Substrate is like the soil for your aquarium plants. It’s the stuff at the bottom of your tank where your plants will grow.
It’s important to choose the right substrate because it can change the pH and hardness of your water. You don’t want it too hard or too soft.
Hard water can be caused by substrates like crushed coral or certain types of gravel, which are not good for your plants.
On the other hand, very soft water can make the roots of your plants rot, leading to unwanted algae growth.
The best pH for your water is around 6.8 to 7.2, but this can depend on the type of plants you have. It’s best to use natural substrates and avoid man-made ones like epoxy-coated gravel or colored ceramics.
What Should Be the Substrate Size?
The size of the substrate, or base layer in your tank, should be between 3 and 8 mm thick. This is because bigger chunks can stop the roots from growing, and smaller ones can damage the roots.
When setting up your tank, it’s best to add the substrate in stages.
Start by mixing in a small amount of solid fertilizer and spread it out on the bottom of the tank. Then, add up to two more layers of gravel on top, making sure the smallest pieces are on the top layer.
Remember, these extra layers should not include any fertilizer.
When you’re ready to add water, pour it slowly onto a dish or plate placed at the bottom of the tank. This is to keep the fertilizer from being stirred up.
What Should Be the Substrate Depth?
The substrate is like the soil in your aquarium. It’s where your water plants root. There are four types of water plants, each with different root types.
- Some plants, like Anubias, don’t need sand. They attach their roots to rocks or wood.
- Other plants, like Aponogeton, have big rootstocks.
- Then there are plants like Hygrophila with long stems and shallow roots.
- Lastly, there are plants like Cryptocoryne that have deep roots.
The depth of your substrate should depend on the type of plants you choose. Deep-rooted plants need the most depth.
If the substrate isn’t deep enough, their roots will get tangled and they won’t get enough nutrients.
So, if you’re planting deep-rooted plants, you’ll need a substrate that is at least 6 cm (about 2 to 3 inches) deep.
Two Types of Substrate Material
Substrate materials are important for a planted aquarium. They provide nutrients for the plants and enhance their growth.
Two good options are CaribSea Eco Complete and SeaChem Fluorite. They help plants grow well, but Eco Complete may delay plant growth by 2-3 weeks.
If you prefer soil-based substrates, Diana Walstad’s book, ‘Ecology Of The Planted Aquarium‘, is a great resource. It provides detailed instructions and scientific research on aquatic plants.
