Aquarium Soil & Substrates

The substrate you choose shapes your whole aquarium, because it anchors your plants, feeds their roots and, with the right soil, can also shape your water chemistry. This collection is for aquarium soils and planted substrates, made for aquascapes, planted tanks and shrimp setups, where the base of the tank does a lot of the work.

Active soils like these are rich in nutrients for plant roots and many also lower the pH of the water, which suits plants and shrimp that prefer softer, slightly acidic conditions. They are usually lightweight and porous, so roots can spread easily, and they give your aquascape a natural, well-finished look. Check each listing for details on how the soil affects your water, as this varies from one product to another.

Aquarium Soil & Substrates

1 Product

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Before you buy, work out how much you need by multiplying your tank’s length, width and the depth of substrate you want, or use our substrate calculator to do it for you. Active soils can change your water chemistry, so test your water when you first set up and again over the following weeks. If you’d prefer a plain base for your tank, take a look at our Aquarium Gravel & Sand collection. If you’re not sure what suits your plants or livestock, pop in or give us a call and we’ll help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many active soils lower the pH and soften the water, which suits plants and shrimp that prefer those conditions. Check the details on each listing and test your water when you first set up, particularly if you keep fish that need harder water.

Aquarium soil is made to feed plant roots and often changes the water chemistry, whereas gravel and sand are inert and simply give a base for plants to anchor in. Soil is a popular choice for planted tanks and shrimp tanks.

It depends on the product, so follow the instructions on the pack. Some soils are pre-washed but can still become dusty in transit, and rinsing is worth doing where the instructions recommend it. Avoid over-washing soils that crumble easily.

A little initial cloudiness is normal and usually clears within a few days with filtration. Pouring water gently onto a bowl or plate placed on the substrate helps stop it being disturbed when you fill the tank.

A few centimetres is a good starting point for most planted tanks, and many aquascapers slope the substrate so it’s deeper at the back. Use our substrate calculator to work out how much you need for the depth you want.

Active soils gradually use up their nutrients and their effect on water chemistry fades over time, often after a year or two, depending on the soil. Check the product details for guidance, and plan to replace it if you notice your plants slowing down.