Soil and nutrient substrate for aquarium plants

Soil (substrate) is an important component of any aquarium. It serves not only for decorative purposes (although with its help you can create a truly beautiful “housing” for your charges), but also performs other functions, in particular, it imitates the natural habitat of fish, shellfish and shrimp.

Much depends on its quality and quantity. If you took soil from a reservoir, you will have to work more carefully, since there will be more different impurities. If in a specialized company, then it’s easier. But in any case, you need to prepare it before placing it in the aquarium. The main stages are washing and disinfection. This is what will allow you to remove almost all unwanted impurities and microorganisms with minimal effort.

Nutrient soils for the aquarium

Nutrient substrates are a more complex category of aquarium substrates and can be divided into two types: soil substrates and nutrient substrates.

Nutrient substrates

The name of this type of aquarium soil speaks for itself. This soil is placed in a small layer under the main soil. Depending on the manufacturer, these are various types of mixtures with a large supply of nutrients. Due to the fact that such soil has many nutritional elements, it is covered with a layer of neutral soil. If the nutrient substrate is not covered at the top, its nutrients may be washed out by the current and dissolved in the aquarium water. This uncontrolled increase in the concentration of nutrients in the water can cause algae to appear.

As mentioned, different brands make nutritional pads with formulations that are very different from each other. Nutrient substrates based on laterite contain a lot of iron, those based on clay contain potassium, and those based on peat contain nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrient beds may also contain other nutrient-rich rocks, such as lava.

This is worth paying attention to when planning your aquarium. For example, if you need to provide your future plants with iron, then you will only need a substrate that contains enough iron

Below is the composition of AQUAYER nutritional support. Compare this composition with the composition of granular soil soils, which will be discussed below. This will help you understand their fundamental difference.

How much soil is needed and what is its permissible thickness in an aquarium?

Beginning aquarists are sometimes afraid to pour large amounts of soil into the aquarium for two reasons: high pressure on the bottom and acidification of the soil. The first fear is completely unfounded. The bottom of the aquarium can only burst when a large weight presses on a certain point of the glass, but under a layer of soil the weight is evenly distributed over the entire bottom of the aquarium and there is no danger of the glass breaking.

The second fear is souring. If neutral soil with a fraction of 3-4 mm is used in a planted aquarium, then even a layer of 15 cm will not cause acidification in the lower layers of the soil. Planted aquariums typically use large amounts of water circulation, and active plant photosynthesis oxygenates the water to maximum levels. These two factors ensure the normal functioning of the soil even with such a large thickness.

The minimum thickness of the soil layer should be 2-3 cm. This is the layer that is sufficient for strong rooting of plants. There are no special requirements for the maximum thickness of the soil layer in a planted aquarium. Typically, the thickness of the soil layer in an aquarium ranges from 3 to 7 cm.

Varieties

Nutrient soil is necessary for aquarium plants with a root system. Neutral can be used if there are floating plants that feed on substances dissolved in the aquatic environment.

The most commonly used type of soil is sand. It is ideal for small fish and shrimp. Gravel of large and small fractions, pebbles are suitable for large and burrowing fish. It is important that the pebbles are not too small, otherwise the fish may swallow the particle, which will cause health problems.

Using artificial stones, it is prohibited to plant plants with a root system, since such a substrate is not able to accumulate nutrients for the life of the flora.

Beginning aquarists sometimes consider garden soil as soil for living aquarium plants. This is a misconception. It is forbidden to use soil as a substrate for the substrate, as it causes rotting of the aquatic environment.

You can buy soil for an aquarium or make it yourself using various methods and means. It is allowed to feed the soil with special additives. For example, peat is used as a feed; such a mixture for an aquarium will be nutritious for the roots of vegetation. Specialized peat should be used in the form of tablets or granules, since a product of natural origin, taken from a river or forest, will be destructive to the soil, oxidizing it. Read more about nutritional supplements below.

When choosing a substrate, it is important to choose a substrate of the same fraction. A mixture of small and large particles can cause rotting and oxidation.

Nutritious

The nutritional value of the soil plays an important role. Since most plants receive nutrients from the nutrient substrate. To enrich the soil, you can add special fertilizer tablets or substrates to it.

Tetra ActiveSubstrate (Tetra)

This substrate is intended for plants and is natural. It consists of granules that provide a suitable environment for the algae root system. Due to porosity, a large number of beneficial bacteria settle in the soil. Its main advantages include the fact that it:

• promotes active growth of beneficial bacteria;
• prevents water pollution with organic substances;
• reduces the load on the filter;
• prevents root rotting;
• provides essential nutrients to algae roots;
• improves water circulation;
• has an attractive appearance.

The average cost of goods in Moscow and St. Petersburg is 550 rubles. per pack 3 liters.

JBL AquaBasis

This soil is used to provide all living plants with nutrients. It does not reduce water hardness levels and does not release toxins. The porosity of the soil promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria on the surface. Soil producer – Germany. Its advantages include:

• good growth of the plant root system;
• excellent filtration on the surface;
• does not harm the antennae of fish crawling along the bottom.

There are no cons found for this product.

The price in Moscow and St. Petersburg for a 1.5 liter package is 405 rubles.

Fluval

Its advantages include:

• providing a safe environment for underwater inhabitants;
• stimulation of plant growth;
• neutralization of acidity levels.

They have a light and porous structure. There are no lumps in them and they create a favorable environment for bottom fish and shrimp. fluval soil is enriched with useful microelements and minerals.

The average cost in Moscow and St. Petersburg is 580 - 1500 rubles per 2 kg. Soil fraction – 1.5-2.5 mm.

Influence of soil on biological balance

A home artificial pond is a closed system, each link of which is interconnected with the other. In other words, the condition of the soil greatly affects the flora and fauna. The correct substrate in an aquarium is important as it has a huge impact on the balance, especially if there are many plants planted in the tank. If the soil in the tank does not meet the requirements of the flora, then the underwater flowers will not grow and produce oxygen, without which the pet faces oxygen starvation.

Beginning inexperienced aquarists often make the mistake of trying to feed the soil in the tank with different substances: clay, coal or peat. Such an explosive mixture will definitely not benefit pets and plants, but, on the contrary, will harm the inhabitants of the aquarium. However, it is fair to note that the listed substances can be used in small parts, feeding only the planting area, and some materials affect water parameters, which is used by experienced aquarists:

• Adding peat will soften and acidify the liquid.
• Crushed marble will raise the hardness.

How to prepare sandy soil for an aquarium

Mikhail Shevchenko

It is best to use sea sand for an aquarium, as it consists of large grains. The river is small and it cakes into a dense mass, in which the roots of aquatic plants begin to quickly rot. Before placing the sand in the aquarium, it is washed well in several waters, boiled, but not calcined. Pour a layer of 5-7 centimeters onto the bottom with a slope from the front glass, this will allow you to remove accumulated dirt from the bottom in the future. When filling the aquarium, water is poured onto a pre-set saucer or plate so as not to wash away the sand. It is better to plant aquatic plants in a slightly filled aquarium, you can directly into the sand, for some they use special pots that are buried in the sand. Then continue to add water to the level you set, do not use a strong stream, it is better to pour it on a floating board. After filling, the aquarium should stand two or three days, the water may be cloudy at first, then it will disappear. Place the fish in clear water.

Restarting an aquarium due to fish illness

If an aquarist notices signs of fish disease, infected fish should be immediately caught and quarantined. The temperature in the community aquarium is raised to stop the spread of the disease.

If the disease is parasitic in nature, then disinfection of the aquarium is not required. Removing sick fish will weaken the effects of the parasites, and the aquatic system itself should recover to normal levels. It is enough to replace half the water, rinse the filter, increase the temperature to +25 and wait 10-14 days in this mode. Similar events are carried out when the aquarium needs to be restarted after a black beard.

How to make a nutritional pad at home

First of all, you need to remember that aquarium soil is soil that consists of several layers

If we talk about what you will need to purchase for such a substrate, then you should pay attention to the fact that it is made from:

• granular activated carbon (can be replaced with birch);
• purified clay for aquarium plants;
• active additives and sorbents (they are sold in stores)
• peat;
• fallen oak leaves, finely chopped (can be replaced with coconut fiber if necessary);
• small pebbles or coarse sand.

If we talk about each component separately, then it is worth paying attention, first of all, to activated carbon. It is a natural sorbent that allows you to neutralize products formed during the decomposition of various organic substances

Accordingly, activated carbon is able to cleanse the soil of harmful impurities that will gradually form in it. However, it is worth considering that if coal is in an artificial reservoir for too long, then in this case it will begin to release back all the harmful components that have accumulated in it. Therefore, it is recommended to completely replace such soil once every 10 months.

Clay also needs to be added carefully, especially if it is red. And it contains a large amount of iron

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This component is not suitable for every fish and plants. The sorbent, or as it is also called the absorbent substance, is purchased in the store. This is a granular composition, which is a layered material enriched with nutritional components. You can buy it at almost any pet store for a low cost.

In peat you can find a large amount of organic substances that are necessary for the root system of plants in the aquarium. However, it should not be confused with river silt. The second option promotes rapid soil oxidation. Natural forest peat will not work in this case either. It is best to give preference to granulated or tableted peat.

If we talk about tree foliage, then in this case you can use oak, some use linden. However, do not forget that such foliage will release a significant amount of tannins into the water, which are not suitable for every fish. The best option in this case would be coconut fiber.

Quartz sand for aquarium and basalt chips

If we talk about quartz sand, it cannot always be used. If we are talking about plants, they cannot develop normally only in a sandy environment. It doesn't have the right amount of nutrients. Therefore, although quartz sand for an aquarium looks very stylish, it must be used very carefully. It is suitable for an artificial pond in which there are no living plants. But even in this case, before use, such a composition must not only be thoroughly rinsed, but also calcined.

Marble basalt chips and quartz sand are used in the so-called white aquarium soil. It should be borne in mind that such components can also affect the composition of water, changing its alkaline balance and hardness. Nutrient soil for the aquarium itself should be a substrate containing macro- and microelements. It will allow the plants to develop fully, and the fish will receive the necessary nutrients. The color of the fish and the algae themselves even depend on the quality of the substrate.

How to choose?

The average cost of aquarium components will be indicated for Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The choice of both soil and substrate depends on what inhabitants will be in the aquarium, what plants will be planted there, as well as on the dimensions of the vessel itself.

Which manufacturer makes the best soil for plants?

The most popular now are granular components, the production of which is carried out by a considerable number of companies. Let's name the best-selling manufacturers.

Aqua Soil

Mixtures from this company help reduce the acidity level of water, as well as its hardness. However, it can only be used for freshwater aquariums. The average price of the mixture is 2500 rubles.

Experts recommend refraining from using such soils in containers where fish live and dig up the soil layer.

Dennerle DeponitMix Professional

This complex includes peat, clay, quartz sand, granules that provide biofiltration, as well as the soil itself with nutritious minerals and iron. You can purchase the complex for 1200 rubles.

The Dennerle DeponitMix Professional mixture helps strengthen the root system and also grow thick greenery. The fact that there are no phosphates and nitrates in the complex saves the aquarium from algae thickets.

Plant Complete Substrate Concentrate

This is already completely ready-to-use soil. It includes the following components: natural sand, minerals, humic acids and peat.

The soil is laid out in the aquarium in a layer whose thickness is 2 centimeters. In those areas where you plan to plant the plant, the layer can be slightly increased. To achieve maximum effect, the soil can be mixed with fine gravel. The cost of soil ranges from 1200-1500 rubles.

• Dennerle Nutri Basis 6 in 1 for plants - costs about 1000 rubles for 2.4 kg;
• Tetra Plant CompleteSubstrate - 1100 rubles per 3 kg;
• ADA Power Sand Special-S - costs much more: 2000 rubles for two liters.

Types of nutrient soil

Nutrient soil for an aquarium is presented in two types:

• Soil saturated with nutrients.
• Nutrient support.

Both types are used to fill the bottom of a fish tank, acting as soil. If a substrate is used, then it is covered with a neutral substrate so that the ingredients do not dissolve in the liquid, otherwise harmful algae will quickly form and spread in the tank.

The basis of the nutritional support consists of the following substances:

• Laterite and iron.
• Clay and potassium.
• Peat and phosphorus.

The composition of individual substrates sold in stores may vary.

If the aquarium uses soil saturated with microelements, then there is no need to use other elements. Useful and popular nutrient soils are represented by the following options:

• Nutrient soil jbl manado.
• Nutrient soil aqua plants.

The jbl manado substrate has a rich scarlet-chocolate color and has the following advantages:

• Porous structure - thanks to this fact, bacteria that purify water take root well.
• The granules are round in shape, so they do not harm the roots of vegetation.
• When using manado soil, water hardness does not change.
• Manado soil is used in reservoirs where bottom-dwelling shrimp and shrimp live.

The aqua plants substrate has the following advantages:

• This species helps algae and shade plants grow faster.
• When using aqua plants soil, there is no need to supplement the substrate with fertilizers and other elements, because tetra contains everything you need.

Why do you need soil in an aquarium?

Soil is required in most types of aquariums. Aquarium plants take root in it, for which the soil serves as the main source of nutrients. The bottom litter serves as a habitat for some species of fish, mollusks and arthropods.

The soil in the aquarium acts as a powerful biofilter. Colonies of bacteria settle in it, processing organic waste and turning it into harmless compounds. The composition of the water and the well-being of the inhabitants of the aquarium depend on the state of the substrate.

The decorative role of the soil is also important. It is able to decorate any artificial pond and give it originality.

Freshwater fish medium

The type of substrate used in a freshwater fish aquarium depends on their species, size, behavior and lifestyle. For example, goldfish like to dig and may capture particles while feeding; for them it is better to choose a large faction. Bottom inhabitants hide in the ground - the fine fraction is suitable for them. Some fish species require soft bottom cover to lay their eggs.

As for color, preference should be given to dark substrates. Against their background, the color of the aquarium inhabitants will be brighter.

Salty aquarium

The soil in a marine aquarium is a habitat for invertebrates and fish, serves as a place for corals to anchor, and maintains water parameters at the required level.

Base for living plants

The soil used in an aquarium with live plants must be rich in nutrients. To do this, it is recommended to make it multi-layered: place a special nutritious substrate under the main layer.

The structure of the substrate is necessary so that it is easy for plants to take root and nothing interferes with the development of the root system. It is usually recommended to use a medium-grained fraction with a particle diameter of 2-5 mm. For plants with long and powerful roots, a larger fraction is used.

Plants in the ground.

Small particles cover the bottom of the aquarium in a dense layer and do not allow water to circulate. Anaerobic bacteria begin to multiply in the litter, which contribute to the rotting of the substrate and the release of harmful substances into the water. Particles that are too large are bad because nutrient organic compounds are not retained between them: they are easily washed out with water and become inaccessible to plants.

Another important parameter when maintaining plants is the height of the soil layer. Plants should be planted in litter 5-7 cm thick or more; this way you can achieve their best growth.

Seachem Flourite

These formulations are usually sold in 7 kg packages. This “live” soil for an aquarium can also be found at a pet store or purchased online. This soil itself is a fairly porous, fine gravel that is suitable for natural planted aquariums. This soil also contains a large amount of soil and contains a lot of iron.

This composition is considered the best for bright red plants. It is also worth paying attention to for those who are interested in the care and maintenance of guppy fish. Especially when it comes to the inhabitants of the aquarium with a red color. For example, there is a guppie called the Red Dragon. They have a beautiful tail of a rich shade. This is the optimal soil for such fish.

This substrate may seem a little dusty. This is due to the presence of a large amount of clay. If we talk about its advantages, then it is excellent for artificial reservoirs. This substrate can be mixed with other types of soil.

However, there are also a few disadvantages. For example, due to the high presence of clay, the water may become cloudier during the start-up process of the aquarium or during fluid changes. Although this soil contains a large amount of iron, it contains few other nutritional components.

Soil for aquarium - types natural neutral artificial

SOIL FOR AQUARIUM

Which soil is best for an aquarium is the first question of a person starting to breed fish. Very often at the initial stage of arranging a “house for fish” the question arises: which soil is better for an aquarium? Although later this loses its relevance and ceases to be actively discussed. However, as time passes, the mistakes made at the beginning make themselves known, and as a result, large-scale corrections begin.

The soil serves not only as a decorative element of the aquarium, but also as an important part of the internal ecosystem. It is a substrate for the rooting of aquatic plants and a habitat for beneficial nitrifying bacteria, which is especially important when using a bottom filter

In addition, some types of fish instinctively burrow into the ground in case of danger or under the influence of seasonal factors, others feed exclusively at the bottom, sifting particles of soil with their mouths in search of food, and still others lay eggs directly on the substrate, making small holes in it. What kind of soil is needed for aquarium?

Editorial: Platidoras

It is recommended to use for a freshwater aquarium, for example, black, gray or white coarse river sand, construction sand, small pebbles or rolled gravel. More specifically, the size of the sand grains should vary between 2-3 mm. Pebbles for an aquarium can be larger - 2-8 mm. Fine sand is placed on the bottom (sand grain size is 1.5-2.5), then a layer of coarse sand (size is 3-4.5 mm).

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Instructions

1. Aquarium soils are divided into three groups. They can be natural, artificial and nutritious. The components of natural soil are pebbles, sand, and other substrate options found in nature. Artificial soil, which is far from the best choice, consists of processed colored glass and pieces of plastic. Nutrient soil is a substrate that is specially prepared and saturated with substances that improve the growth of aquarium plants. Use it as a substrate, and lay a layer of natural soil on top.

2. Select soil according to size. It varies by faction. Too small will not allow water to pass through as well as gases dissolved in it. In such soil, the roots can rot or develop very poorly, as a result the plant stops growing or dies. Too coarse soil will allow various dirt and organic matter to pass through, and this leads to a deterioration in the quality of water in the aquarium. Therefore, choose medium soil size. At the same time, take into account what population will be in the aquarium, and use this as a guide when selecting a faction.

3. Decide on the color of the primer. Wet it and check how it looks - most often wet soil is much brighter than dry soil. The colors can be completely different, and since they do not carry a functional load, you can choose what you like. As far as color is concerned, the soil at the bottom of the aquarium should first of all meet the aesthetic preferences of the owners. Keep in mind that shrimp and fish will look much brighter against the background of darker soil. When choosing, imagine what kind of lighting there will be in the aquarium and how it will affect the color of the soil.

4. The composition of the soil affects the characteristics of the water in the aquarium. This is especially reflected in its bottom layer. Before you make a purchase, find out exactly how the soil will affect the water, because some varieties can make it harder than you need or acidify it. This is neither bad nor good - select the soil taking into account what kind of water is used in the aquarium and how the fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium tolerate it. Take into account their preferences and make a choice.

Video on the topic

note

The problem with choosing soil will be solved by itself if you plan to recreate a certain corner of wildlife in the aquarium. Then the composition and type of soil must be selected in full accordance with the natural one. In other cases, when choosing it, simply be guided by the preferences of the plants and inhabitants. It is better to save following your design ideas for an empty aquarium, which will serve only a decorative function.

Helpful advice

You can simply choose a neutral soil that does not affect the water in any way. But if the water requires, for example, acidification, purchase one that contains peat. When choosing, first of all, take into account the tastes of the inhabitants of the aquarium. If it is impossible to fully satisfy their needs, look for a reasonable compromise.

Aquarium soil

Aquarists, both beginners and professionals, always pay attention to the soil. Newbies have a lot of questions

Let's try to answer the most common of them.

A few questions about aquarium soil

What functions does soil perform?

Aquarium soil performs two main functions:

1. Serves as a basis for algae to take root.
2. Performs a decorative function.

Is soil needed in an aquarium? Is it a necessary condition for the successful existence of fish?

If the aquarium does not include any decorations or algae, then soil is not necessary. In industrial conditions, soil is not used when breeding fish; at home, it serves mainly a decorative function.

Is it possible to create soil for an aquarium with your own hands?

Can. For “homemade” soil, you will need to take clay, soak it in water until it becomes slurry, and mix the solution with gravel. The resulting mixture serves as the base, the first layer on which nutrient soil is laid.

Nutrient soil is prepared from peat and gravel. Clay balls and charcoal are added to the mixture, which will absorb the products of the decomposition process and prevent coloring of the water.

The third layer is decorative. Gravel is usually used. It hides the nutrient layer and serves as an additional protective layer that prevents water coloring.

Laying soil in an aquarium also occurs “in layers”: first, the first layer is laid, at some distance from the walls of the aquarium, with the second layer on top. The decorative layer is laid last, and it is used to fill the gaps between the first two layers and the walls of the aquarium - in this case, the entire layered “pie” of soil will not be visible to prying eyes.

Homemade soil is not as balanced as store-bought soil, so it is worth introducing the first fish into an aquarium with such soil only in the third or fourth week, after the discolored water has been replaced and the rapid growth of plants caused by the entry of large amounts of nutrients into the water has stopped.

How to prepare purchased soil for an aquarium?

Purchased soil must be washed until the water becomes clear. It is also recommended to boil the soil for additional cleaning to kill all kinds of bacteria. But boiling is not suitable for every type of soil, so it is better to consult the seller about its need for a specific soil.

Attention! The nutrient soil is not washed, but immediately placed in the aquarium!

How much soil do you need in an aquarium?

The amount of soil can be calculated using the formula below:

m(kg) = a*b*h*1.5/1000

a, b - length and width of the aquarium in cm, h - height of the soil layer in cm, m - mass of the soil.

The general rule is this: if there are only a small number of plants in the aquarium, then the soil layer should not exceed 2 cm. If you plan to create a real “sea bottom” in the aquarium, then the soil layer should be at least 5 cm.

Too thick a layer of soil can lead to acidification of the water, so to accurately determine the height of the soil, you should use the formula.

How to clean the soil in an aquarium?

The soil should not be cleaned for the first month. After the first month, when the fish have time to settle in, the soil is cleaned once a month: food remains and waste are removed. Determining exactly when you need to clean the soil is quite easy: you need to stir it with your hand and sniff the bubbles rising from the bottom. If the smell is sour, then it’s time to clean the soil. It is very convenient to use a siphon for cleaning. The cleaning process using a siphon is quite simple and is combined with a partial replacement of water in the aquarium; there is no need to replant the fish.

The funnel cylinder on the siphon is stuck into a certain area of ​​the ground. It is necessary to stir up the soil to the very base, while it rises and then slowly settles. At this time, you need to siphon the particles out of the water. Heavy soil (pebbles) quickly sinks to the bottom, the siphon does not have time to be drawn in, and dirt particles go through the tube into the drain. Cleaning the soil area ends when the water in the tip becomes clear. Each section of soil is processed in this way.

Disinfection

To prevent the spread of infection, bacterial or fungal disease affecting fish, it is disinfected before laying the soil.

Step-by-step preparation of the bottom flooring:

1. To clean, rinse the material under the tap.
2. Immerse in saturated manganese solution for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse again to remove traces of potassium permanganate.
4. Boil for an hour. Instead of boiling, you can bake it in an oven heated to 200°C for 45 minutes.

Commercial Nutrient Soils and Substrates: A Brief Overview

Such branded aquarium products used to come in the form of soil to which various substances were added. Soils balanced in this way were simply poured onto the bottom of the “can.”

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Currently, granular bottom substrates have become most popular, varieties of which are produced by many companies: German Dennerle, JBL, Tetra, Polish Aquael and many others.

Aqua Soil. An example of soil is Aqua Soil - Africana, Amazonia, Malaya. This mixture helps reduce the pH level and hardness of aquarium water. Designed exclusively for freshwater aquariums.

Experts do not recommend using this soil when keeping fish that dig in the soil.

Dennerle DeponitMix Professional soil mixture consists of selected natural peat, high quality natural clay, soil with nutrient minerals and iron, quartz sand and granules to provide biological filtration and remove nitrites from water. It helps strengthen the root system of vegetation and healthy foliage. The absence of phosphates and nitrates in the mixture eliminates the formation of green algae.

JBL AquaBasis plus is widely used and includes:

• natural peat acting as humus;
• selected clay in the form of granules;
• mineral supplements that also contain large amounts of iron;
• porous granules for the formation of colonies of denitrifying bacteria.

The mixture is spread evenly along the bottom of the aquarium (layer thickness 2–3 cm), and treated fine gravel is carefully poured on top. In this case, a commercial mixture, the service life of which is 3 years, plays the role of a substrate

Plant Complete Substrate Concentrate from Tetra is a ready-to-use primer. It contains: a mixture of various types of natural sand, minerals, humic acids, which have ion-exchange, sorption and biologically active qualities, as well as peat.

The soil is poured onto the bottom of the new aquarium in a layer 2 cm thick. In places where aquatic plants are planned to be planted, the layer can be made a little thicker. It is possible to use either the finished product or mix it with fine-grained rolled gravel. This concentrate prevents the appearance of algae, strengthens roots, and promotes normal development of stems and leaves.

The range of nutrient soil mixtures is very wide, and to make the right choice, you should carefully read their composition, as well as carefully read the instructions for use.

Nutrient soils are designed to ensure the good development of aquarium plants, but this is not their only function. Modern commercial ready-mixes significantly improve water quality. And this is the most important factor in the good health of ornamental fish.

Video tip on how to make a nutrient substrate for aquarium plants:

Correct styling

A nutrient mixture for plants (purchased or prepared independently) is placed on the bottom; the layer thickness should be about 2-3 cm. If the plants are planted in groups in separate areas, then the nutrient substrate is placed only on these areas. A basic neutral primer with large or medium-sized particles is placed on top of the substrate. This is necessary so that the nutrient litter is not washed away by water; In addition, plant roots are strengthened in the top layer.

The soil in the aquarium can be distributed evenly along the bottom or a slope can be formed towards the front glass. The thickness of the litter at the back wall can reach 8 cm, at the front - 2-3 cm. It is recommended to make a recess in the center in which waste will accumulate. This arrangement makes cleaning the aquarium easier.

The section of the bottom under the stern point should be left without soil or laid in a thin layer. A shallow cuvette or saucer can be installed in this place. This will make it easier for the fish to collect fallen food.

Before placing the soil in the aquarium, it is necessary to free it from dust, rinse it in water, and, if necessary, boil it and calcinate it for disinfection. Nutrient substrates and fertilizers cannot be washed and calcined, otherwise beneficial substances and microorganisms will be lost.

If the aquarium is intended to contain inhabitants that require soft water, the soil should be checked for limestone content before installation.

To do this, acetic acid is applied to the litter particles. The appearance of hissing gas bubbles indicates the presence of carbonates and bicarbonates in the material, which, when released into water, will dissolve and increase the pH.

Why is it needed?

Soil is one of the components in the aquarium configuration. It, like the lighting and background, gives it a special atmosphere and charm. And if you want to make your underwater world truly unique, then use colored primer: it will transform the tank in a matter of minutes.

However, the most important task of soil is that it acts as a substrate for plants.

The soil creates conditions for the emergence of microflora in the aquarium, that is, it promotes the appearance of bryozoans, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms necessary for underwater inhabitants. It actively recycles waste from aquarium fish. The soil also filters water, trapping harmful suspended matter and microparticles that pollute the water.

Thus, we can conclude that soil is a key component in creating biological balance in the tank, without which fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world cannot live in it.

What are ground cover plants

Often, aquariums contain plants that cannot continue their life without nutritious soil. The fact is that they have very small and thin roots. In this case, sand or quartz chips are completely unsuitable for an aquarium.

In order to form a beautiful carpet at the bottom of an artificial reservoir, it is necessary to create the necessary “atmosphere”, which can only be achieved with the help of nutritious soil. It is also worth noting that such soil is vital for any plants in which the red tint predominates. Otherwise, they will lose their beautiful shade and become pale.

What cannot be used as a substrate in an aquarium

Some types of soil available for sale are strictly not recommended for use in an aquarium.

Glass soil

Glass products have a smooth, pore-free surface, which prevents bacteria from growing on them. The nutrients needed by plants are not retained between the large glass beads. When washed into the water, organic matter poisons the fish.

Layered soil

When backfilling soil in layers (on top of a larger fraction - a smaller one), the looseness of the substrate is lost. It cakes and aerobic bacteria die.

Organic waste begins to rot, poisoning the water. Due to the influx of organic matter, algae grow rapidly in the water column.

The layered soil cakes and the water in the aquarium turns into a swamp.

Expanded clay

Expanded clay is not recommended for use in aquariums due to its too high porosity. It is capable of accumulating large amounts of organic matter and abruptly releasing harmful substances back into the water. Expanded clay is lightweight, so when fish dig through it, a lot of dirt and silt rises up.

garden soil

Garden soil is rich in organic matter. When it gets into the aquarium, rotting processes begin, leading to poisoning and death of the fish. In addition, the soil contains many microorganisms that can cause diseases in the inhabitants of the aquarium.

The benefits and harms of siphon soil cleaning

When cleaning the soil with a siphon, there is no need to evict the inhabitants of the aquarium and remove plants.

The siphon does not collect all the sludge, so after cleaning, a certain amount of organic matter is always retained in the soil to feed plants. This is the advantage of siphon cleaning over complete rinsing and replacing the substrate.

The disadvantages of this cleaning method include the possibility of small fish and shellfish getting into the hose, clogging the hose with soil particles, as well as the likelihood of draining too much water, which will lead to a shift in its parameters and disruption of bio-equilibrium in the aquarium. In addition, the siphon lifts a large amount of organic matter from the bottom, which can provoke the proliferation of algae and water blooms.

Nutrient soils for the aquarium

Nutrient substrates are a more complex category of aquarium substrates and can be divided into two types: soil substrates and nutrient substrates.

Nutrient substrates

The name of this type of aquarium soil speaks for itself. This soil is placed in a small layer under the main soil. Depending on the manufacturer, these are various types of mixtures with a large supply of nutrients. Due to the fact that such soil has many nutritional elements, it is covered with a layer of neutral soil. If the nutrient substrate is not covered at the top, its nutrients may be washed out by the current and dissolved in the aquarium water. This uncontrolled increase in the concentration of nutrients in the water can cause algae to appear.

As mentioned, different brands make nutritional pads with formulations that are very different from each other. Nutrient substrates based on laterite contain a lot of iron, those based on clay contain potassium, and those based on peat contain nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrient beds may also contain other nutrient-rich rocks, such as lava.

This is worth paying attention to when planning your aquarium. For example, if you need to provide your future plants with iron, then you will only need a substrate that contains enough iron. Below is the composition of AQUAYER nutritional support. Compare this composition with the composition of granular soil soils, which will be discussed below. This will help you understand their fundamental difference.

Earth nutrient soil (granular soils)

Currently, this category is dominated by granular soils. Previously, ordinary soil was often used in the practice of aquarists, but over time, granular soils replaced them, as their offerings became very diverse and quite affordable.

What are the features of granular nutrient soils? Unlike nutrient substrates, such soils can be used as the main or even the only one. That is, the volume of such soil must be used several times more than nutrient substrates. A reasonable question may arise: wouldn’t there be a large release of nutrients into the water from such a volume of nutrient soil uncovered with neutral? The fact is that such soils have a much lower concentration of nutrients and their leaching by water flow from the upper layers of the soil is insignificant. Below is an analysis of the ADA Amazonia II soil published on flowgrow.de

This is the fundamental difference between nutrient substrates and granular soil soils. In terms of composition, such granular soils can be roughly represented as a mixture of neutral soil with a nutrient substrate. You can read more about this type of soil in a special article: Nutrient soil for an aquarium with plants: how it works