TOP 10 best soils for an aquarium: pros and cons, reviews
An aquarium is not just a unique home decor, but also a means of relaxation. Watching the unhurried movements of the underwater inhabitants, you can perfectly relax after a hard day at work. For the fish to be comfortable, you need to pick up aquatic vegetation, but more importantly, choose the best substrate for your aquarium. This rating will help you to do this.
What to look for when choosing a substrate for an aquarium
The substrate is an important part of the aquarium ecosystem. It is in it that underwater vegetation takes root and beneficial microorganisms multiply, which help maintain an optimal microflora.
A few tips will help you choose the right substrate for your aquariums:
- Particle size is determined by the species of fish and plants that are planned to be placed in the tank. Fine sand (up to 0.5 mm) is more often used as a decoration, as it quickly cakes and is not suitable for plant rooting. A substrate with particles of 1-2 or 3-4 mm is considered universal, as it is suitable for most fish and plants. Particles larger than 5 mm are used in aquariums with fish that do not live on the bottom, but prefer to swim in the water column.
- Soil color also plays an important role. It is advisable to use soil with a neutral natural shade. Part of the aquarium can be decorated with black soil. But it is better not to buy the soil of bright unnatural colors. As a rule, it is produced by an artisanal method, and when it gets into the water, such a substrate begins to release substances dangerous for fish.
In stores, you can buy both natural and artificial soil. The preference should be given to the first option, since a natural substrate, as opposed to an artificial one, allows you to create a full-fledged ecosystem in a closed reservoir.
The best soils for an aquarium
High-quality nutrient soil for an aquarium can be bought in almost any specialty store, but not all formulations are really good. Experienced aquarists recommend opting for one of these models:
JBL Manado
This German brand provides a wide range of soils for aquariums and terrariums. There are options for tropical and freshwater fish, as well as beige and black substrates. One of the best is considered to be black soil. It can be used in both aquariums and terrariums. The product is neutral in acidity and therefore will not disturb the aquarium ecosystem. The most popular packaging weighs 2.4 kg and is designed to fill a tank with a volume of 20 liters or more. The substrate comes in a sturdy polyethylene bag, so it will definitely not tear during transportation.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Gravel |
| Fraction size | 3-5 mm |
pros
- ideal for fast rooting of aquatic vegetation;
- does not contain artificial colors;
- does not release toxic compounds and chemicals into the water;
- makes the color of the fish brighter;
- universal use: suitable for freshwater and tropical aquariums.
Minuses
- small package weight;
- black primer is not always available for sale.
Feedback: “I have long wanted to buy exactly black soil for the aquarium, but I could not find it. As a result, I ordered it on the Internet. Surprisingly, in such an aquarium, the fish look brighter and the plants are greener. Recommend".
ZOLUX Aquasand Nature Quartz Gros
The manufacturer Zolux also produces a wide range of natural soils for arranging aquariums of various themes. The line includes sandy and gravel substrates. They have a natural color and not only set off the bright color of the fish, but also allow you to recreate their natural habitat. For a small 25 liter aquarium, a small package of soil weighing just over 4 kg will suffice. This substrate is not suitable for terrariums.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Gravel |
| Fraction size | 3-5 mm |
pros
- universal fraction size suitable for planting aquatic vegetation;
- does not cake even with prolonged use;
- sets off the bright color of the fish;
- does not contain harmful substances;
- Supplied in sturdy packaging.
Minuses
- not always on sale;
- only suitable for aquariums: cannot be used in a terrarium.
Feedback: “We bought this soil on the advice of the seller, since we don't understand the details of soil selection. It lays down on the bottom evenly and really does not cake. "
UDeco River Amber
One of the best soils for arranging an aquarium. It is completely natural and consists of small polished stones of various rocks. The composition of the substrate is balanced, so it does not change the acidity and does not increase the hardness of the water. To ensure that the soil is evenly distributed over the bottom and does not cake, the manufacturer recommends using a volcanic lava substrate. Soil from this manufacturer is provided in packages weighing 3.3 or 9.9 kg. This amount is sufficient to fill an aquarium from 30 liters.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Amber gravel |
| Fraction size | 0.1 to 5 mm (depending on model) |
pros
- does not change the composition of the water in the aquarium;
- suitable for creating a tropical and freshwater aquarium;
- a wide range of sizes of fractions for different types of fish;
- durable packaging made of transparent material allows you to evaluate the soil before purchasing;
- affordable cost.
Minuses
- before use, the soil must be thoroughly rinsed, otherwise it will pollute the water;
- difficult to find on sale, easier to order in the online store.
Review: “Very good soil, I recommend it to everyone. It is absolutely natural, does not affect the water in any way, and the aquarium looks like an untouched corner of nature. "
Prime
Prime manufactures several types of aquarium substrates. You can find black, blue, white, lilac and even orange substrates on sale. Despite the bright color, the soil does not contain compounds dangerous for fish, and after filling the tank, it does not change the composition of the water and does not disturb the microclimate. The packaging of the product can also be different, but the fraction is universal and suitable for most types of fish and aquatic vegetation. Experienced aquarists recommend buying a black or white substrate as it does not change the color of the fish.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Natural stone |
| Fraction size | 3-5 mm |
pros
- wide range of colors;
- resistant to direct sunlight and carbon dioxide;
- does not change the acidity of the water;
- suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums;
- safe natural dyes are used to add color.
Minuses
- not all users like bright soil colors;
- there is no soil with a very fine or coarse fraction.
Review: “I didn't dare to buy a blue and orange substrate. I took the black one. The aquarium looks really luxurious, and the fish seem to look brighter. "
Tetra ActiveSubstrate
A distinctive feature of this soil is that it is intended for filling aquariums in which bottom fish live. All soil components are absolutely natural, do not change the acidity of the soil and do not harm the health of underwater inhabitants. In addition to the soil for bottom fish, the manufacturer produces other types of soil with a large fraction size, so every aquarium owner will be able to choose the appropriate type of substrate. Tetra primers are available in packages from 3 to 10 kg, so even a large tank will be easy to arrange.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Clay |
| Fraction size | Up to 0.1 mm |
pros
- a 6 kg package is enough to fill a large 60 l aquarium;
- affordable cost;
- easy to find on sale;
- there is a wide selection of other soils for different types of fish;
- does not change the composition of water and does not increase its acidity.
Minuses
- cakes quickly;
- only suitable for aquariums with bottom fish.
Review: “Only catfish live in my aquarium, so I always buy such soil. Yes, it cakes, but I haven't found a better option for my fish yet ”.
Dennerle DeponitMix Professional
The nutrient substrate from this manufacturer has been specially formulated for effective rooting and rapid growth of aquatic vegetation. It contains iron in the form of a chelate, which gives the leaves a rich green color. The substrate consists of quartz sand, gravel, clay minerals and peat. Due to this, the soil creates an optimal microclimate in the aquarium and does not harm the health of fish, crabs, shellfish and other aquatic life. The substrate is produced in durable plastic containers, therefore it is not damaged during transportation.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Clay, sand, gravel, peat |
| Fraction size | 3-5 mm |
pros
- the special composition provides high-quality nutrition and fast rooting of plants;
- the neutral color of the soil emphasizes the bright color of the fish;
- does not change the acidity of the water;
- does not emit chemical compounds and toxic substances;
- improves the general microflora in the aquarium.
Minuses
- high price;
- can only be found on sale at large pet stores.
Review: “I can say with confidence that this soil, although expensive, fully justifies its price. The plants look natural, the fish feel great, the acidity of the water does not increase. Recommend".
ISTA Aquarium Substrate Premium Soil
Nourishing substrate for aquariums with optimum acidity. It can be used to fill freshwater aquariums and decorative shrimp tanks. The substrate is produced in a soft bag made of dense material and perfectly tolerates transportation. The granules are porous, colored in a neutral natural color, suitable for rooting of aquatic vegetation. The soil does not change the acidity of the water in the reservoir, does not cake and does not emit toxic substances that can harm the inhabitants.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Quartz gravel |
| Fraction size | 3-5 mm |
pros
- nutritional components in the composition accelerate the rooting and growth of plants;
- sets off the bright color of the fish;
- convenient and durable packaging;
- suitable for aquariums with marine life;
- does not cake even after prolonged use.
Minuses
- high cost in comparison with domestic counterparts;
- not always on sale.
Feedback: “I agree that you can find cheaper soil, but I like this soil both in appearance and in touch. I specially measured the acidity and hardness of the water: it does not change after replacing the soil. "
Barbus
A distinctive feature of this manufacturer's soil is that it is available in a wide variety of compositions. Each model is designed to fill an aquarium with a specific type of fish. For example, the Kariba substrate consists of fine gravel and is painted white. This allows you to recreate the ecosystem of tropical seas and shade the bright color of the fish. Another type of soil - "Caspian" consists of medium-sized pebbles. Such soil is not suitable for rooting of aquatic vegetation, therefore, it is usually supplemented with soil with a smaller particle size.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Pebbles, gravel |
| Fraction size | 3-5 or 5-10 mm (depending on the model) |
pros
- a wide selection of soils for aquariums of various topics;
- reliable domestic manufacturer;
- affordable cost;
- only natural ingredients in the composition;
- there is a choice of soils according to the size of the fraction.
Minuses
- small packaging volume;
- some types of soil are difficult to find on the market.
Testimonial: “I'm a real fan of aquariums. I have three of them at home, all with different fish. I buy only such soil, as its separate varieties are created for certain types of fish. "
ArtUniqColor
The aquarium soil of this brand is also presented in a wide range. For example, for arranging a freshwater aquarium with bottom fish, you can buy decorative marsh soil, and for a tropical one, soils of an unusual color are suitable. Despite the fact that all substrates of the brand are painted in unusual colors, they are absolutely safe for underwater inhabitants. The dyes are completely natural, do not fade under the influence of direct sunlight, do not change the acidity of the water and do not emit toxic substances.The fraction size is the same for all varieties and is more suitable for decorative purposes than for rooting plants.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Quartz sand |
| Fraction size | 1-2 mm |
pros
- a wide range of colors for decoration;
- only natural ingredients in the composition;
- does not change the acidity level of the water;
- does not cake;
- affordable cost.
Minuses
- not suitable for rooting plants;
- not always on sale.
Testimonial: “If you want to plant some kind of plant, this soil will not work. The fraction is too small. But for decorative purposes, this soil is ideal. "
Dennerle nano garnelenkies
The soil of this manufacturer is presented in several color options, but all of them are neutral and perfectly set off the bright color of the fish. You can find black, light gray and brown soil on sale. The product has been specially designed for small aquariums. The size of the fraction is small, therefore, in large reservoirs, the soil will quickly cake. The substrate is made from natural ingredients, it will not harm underwater inhabitants.
| Type of | Natural |
| Composition | Fine gravel |
| Fraction size | 0.7-1.2 mm |
pros
- only natural ingredients in the composition;
- neutral colors highlight the beauty of fish and underwater plants;
- goes well with primers from other manufacturers;
- ideal for small aquariums;
- does not change the acidity and hardness of the water.
Minuses
- not suitable for large aquariums;
- cannot be used for rooting plants.
Review: “The ground is shallow, but I personally like it. I use it to fill the space between large boulders. "
Comparison table
In order to buy high-quality soil for an aquarium the first time, which will not harm the fish and help create a unique composition, it is better to choose several options and compare their characteristics using a table.
| Product name | Type of | Composition | Fraction size |
| JBL Manado | Natural | Gravel | 3-5 mm |
| ZOLUX Aquasand Nature Quartz Gros | Natural | Gravel | 3-5 mm |
| UDeco River Amber | Natural | Gravel | 0.1 to 5 mm (depending on model) |
| Prime | Natural | Natural stone | 3-5 mm |
| Tetra ActiveSubstrate | Natural | Clay | Up to 0.1 mm |
| Dennerle DeponitMix Professional | Natural | Clay, sand, gravel, peat | 3-5 mm |
| ISTA Aquarium Substrate Premium Soil | Natural | Quartz gravel | 3-5 mm |
| Barbus | Natural | Pebbles, gravel | 3-5 or 5-10 mm (depending on the model) |
| ArtUniq Color | Natural | Quartz sand | 1-2 mm |
| Dennerle nano garnelenkies | Natural | Fine gravel | 0.7-1.2 mm |
From this top, we can conclude that it is better to use natural soil for the aquarium. It does not harm fish, accelerates plant growth, and also allows you to create a unique ecosystem in a closed tank. The best manufacturers of safe soil and the most successful formulations are described above.
