Types of Aquarium Substrate

In this post, I will be listing different types of substrate and a few points about each.

*Some substrates will be inert. Others will change water quality.
*You can mix and match different substrate types, colors and sizes for a more realistic look!
*You must rinse all substrates thoroughly as they have a lot of dust and debris that will make your water dirty


1. Pea Gravel (Fine, Med, Large::: 1-10mm diameter)
- most commonly used form of substrate.
- tiny to medium sized, rounded gravel, usually pale gray, white, brown
- fine grade pea gravel makes rooting and planting aquatic plants a breeze.
- resembles mountain riverbed scenery

2. Sand
- preferred medium of some bottom dwellers
- special care is required to prevent it from clumping together and releasing noxious gases.
- needs constant disturbances (moving it around with your hand) to aerate the sand
-not so great for rooting plants
- comes in nice silver, white, gold colors
- resembles brackish waterways, riverbeds


3. Artificially colored Gravel
- unnatural colors = unnatural environment
- be careful: dyes may wear off and pollute water
- comes in fluorescent/neon colors
- terrible rooting medium for plants due to large, odd sizes
- preferred by children for their aquariums

4. Aquarium Soil
- difficult to manage, causes lots of pollution
- clouds water, not aesthetically pleasing
- contains nutrients essential for plant growth
- is usually placed under a top layer of gravel
- regular potting soil may be OK, make sure it doesn't have added chemicals or pesticides!

5. Quartz/Lime-Free Gravel
- inert, won't change water conditions
- fine grade = good planting medium
- comes in nice golden brown, black, white colors
- resembles riverbeds