plants need it\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Plant roots need to go somewhere. Without a substrate, your plants will float to the top of your tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you see, there are some pretty compelling reasons to use a substrate in your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"pisces-gold-pearl-10kg","title":"Pisces Gold Pearl 10kg","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGold 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 and extremely unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAquarium safe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReptile safe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePure New Zealand Beauty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTriple Washed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32127383011424,"sku":"9337280030092","price":41.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/products\/goldpearl_c10b9b8b-ea23-487e-bee5-571501f8aee5.jpg?v=1606962424"},{"product_id":"2kg-fluval-plant-shrimp-stratum","title":"Fluval Plant \u0026 Shrimp Stratum 2kg","description":"","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"2kg","offer_id":37594537099428,"sku":"015561126939","price":28.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4kg","offer_id":46036014104740,"sku":"015561126946","price":57.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8kg","offer_id":46036014137508,"sku":"015561126953","price":92.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/products\/NAN25.png?v=1614054150"},{"product_id":"base-soil-1l","title":"Dymax Base Soil 1l","description":"","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"1 LITRE","offer_id":41646872461476,"sku":"8885009363231","price":16.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Litre","offer_id":46052730699940,"sku":"8885009363668","price":39.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"9 Litre","offer_id":46052730667172,"sku":"8885009363675","price":100.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/products\/1_1f23bd4b-8242-45b0-9eef-49396c558b0c.jpg?v=1641365036"},{"product_id":"aqua-natural-sand-sahara-gold-9kg","title":"Aqua Natural Sand - Sahara Gold 9kg","description":"","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41819068399780,"sku":"9353482001951","price":42.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/products\/1_95b5ad7d-4046-4115-85dd-0df8a2556583.jpg?v=1652765536"},{"product_id":"aquanatural-shrimp-scoria-black-2l","title":"Aquanatural Shrimp Scoria Black 2l","description":"100% Natural mineral rich Volcanic Lava for Extreme Bio-Filtering\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nSuitable for Shrimp, Tropical Fish and Live Plants\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAssists in stabilising pH levels.","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44739564241060,"sku":"9300002005111","price":36.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZWItbmluamEtaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoicG5wdHJhZGluZ1wvaW1hZ2VzXC9wcm9kaW1nXC8xMjIyXzEuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo0ODAsImhlaWdodCI6NDgwLCJmaXQiOiJpbnNpZGUiLCJ.webp?v=1726538292"},{"product_id":"aqua-natural-iron-sand-7kg","title":"Aqua Natural Iron Sand 7kg","description":"\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e.cs3388614{text-align:left;margin:0pt 0pt 10pt 0pt;line-height:1.15;text-indent:0pt} .cs3380614{text-align:left;margin:0pt 0pt 18pt 0pt;line-height:1.15;text-indent:0pt} .csF486FBB{13.5pt;font-weight:normal;color:#191919;font-style:normal;Arial;}\u003c\/style\u003e\r\n\t\r\n\t\u003cp class=\"cs3380614\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"csF486FBB\"\u003eSourced from the wild west coast of New Zealand our Iron Sand is rich in iron and other minerals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"cs3380614\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"csF486FBB\"\u003eFormed deep inside the giant volcanoes of New Zealand this sand worked its way down the estuaries and rivers to the ocean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"cs3380614\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"csF486FBB\"\u003eIt’s iron rich properties will promote exceptional plant growth which till now has only been available using iron additives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"cs3388614\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"csF486FBB\"\u003eIts black shimering texture is captivating and forms the perfect canvas for accentuating the colours of your fish. Can be used in fresh water and marine aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44739950936228,"sku":"9353482006666","price":31.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/iron007.jpg?v=1707950280"},{"product_id":"aquanatural-iron-sand-14kg","title":"Aquanatural Iron Sand 14kg","description":"Sourced from the wild west coast of New Zealand our Iron Sand is rich in iron and other minerals.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nFormed deep inside the giant volcanoes of New Zealand this sand worked its way down the estuaries and rivers to the ocean.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nIt’s iron rich properties will promote exceptional plant growth which till now has only been available using iron additives.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nIts black shimering texture is captivating and forms the perfect canvas for accentuating the colours of your fish. Can be used in fresh water and marine aquariums\u003cbr\u003e\r\n","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45111008919716,"sku":"9353482006673","price":58.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/ironsand.webp?v=1721791553"},{"product_id":"iwagumi-galapagos-3-5kg","title":"Iwagumi Galapagos 3.5kg","description":"UNIQUE SUBSTRATE FOR ARTISTIC AQUASCAPING\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nGalapogos - a gravel around 3-4mm in grain size\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAqua Natural’s unique and authentic range of Iwagumi substrates are recognised as the products of choice by professional aquascapers and hobbyists around the world.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nGreat care has been taken by our master designers to deliver you the perfect natural scenery for use in Iwagumi and Oliver Knott style aquariums, biotope aquariums, terrariums, bonsai and traditional Japanese rock gardens.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45681605509284,"sku":"9353482005096","price":19.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/Image_Coming_Soon_387772bb-1e29-4a27-ab04-8d235378cc3a.webp?v=1716859280"},{"product_id":"bioscape-pastel-bronze-coarse-2-4mm-3kg","title":"Bioscape Pastel Bronze Coarse 2-4mm 3kg","description":"Natural aquarium substrate\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDoes not affect aquarium pH\u003cbr\u003e\r\nTriple washed\u003cbr\u003e\r\nUse by itself or create scaping highlights\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDirections:\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nOur Bioscape Natural Premium Scaping Substrates are triple washed, we recommend also giving it a rinse before placing in your aquarium.\u003cbr\u003e\r\nFill the aquarium slowly to avoid stirring up the substrate.","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46107781103780,"sku":"9327975044558","price":12.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/BIS92.jpg?v=1723085925"},{"product_id":"natural-black-gravel-11kg","title":"Natural Black Gravel 10kg","description":"","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46107846901924,"sku":"9327975005320","price":41.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/MM65.png?v=1723078742"},{"product_id":"anchor-natural-white-gravel-2kg","title":"Anchor Natural White Gravel 2kg","description":"","brand":"Aquabird Toowoomba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46257546002596,"sku":"9311821830143","price":6.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/files\/d.webp?v=1727751549"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0089\/2311\/9712\/collections\/Collection_Image_96df7bb7-89a5-449b-a085-1a8a9f703a0d.jpg?v=1564445637","url":"https:\/\/www.aquabirdpetcentre.com.au\/collections\/gravel\/plant-substrate.oembed","provider":"Aquabird Toowoomba","version":"1.0","type":"link"}