Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
What is the substrate in an aquarium? In aquariums, the choice of soil to put at the bottom of the tank is often crucial. As a general rule, it will have to depend not only on the water in the aquarium, but also on the living organisms that you plan to include in it. If you plan to create a pond with fish and aquatic plants, the substrate will be the ideal choice. Let's find out together why.
As part of the category of so-called nutritious soils, the substrate designates a soil that can serve as a support for aquatic plants and algae. In the form of an inert and living organism, this underlying muddy layer found at the bottom of the aquarium will allow plants to take root, but not only.
In fact, the substrate also serves to provide plants with the nutrients they need to develop properly in an environment that is not their natural environment. In principle, the substrate will be covered with a layer of sand or gravel to prevent it from rising to the surface.
On the market, there are different types of soil for aquariums: neutral, complete or technical soil. That being said, nutrient soil or aquarium substrate is still the best option if you want to plant aquatic species. According to specialists, this would be the best soil recommended for a planted aquarium, that is to say a basin receiving fish and plants.
Soil loaded with nutrients necessary for plant growth (iron, minerals and trace elements) Presence of elements such as peat, calcium and humus which strengthen the roots
Finally, the nutrient soil does not need any particular maintenance. On the other hand, the substrate can become depleted in nutrients over time. In this case, it will be necessary to provide a supply of fertilizer (in liquid and solid form) in order to enrich it.
The substrate: for what type of water? Certainly, nutritious soils bring several advantages to an aquarium, however, they are not made for all types of ponds. In general, this solution is particularly suitable in three cases.
The nutrient substrate is perfect for ponds filled with fresh water and fish adapted to this environment. Thus, species such as goldfish or Chinese sailfish are very popular with novice aquarists since they are easy to maintain. These fish being fond of vegetation, the integration of plants such as Elodea or Acorus can be beneficial.
The aquarium with cold or tropical temperature water. Nutrient soils are also recommended for ponds containing cold water or water at tropical temperatures.
For an aquarium at tropical temperatures in particular, species such as guppies or platys are to be preferred. Similarly, the thickness of the layers of substrate and gravel must be at least 3 mm to promote the anchoring of plants.
The aquarium with sea water
The sea water being quite salty, rare are the vegetations which develop there. On the other hand, know that it is perfectly possible to recreate a harmonious and decorative ecosystem with your aquarium. To do this, bet on colorful marine species (clownfish, shrimp or turtles), algae and also corals. This time, the substrate can be covered with sand and a thin layer of gravel.
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