When arranging the underwater environment of the aquarium, one of the mandatory attributes is the soil. And it is not so easy to choose it, because in this case an individual approach is required. The best option is considered to be the one that ideally matches the size, shape of the container, the species and number of fish and plants inhabiting it, and the degree of salinity of the water. A breeding ground for freshwater fauna is detrimental to structures with a salty microclimate.

According to their composition, soils are divided into the following types:

• mechanical;
• artificial;
• natural.

It is also worth paying attention to the size and configuration of the particles, since they are perceived differently by different types of aquarium animals. Coral sand, shell rock, glass and layered substrates, expanded clay, etc. should be completely excluded from the list of possible materials. It remains only to find out how to correctly calculate the required amount of a useful accessory. To do this, we multiply the capacity parameters by a factor of 1.5 and divide the resulting figure by 1000. And which soils are most often purchased by aquarium owners, you will learn from our rating.

TOP 5 best soils for aquarium

5 Aquayer

The proprietary development contains a large number of useful microelements, including calcium, iron, nitrogen in a high dosage. The balanced composition helps the planted plants to overcome stress and start the growth mechanism. The maximum lining efficiency is observed in the bush type of Cryptocoryne. The PH of this product is 6.5-6.8. The aquarium material has no expiration date. For a good result, the main soil is poured on top of the substrate layer. A package with a volume of 5 liters is enough to maintain an aquarium of 100-150 liters.

4 JBL MANADO DARK

The material is dark brown in color and goes well with bottom fish, including catfish and loach, a plant nutrient medium. It strengthens the root system in the best way, reduces the growth of algae, due to the large amount of iron in the composition, it saturates living plants with it, if necessary. The microclimate created by the porous structure has a good effect on the reproduction of beneficial bacteria. The ability of the soil to purify water, without negative impact on it, is also noted. Packing with fractions of 1.5-2.5 mm is intended for 5 liters of substrate. All in all, the manufacturer offers packaging in several sizes.

3 UDeco River Amber "Amber gravel"

The line "Amber Sand" is represented by a wide range of fractions included in the package - from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The most popular variety, which includes particles from 2 to 5 mm, participates in our review. The rounded material does not change the general and carbonate hardness, therefore it is appropriate to use it in universal structures. It is characterized by a natural sandy color, light transparency. Both plants and fauna feel equally comfortable in it, especially if, in addition, volcanic lava of the same brand is used as a substrate for it. Amber gravel can also be laid in paludariums or terrariums.

2 Barbus "Mix"

If you are preoccupied with finding bottom material for rooting plants in an aquarium for not the smallest freshwater fish, then this proposal will resonate with hearts. The best option is represented by 5-10 mm white and black particles, which resemble natural coarse sandy deposits. These are natural stone chips, neutral in chemical composition. It is simply adored by those inhabitants of the underwater world, in whose nature they conduct frequent excavations of the soil. In order to avoid turbidity of the water, a fine substrate is not suitable for them. And to deprive them of pleasure is to cause depression. The 3.5 kg package is designed for 20 liters, and it is recommended to pre-wash the material.

1 Aqua soil "Rounded quartz"

The material is perfectly compatible with freshwater fish, which love not only to burrow into it in search of food or rest, but also to spawn. The substrate is a fraction of 1.5-2.5 mm in size, with smooth edges, safe for small aquarium inhabitants. They serve as a mechanical and biological filter capable of trapping large particles. It is also an excellent breeding ground for beneficial bacteria. The substrate is suitable for planting plants that will not only decorate the local landscape, but also saturate the water with oxygen. The material, neutral in its specificity, is in wear-resistant packages of 3 kg, which are well tolerated during transportation and storage.