What's On Your Bottom? Choosing A Substrate For Your Aquarium

[00:00:00] Welcome to this episode of The Aquarists Edge, a podcast for home aquarists just like you. Learn more about how to keep a thriving aquarium and discover ideas and tips to give your aquarium the edge. And now, over to our host, Arthur Preston. Picture this. A lush underwater garden, vibrant green plants swaying gently, fish darting in and out of hidden nooks and crannies,

[00:00:28] a perfectly balanced ecosystem thriving just below the surface. Now, imagine the foundation holding this all together. It's the substrate. Is it just gravel? Is it sand? Could it be perhaps something far more creative and purposeful? Welcome to The Aquarists Edge, where today we're going to uncover the secrets beneath your tank. Well, not quite beneath it, but certainly at the bottom.

[00:00:55] Whether you're planning a planted paradise, a minimalist masterpiece or something in between, choosing the right substrate can make or break your aquarium success. So stick around for the pod because by the end of this episode, you'll not only know which substrate is perfect for your tank, but you might even be inspired to try something totally unexpected. So let's get started. Well, the one that I would think most of us have started with,

[00:01:24] certainly I did, and for many years as a beginner aquarist, from when I was a young teenager, it was gravel. It's the reliable workhorse of substrates. It's versatile. It's available in various colors and sizes. It's available in almost every pet shop, and it works well for most aquarium setups. Gravel allows the water to flow through it, preventing harmful anaerobic pockets from forming, and it's great for tanks with live plants that need a solid base to anchor their roots.

[00:01:54] And so for beginners, gravel is a safe bet. It's easy to clean. It's stable. It doesn't stir up easily during maintenance, but it's not perfect for every setter. It lacks the nutrients necessary for plant growth. So if you're planning a heavily planted tank, you'll need to supplement the gravel with root tabs, or a nutrient-rich layer underneath it. The other thing to bear in mind is that sharp-edged gravel can be rough on bottom-dwelling fish, like loaches or corridoras.

[00:02:23] And if you're going to keep those species, then rather opt for smooth and rounded gravel. Of course, if you want something that's very soft, then sand is the way to go. So it's a popular option, especially for tanks that try to mimic natural riverbeds or beaches. The fine texture of sand creates a clean, soft appearance, and it's ideal for fish who love to dig or sift through the substrate,

[00:02:50] such as loaches and corridors, and indeed certain cichlids. One of the challenges that we have with sand is compaction. Over time, sand can compress and create areas where harmful gases might accumulate. Regular stirring or the presence of burrowing species in your tank can help keep the sand aerated. Sand can also be tricky during maintenance. It's easy to accidentally vacuum it out with debris during water changes.

[00:03:19] That said, when done right, sand creates a sleek, natural aesthetic, and it's gentle on fish that like to forage at the bottom of the tank. Then we can move to aquarium soil, which is really the powerhouse for plants. If you're serious about aquascaping or maintaining a very lush planted tank, aquarium soil, purpose-made aquarium soil, is the way to go.

[00:03:47] It's nutrient-rich, providing your plants with everything they need to thrive. Unlike inert substrates such as gravel or sand, aquarium soil can even help lower pH and soften the water, which is beneficial for certain species of fish and plants. Are there downsides to aquarium soil? Well, absolutely. One of the biggest is that it's pricey. It's certainly one of the pricier options, and the initial setup can be messy. When first added, aquarium soil often clouds the water,

[00:04:17] but this typically clears up after a few days with good filtration. It also breaks down over time, so eventually you'll need to replace it or supplement it. But for anybody who's wanting to create a vibrant underwater garden, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. What about the organic potting soil mixture? Is that not a possibility? Is that perhaps a better option than aquarium soil? Well, if you're looking to save money while still providing nutrient-rich conditions for plants,

[00:04:45] organic potting mix kept with pool filter sand is a fantastic option. This potting mix delivers the nutrients while the sand prevents it from escaping into the water column. It's a bit more hands-on during setup, and you'll need to ensure the sand layer is thick enough to keep the soil contained. But when done correctly, it's a cost-effective way to achieve a thriving planted tank. I've done this several times, in many ways become my go-to substrate. And I really enjoy the look.

[00:05:13] I enjoy the fact that the plants love the organic potting mix. And when you are shopping for it, just make sure that you are very clear. You look at the bag very carefully. It must be organic. There can be no chemicals added to the potting soil. So just make sure that you're buying the correct mix, organic potting mix, and cap it with a layer of sand, pool sand. Now, in my local pet store, there is a tank that contains betas. It's a divided tank,

[00:05:43] and at the substrate of this tank are glass marbles. Now, I've always thought that was a bit interesting, but when I came to think about it, I realized that, you know, marbles or glass beads can look quite good if that's what you're looking for. They come in a range of colors. They give your tank a kind of artistic flair, and they can look good with certain fish. The smooth surface of the marbles makes them easy to clean. They don't compact like sand does, but they're not ideal for planted tanks

[00:06:12] as they don't provide any anchoring or nutrients for plant roots. And there's one other downside to this. Food and waste can easily slip between the marbles, so regular maintenance is essential to prevent water quality issues. Glass marbles or glass beads are a fun and unique option for aquarists looking to create something of a statement tank. Personally, I don't like them. I think there are better, more natural ways of creating a substrate in your tank, but I would imagine that for some people,

[00:06:42] nice marbles at the bottom of a tank could be what they're looking for. Just be aware of the downsides. A far more natural approach, which is, as I said, my go-to, it's when I prefer far more than something artificial, is a natural substrate with leaf litter and botanicals. And if you're aiming for a tank that mimics a natural riverbed or a blackwater habitat, leaf litter and botanicals are fantastic choices. Leaves such as Indian almond or oak release tannins into the water,

[00:07:11] creating a tea-colored effect and slightly lowering pH, which is perfect for fish such as tetras, betas or postagrammers. While this setup is stunning and replicates certain biotopes beautifully, it does require regular upkeep. Leaves and botanicals break down over time and need to be replaced to avoid water quality issues. That said, I think if you're looking for something that is natural,

[00:07:39] that is going to mimic nature, if you have a nice flow of water through it, or indeed perhaps a more still river look that's going in your aquarium for the species that inhabit that type of natural environment, then leaflets and botanicals at the bottom of your tank are stunning. And indeed, these can be added no matter what your substrate is. But if you're wanting something completely natural, leaflets and botanicals on their own at the bottom of your tank is also an option. But now,

[00:08:09] what about people who don't want a substrate at all? Is it possible to have a good healthy tank without a substrate altogether? Well, the answer is yes, you can have a healthy tank without a substrate, but you need to be aware of a couple of things. Let's first talk about the practicality. Why would you want a substrate-free tank? Well, in breeder tanks or quarantine tanks, cleaning becomes a whole lot easier. Waste and uneaten food are visible and can be quickly siphoned out. But they certainly lack

[00:08:39] the aesthetic appeal of a traditional setup. And truthfully, they can also stress some fish species that prefer a darker or more natural-looking environment. Additionally, without a substrate, you miss out on the biological filtration provided by beneficial bacteria that colonize the substrate surface. So, while substrate-free tanks have their uses, they're best suited for specific purposes rather than as a long-term display tank solution.

[00:09:09] But why just settle for one type of substrate? Why not mix them together? Mixing gravel and sand, for example, can create an interesting texture and give you the benefits of both. Or you could use gravel for the bulk of the tank and reserve a section of sand for burrowing fish. You can also mix and match your substrate to create patterns and pathways in your tank. It can look very aesthetically pleasing if you've been creative and taken the time to really lay out your substrate carefully. So, by combining substrates,

[00:09:39] you can tailor your tank to meet the needs of your fish and your plants while also achieving a very unique aesthetic. So, get creative! Now, whether you're going for a classic gravel setup, experimenting with something like glass beads, or exploring the possibilities of a substrate-free tank, the key here is to match your substrate choice to the needs of your fish and your plants. So, folks, what is your favourite substrate? Have you tried anything that's been unconventional? Let me know!

[00:10:09] Send an email to admin at artsfisherim.co.za and let's share the ideas. We can always learn from one another, which ultimately is the purpose of this podcast. And that brings us to the end of this week's episode of the Aquaris Edge. Thanks for tuning in. Please make sure you like and subscribe if you are listening to this or watching this on YouTube. And please go ahead and leave a review if you are listening to this on Apple Podcasts. And please also consider following us, subscribing to us

[00:10:38] on your favourite podcast app. Anyway, folks, that's it for now. Keep creative. Keep enjoying this amazing hobby. I will see you next time. Bye for now. That's it for this episode of the Aquaris Edge. Please consider subscribing to this podcast so that you don't miss further episodes. We would love it if you would also rate and review the podcast as this helps make it visible to others. Until next time, keep learning and discovering and keep finding your Aquaris Edge

[00:11:07] in this captivating and fascinating hobby.