Aquarium Substrate

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When you think of aquariums, the first things that probably pop into your mind are beautiful fish, green submersed plants, and the little plastic diver guy that finds himself stranded in many fish tanks. Then of course there are the bubbles which permeate the water with their gentle flow upward through the seascape.

Little or no attention is given to the bottom substrate whether it is sand, gravel, soil or clay but it is a vital part of the miniature underwater system especially for planted tanks the heater and filters are always checked, some keepers will even add a substrate full of fertilizer for planted tanks. Unbeknown to most people, the layer of gravel and materials (aka substrate) which lies quietly at the bottom of the aquarium plays a vital role in the tank set up and maintaining a healthy environment for the fish and for plants which live there. Getting the correct depth will also ensure that the substrate works as efficiently as possible, bit how do we know how much we need. There is a simple calculator for this purpose.

Substrate calculator

width of your aquarium:

height of your aquarium:

desired depth of the substrate (should be 3 cm - 1.18 inch - at least):

type of the substrate:

fine substrate medium substrate

units:

cm inch

The result:

• Tank length X tank width X desired depth of substrate/ substrate volume
• Substrate volumes are worked out in the following manner:

• Fine substrate (sand, soil, fertilizer substrate, clay) 600 cubed cm =1 kg
• Medium substrate (gravel) 1000 cubed cm = 1 kg

So when you first set up your tank, this equation will allow you to purchase the correct amount of substrate.

Aquarium substrate serves several purposes. In its most known role, it serves as a decorative touch for the pleasure of those who view the aquarium. It gives the aquarium a finished look, and can be quite colourful or natural toned. However, one of the most important roles is that it keeps the fish healthy and is also good for plants. Aquarium substrate allows the fish to be oriented in the water, knowing top and bottom. Fish can become irritated by a clear bottomed aquarium, because of reflections and increased light sources. It is not always vital which substrate you choose sand, soil, clay, or a substrate containing fertilizer, mostly the substrate is chosen for looks except in the case of a set up for planted tanks, as the fertilizer is required for plants to develop.



This is the first layer of the substrate:






A key role for aquarium substrate is that it provides a haven for the beneficial bacteria aided by the addition of the tank heater which help to make up a healthy environment for your fish. The heater will speed up the growth of the bacterial colonies. The type of substrate you should use varies with the type of aquarium that you have as some substrates are not always good for plants.

Some aquariums are meant for fish only, and in these instances the aquarium substrate should be no more than two inches deep. The substrate may be of any size unless you have fish that are bottom feeders, where you should consider using finer gravel. Using the calculator supplied above will ensure that you will finish with the correct depth.

Care must be taken when it comes to the depth of substrate, especially when using the finer grade of substrate. Deeper substrate does not get oxygenated very well, and it is there where old food particles will rot and produce a toxic substance known as hydrogen sulfite. When the aquarium substrate is too thick, or becomes compacted, it can breed bacteria which generate this gas.

This gas is normally produced at such a slow rate that it doesn’t have much if any effect on the fish, and the owner is none the wiser. It’s after a period of time has elapsed and the hydrogen sulfite has had time to build up that it poses its greatest threat. If after the build up the aquarium substrate is disturbed by adding or moving objects, it will then be released and prove to be deadly to the fish.



One of the best preventative measures to guard against this is to gently mix the aquarium substrate on a regular basis, thereby releasing the gas before it builds to deadly proportions. Aquarium owners can also use nature itself to fight the problem by placing Trumpet Snails into the tank. These little helpers will burrow through the aquarium substrate, creating a situation where the gas is vented on a regular basis. This also gives the substrate better aeration, preventing build up.

If you’re planning on having a planted aquarium then the substrate is second in importance only to light. Having the correct aquarium substrate is crucial for proper plant growth, and overall plant health. The substrate used in a planted tank must have the properties of storing and providing nutrients to the roots of growing plants.

If you’re putting together a planted aquarium, count on creating the substrate in two individual layers. The bottom layer should consist of a substrate which is nutrient enriched for beautiful and hardy plant life. Vermiculite is an example of a good bottom layer for your planted tank. It has properties which allow it to slowly release nutrients over time, making it ideal for this purpose. This lower layer should be high enough to cover the roots of the plants, up to two inches.

As for the top layer, you can use regular gravel or even sand will do nicely, and it should be one and a half to two inches in height.

There are certain types of materials which are not recommended for use as aquarium substrate. One of the first substrates that owners may think of is the highly colorful painted gravel. This type of substrate should be avoided because of the paints used may flake off and prove to be an irritant to your fish.
The really pretty glass pebbles should also not be one of your top choices either, because of the negative effect that the light has on the fish. The light reflecting through the glass may disorient and prove to irritate your fish.

So what is best for your aquarium substrate?

If you’re going for a fish only aquarium, then you can use common aquarium gravel. It has no negative effects on either the water or the fish. It can also be used as the top layer in a planted aquarium.

Sand also makes a great aquarium substrate. You can use either the play sand which is used in a child’s sandbox, or sandblasting sand. Sand is a natural substrate, so any inhabitants of your tank will feel right at home along the bottom of the tank.

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Aquarium Substrate

has been viewed times since June 30, 2009.