Nutrient Substrate
Nutrient substrate for planted tanks: active aquasoil, fine-grain soil for the foreground and base layers under gravel.
How to choose?
€25.99
Unit price: €3.47 / l
from€9.99
Unit price: €5.00 / l
€15.99
Unit price: €3.20 / l
Advice and care
How to choose a nutrient substrate
Grain size and layer depth depend on your plants and the size of the tank.
Fine grain
Fine soil suits the foreground, carpet plants and nano tanks.
Layer depth
Lay it thicker at the back and thinner at the front to give depth.
First weeks
Change water more often at first, as fresh soil releases nutrients.
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All brandsFrequently asked questions
Does a nutrient substrate need gravel on top?
Plant soil does not; it is used on its own. A base layer, however, is always covered with sand or gravel.
Is nutrient substrate good for shrimp?
Active plant soil softens the water, which suits many shrimp. Let the tank settle for a couple of weeks before adding them.
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Nutrient substrate is meant for aquariums where plants are the main feature. Its grains hold nutrients that the roots use during the first months, and active soil keeps the water soft and slightly acidic. That gives good conditions to carpeting plants, cryptocorynes and many stem plants.
There are two main types. Aquasoil can be used as the only substrate, while a base layer is spread thinly on the bottom and covered with sand or gravel. The second option suits you if you want the look of gravel or keep fish that dig and would stir the soil up.
The nutrients do not last for ever: after a few months start adding liquid fertiliser and root tablets for root-feeding plants. Over time the soil also loses its softening effect and is replaced when the tank is set up again. Do not siphon the soil deeply, so the grains stay intact.
