Substrates for Planted Tanks
Choosing the best substrate for planted tank can be a daunting task. There are a range of substrates on the market, many of which are similar, but have some differences. Below we take a look many of the higher quality options designed for addition into your planted tank.
Best Substrate for Planted Tank – Reviews
CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium, Black
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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The CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium substrate is designed for freshwater planted aquariums. It is black in color and contains major and minor trace elements in order to help the plants in your aquarium to survive and thrive in your environment.
The substrate has been updated to assist in root enhancement. It is also naturally rich in iron. This removes the need to separately add laterite to your tank.
One nice element of this 20 lb Eco-Complete planted substrate is that it is packaged in a water conditioning solution. Therefore you will not need to go through the tedious process of washing the substrate multiple times to avoid making your aquarium cloudy. Additionally, there are no artificial dyes, chemical coatings or paints added to the substrate – removing the risk of poising your fish and plants.
Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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The Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel is made from stable, porous clay and is designed for use in planted aquariums. It looks great in non-planted aquariums as well.
The Flourite Black Clay Gravel has not been treated or chemically coated – important for ensuring the continued health of your aquarium. Further it will not alter the pH levels. It is not necessary to add laterite.
The gravel has been pre-washed, but it is still worth rinsing it before you use it. If you don’t (or you handle it without care) you could end up with black plumes in your aquarium. If you do end up with cloudiness, ensure that you do not disturb the gravel further, and allow the mechanical filtration component of your filter to slowly clean up your aquarium.
Flourite Dark
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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The Seachem Flourite Dark Clay Gravel is made from stable, porous clay and is designed for use in planted aquariums. It looks great in non-planted aquariums as well.
The Flourite Dark Clay Gravel has not been treated or chemically coated – important for ensuring the continued health of your aquarium. Further it will not alter the pH levels. It is not necessary to add laterite.
Is this the best substrate for planted tank? The gravel has been pre-washed, but it is still worth rinsing it before you use it. If you don’t (or you handle it without care) you could end up with dark plumes in your aquarium. If you do end up with cloudiness, ensure that you do not disturb the gravel further, and allow the mechanical filtration component of your filter to slowly clean up your aquarium.
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a good substrate option for many aquariums. It is rich in minerals, macro and micro nutrients and is great for promoting healthy plant growth within your planted aquarium. The substrate itself was collected from the foothills of Most Aso volcano in Japan.
Unlike the Flourite range, the Fluval substrate is not pH neutral – it promotes a neutral to mildly acidic pH level. It is available in 8.8 lb bags (featured) as well as in 4.4 and 17.8lb sizes.
Ultum Nature Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 2/5
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The Ultum Nature Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate is one of the more expensive options on the market. Some people thing that it is the best substrate for their planted aquarium. However, many have complained that the substrate breaks down too easily and can lead to disappointing black clouds in your aquarium.
Unless you have tried it before, and were happy, our inclination is to go with another option.
Carib Sea Super Natural Peace River Sand for Aquarium
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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Carib Sea Super Natural Peace River Sand for Aquarium has a different look from the other options in this article so far. It is ideal for recreating natural river environments – particularly useful for keeping fish which came from river environments such as tetras and Cichlids. Made in the USA, this substrate really helps to encapsulate the natural river environments that many of the most popular aquarium fish would call home.
Flourite Black Sand
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This Flourite Black Sand substrate is manufactured in the USA. It is made from a pourous clay gravel and is designed for natural planted aquarium. Although it can make for an appealing visual display in non-planted aquariums too.
The Flourite Black Sand has not been treated or chemically coated – important for ensuring the continued health of your aquarium. Further it will not alter the pH levels. It is not necessary to add laterite.
The sand has been pre-washed, but it is still worth rinsing it before you use it. If you don’t (or you handle it without care) you could end up with black plumes in your aquarium. If you do end up with cloudiness, ensure that you do not disturb the sand further, and allow the mechanical filtration component of your filter to slowly clean up your aquarium.
Best Substrate for Planted Tank – Conclusion
There are a range of options that could be chosen as the best substrate for planted tank. We definitely have a preference for those without added chemicals and coatings – fish and plant health is always a priority. After that, decide on the type of substrate you are looking for – sand or gravel, black or brown? Once you know the type of substrate you are looking for, we hope our reviews above help you to decide on the best one for you!
Once you have your substrate sorted, it is time to consider whether you need an aquarium UV sterilizer for your tank, or even a refugium light if your setup requires it.