Which substrate for my aquarium?

What are the best aquarium substrates? Are you busy preparing a new aquarium and wondering how to choose the thickness of the substrate?

In this guide we will address the issue of bottom substrate for an aquarium. Whether it's sand, gravel or small rocks, there's no doubt that you have a lot to learn on the subject. So, without wasting a minute, here are the pros and cons of all types of aquarium substrate.

Have you already decided on the type of substrate you are going to use for your aquarium. Learn about the factors to consider when choosing a substrate for your freshwater aquarium. First, we will discuss the choice of a bottom substrate for a freshwater aquarium.

If this is not your first aquarium, you have probably already wondered whether to put sand or gravel. Do you need volcanic dust or pozzolan in the aquarium? To facilitate your planning, it is often useful to think about it at another level upstream.

Basic rules for your plants and for the habitat

Ornamental fish keepers generally use their breeding aquariums without soil substrate, which makes cleaning the aquariums easier and faster.

But an aquarium with a floor not only looks much better, it often works better, because the substrate reinforces the action of your aquarium filter and provides a significant filter effect.

On the other hand, it is very important for the roots of your aquarium plants and many species use it as a hiding place (flounder, loach, catfish, ray).

What is the role of the aquarium substrate?

Before even talking about the types of background substrates that exist, it is essential to explain their usefulness. In addition to looking pretty, the bottom substrate allows fish to hide their food. Similarly, the bottom of the aquarium can also serve as a hiding place. The substrate can even provide good bacteria.

However, there are exceptions where it is not advisable to use an aquarium substrate: breeding tanks. In this type of pool, cleaning must go quickly and it is absolutely necessary to avoid impurities and germs. Without an aquarium bottom, cleaning is much easier.

Good to know: for bream to lay their eggs in the ground, it is best to lay sand.

How important are substrates for fish, plants and water composition?

Fish are happy to be able to dig into the ground and look for food there.

Plants, on the other hand, need a substrate to form their roots. Of course, this does not concern floating plants or aquarium plants without substrate such as anubia, Cerato or Java fern varieties (these plants grow on branches and rocks).

In addition, the water composition can also benefit from a suitable aquarium bottom. This is because certain bacteria can grow there, which is important for transforming and breaking down nitrites, nitrates and other substances.

Finally, we must of course also mention the many design options. Aquarium backgrounds are not only there for their function, but also for their visual and decorative appearance. Whether through colors or shapes, aquarists can truly enjoy creating a beautiful living ecosystem.

What are the different types of soil?

In the rest of this article, we will first take a look at the different types of soil substrates. In specialty stores and pet stores, there is a wide range of options.

Why is it not recommended to use garden soil or compost?

You can regularly read in some articles that garden soil or compost can be used as a bottom substrate. But beware: these substances have no place in the aquarium of your fish.

They contain a lot of nutrients that can be absorbed by aquatic plants, but have many disadvantages. These large amounts of nutrients can increase the growth of algae and make the water cloudy.

On the other hand, organic load can also be a problem when testing your water. Prefer a more natural substrate such as sand or gravel.

Aquarium substrate: sand or gravel?

What are the pros and cons of sand?

First, let's explain the difference between sand and gravel. This distinction is related to particle size. Anything less than 2 mm is normally considered sand, beyond that it is called gravel. It's no secret that sand can be very small. There are "grains" that reach 0.06 mm. Thus, it is impossible to distinguish them with the naked eye. In the case of gravel, the grains are generally distinguishable with the naked eye and are often even palpable to the touch.

In fact, aquarium sand is nothing but aquarium gravel with a very small grain size. Both have their pros and cons and often depend on the fish that live in the aquarium. If, for example, you are introducing inhabitants who like to rummage in the ground, fine sand will be the best option.

That said, the sand has the disadvantage of being less aerated, which prevents the water from the aquarium to penetrate inside. On the one hand, this has the advantage of preventing deposits such as mud, food scraps or silt from entering it, but the disadvantage that the plant nourishment is less effective.

As a result, sand is rather poorly perceived by many aquarists. Especially if you still use construction sand or other sands that set particularly well. If so, it is better to resort to a special quartz sand.

What are the pros and cons of gravel?

The advantage of aquarium gravel is that it is more airy due to the grain size. This allows nutrients to quickly reach the plants and their roots. Unfortunately, mud and other waste can also become encrusted more easily. Finally, nitro bacteria can form, which promotes the transformation of nitrites into harmless nitrates, which would of course be an advantage.
The disadvantage of gravel is that it is light. But if you plan for sufficient substrate thickness, this will solve the problem.

To learn more about these two types of substrates, discover our comparative article sand and gravel.

What color gravel or sand should I choose for my aquarium?

Today, you can find aquarium gravel and sand in all colors: black, green and even artificial colors like bright red, yellow or blue.

Before making your choice, think about the colors of your fish. Shrimp, especially the lighter ones, look best on dark or even black gravel. A light gravel can also provide a nice contrast, especially for darker bottom species.

On the other hand, we strongly advise against garish and artificial colors. A successful aquarium approximates the natural environments of the species that inhabit it. So it makes sense to choose gravel that tends towards red for an Amazon aquarium. In a community aquarium, aquarium gravel with a grain size of 2-3 mm is usually used.

How to place the substrate on the floor of your aquarium?

The purpose of such a first layer is above all to supply the aquarium plants with nutrients, fertilizers and minerals and to ensure a long-term supply.

The choice of this first layer is however very important, because the manufacturers of background substrates offer many possibilities. It is advisable to be informed precisely about the advantages and disadvantages of each layer. The thickness of the substrate is also decisive and must be taken into account.

Here is the complete method for placing the substrate on the floor of your aquarium:
1. Position your aquarium away from direct sunlight;
2. Set up your aquarium on a flat surface ready to take a heavy load;
3. Place nutrient substrate at the bottom of your aquarium to allow drainage and water circulation;
4. Place a thicker layer at the back of the container than at the front to accommodate larger plants;
5. Rinse and add the decorative element of your choice (sand, gravel, quartz);
6. Add relief and life to the landscape of your aquarium (hollows, bumps);
7. Attach your aquarium filtration system and you're done!

Good to know: if you have just changed your substrate and the water is cloudy, carry out regular water changes so that the impurities go away naturally.

Am I obliged to add nutrient substrate to the bottom of my aquarium?

In aquariums, most experts advise installing a nutrient substrate under the sand or gravel. In doing so, aquatic plants always have access to the nutrients necessary for their vitality. Note also that some aquarium plants grow on stones or on roots. Finally, discover all our articles on aquatic plants in order to choose them well.

Aquarium substrates: what to remember!

And now you have all the necessary elements to make the right decision. But be careful: try not to change the substrate too often. The fish in your aquarium get used to an ecosystem and do not want to see their daily life disrupted.

Finally, here are some tips that should always be followed before installing the substrate:
- Aquarium sand and gravel should always be washed beforehand;
- Do not hesitate to wash these elements several times to remove all the dirt;
- It is not necessary to wash the nutrient substrate before installing it;
- Add more material to the back of your aquarium;
- Do not cause whirlpools when introducing water into the jar;
- Maintain your aquarium every 2 weeks and change the water every week.

Need to learn more about maintaining an aquarium? Check out our article on the subject!

SOURCES:

• JBL, aquarium substrate, https://www.jbl.de/fr/theme-aquarium-substratdesol/section/57/substrat-de-sol?country=BE