What is substrate and how do I use it?

kamikaze_fish

kamikaze_fish

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Aug 18, 2008
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In the 10g I was given, there's black "sand" stuff in the bottom. The guy said "it's substrate and is better for the fish than aquarium gravel". He had cichlids in it.

What is it? Where do I get it? Why do I want it? What's general cost for it? Is it good for my freshwater fish? How does it affect my water?

I'm asking because I am moving up to a 55g and I really like this stuff but I've googled and asked at petsmart or petco and all the answers I got was flouride for planted tanks, which mine is not at this point, and answers of it being for saltwater tanks. :wall:
 
Substrate is anything that goes on the bottom of the tank. Used for decoration and aquascaping, it makes the tank more natural than a bare bottom. The two most common substrates are gravel and sand.
 
Either gravel or sand would be fine for your larger tank. If you are looking for something in expensive, pool filter sand is something a lot of people use and it seems to be one of the most cost effective ways to fill your tank.
 
Yeah, pool filter sand is cheap and works well but you have to rinse it thoroughly before adding to the tank. Or you can just go to the local chain pet store and buy a couple 20 pound bags of aquarium gravel. Comes in various colors, is inert and does not effect the fish other than providing a more natural environment. You still should give it a quick rinse before adding to the tank.
 
kamikaze_fish said:
In the 10g I was given, there's black "sand" stuff in the bottom. The guy said "it's substrate and is better for the fish than aquarium gravel". He had cichlids in it.

What is it? Where do I get it? Why do I want it? What's general cost for it? Is it good for my freshwater fish? How does it affect my water?

I'm asking because I am moving up to a 55g and I really like this stuff but I've googled and asked at petsmart or petco and all the answers I got was flouride for planted tanks, which mine is not at this point, and answers of it being for saltwater tanks. :wall:
Click to expand...

I saw some beautiful black sand in some of the tanks in my LFS. When I asked about getting some the guy told me he had stopped using it because it made the water more alkaline. We live in an area where the water is extremely alkaline to start with so that was the end of that. If your guy kept cichlids in it, it may be the same stuff. Cichlids like alkaline water. If I were you I would take some of your tapwater, let it sit for 24 hours and do all your tests on it - PH KH GH . Then add the black sand and let it sit for a week or two and do the same tests. If your parameters are closer to what you want, then go for it. If not, don't use it.

There is also the possibility that it is crushed shell or something, that really is for saltwater tanks. Putting shell or coral into a freshwater tank can add things to the water that are not normally found in freshwater environments and may not be good for your fish. I do not remember what it is that they add but I do remember being warned off it by someone very knowledgeable about fishkeeping.
 
Can you get a picture of your substrate? We may be able to help you identify it that way for you to be able to get more.
 
I just found a comment when I googled Tahitian Moon sand that it is primarily glass so does nothing for the plants, whereas Eco-complete is black and is a great substrate for plants. So, if you want a planted tank and black substrate, a good choice would be the black Eco-complete.

I've heard great things about Eco-complete and have come to the conclusion that its cost would be largely offset by the money you save on fertilizers. I'm just waiting on two bags of it that I've ordered.
 
Eco-complete is touted as black, but it really isn't. It's a dark brown color.
 
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