An artificial mini-pond cannot be imagined without an aquarium substrate in the form of pebbles or sand. The soil is primarily necessary for the rooting of aquarium plants. Also, the substrate particles act as a filter, retaining food residues and excrement from aquatic habitats. A well-chosen substrate also has an aesthetic function to decorate the aquarium.
Depending on the origin, the aquarium substrate can be natural or artificial. Biological properties distinguish between neutral and nutritious soil. In the latter, algae grow well, turning the aquarium into a real fragment of the aquatic ecosystem. Depending on the size of the fractions, the substrate is small, medium and large.
We have compiled a list of the best soils for an aquarium (terrarium), based on expert opinions from specialists and reviews from real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors in the pet industry, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend that you pay special attention to them:
Budget / Inexpensive
- Tetra
- Repti-Zoo
Middle price category
- JBL
- Carib sea
- Aquabalance
| 1 | Carib Sea Moonlight Sand for Freshwater Aquariums | 2 500 RUB |
| 2 | Repti-Zoo Coconut substrate | 150 p. |
| 3 | Tetra Complete Substrate Plant Nutrient | 1,500 RUB |
| 4 | Aquabalance Basic substrate floraton | 1,000 RUB |
Artificial
The main advantages
- This is a freshwater aquarium soil, represented by fine fractions (grains of sand) of white color. Belongs to the premium class
- The substrate granules are absolutely safe. Perfectly polished grains of sand do not damage antennae and fins of bottom fish, do not scratch the soles of snails
- Natural soil does not affect the acid-base balance of the aquarium water in any way. Suitable as a substrate for any type of aquatic plants
- The sand, in the form of which the soil is presented, is a natural biofilter that reliably traps food residues, fish excrement particles and other contaminants
- Possesses high aesthetic qualities, giving the effect of naturalness to an artificial reservoir
Natural
The main advantages
- Has all the characteristics of a quality terrarium substrate: retains moisture, resists decay, maintains optimal air humidity
- The substrate has a natural base (coconut fiber), is environmentally friendly and safe for the inhabitants of terrariums
- Due to its nutritional basis, the soil can be used for florariums and individual potted plants.
- The substrate retains its useful properties for a month, it does not need to be changed often
- Has a natural disinfecting effect - prevents the formation of mold in the bottom soil
Nutritious
The main advantages
- The nutrient substrate for the aquarium provides a long-term feeding of the aquarium plants. Quartz sand in the composition activates the development of the root system, which is why algae begin to grow more intensively
- The soil is enriched with iron, due to which the leaves of the plants planted in the substrate acquire a rich green color
- The soil contains natural black peat, which neutralizes the acidic environment of the substrate
- Suitable for all freshwater aquariums. Does not contain synthetic components that are harmful to aquatic life and plants
- The soil acts as a natural filter, preventing the rotting of food residues and fish waste products
The main advantages
- Chemically neutral aquarium soil. The substrate fractions are spherical, making the substrate safe for bottom fish and snails
- Porous soil fractions create optimal conditions for the vital activity of beneficial bacteria, providing natural water purification from decay products
- The size of the fractions ensures the correct rooting of aquatic plants, which is necessary for their harmonious growth
- The primer has a natural shade that creates the effect of a natural mini-reservoir. The substrate does not attract undue attention to itself and does not have a negative effect on the nervous system of fish
- Easy to clean from dirt
