With rare exceptions, aquariums are set up with some sort of substrate covering their bottom. The substrate is available in a variety of colors and materials, giving aquarium owners a wide range of options when setting up acquarium.
Since substrate is not as easily changed as other aquarium elements, it is advisable to spend some time choosing the type and color before setting up the aquarium.
The purpose of the substrate
The substrate serves several purposes. Some are critical to a healthy habitat, while others are merely aesthetic. It provides color to enhance the theme of the aquarium, for example a bright color suits a castle or mermaid theme for children’s aquariums, while a more natural brown gravel suits an environment with wood and live plants. Gravel also serves as a place for the growth of beneficial bacteria that break down waste produced by fish.
Environment for bacteria
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The substrate plays a role in the nitrogen cycle, serving as an environment in which beneficial bacteria colonize and grow. While SUBSTRATE it’s not the only host of these important bacteria, it’s where a significant number of them reside.
In addition to supporting bacterial colonies, the substrate is also an environment in which living plants take root and from which they obtain nutrients. Special substrates are available that provide key nutrients for use in live planted aquariums.
Fish habitat
Substrate creates a more natural habitat for fish and is especially important for fish that like to burrow. Bottom-dwelling species appreciate the substrate for their roots and bits of food that have fallen into it.
The substrate can also make the fish feel safer since it does not reflect the images of the other fish in the aquarium. acquariumsince the bottom of the glass would reflect. The mottled color of the substrate also helps the fish feel safe. Some species of fish lay their eggs on the bottom of the aquarium.
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If the bottom of the aquarium is empty, the eggs are clearly visible and there is a greater risk of them being eaten by adult fish. A mottled substrate will make the eggs less visible. If the substrate material is large enough, some eggs will fall between the open spaces and be protected.
Furniture
The substrate contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of a acquarium. When combined with plants, rocks, wood and other decorations, it helps create a visual landscape that is pleasing to the eye and has a calming effect.
It is known that a well-designed aquarium has a positive health benefit for those who view it. Choosing a substrate color that complements your fish can help make their colors pop.
Substrate materials
Substrate comes in a wide range of materials, but most aquarium owners choose the standard gravel usually sold in pet stores. Gravel comes in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes.
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Sand is probably the second most used type substrate. Digging fish especially prefer sandy substrate. Another substrate used is crushed coral, which has the effect of raising the pH and increasing the buffering capacity of the water. This is especially useful when keeping certain species of cichlids that prefer harder alkaline water.
Large river rock is sometimes used alone or with gravel underneath. The rock is attractive and offers a natural setting. Glass beads, on the other hand, are anything but natural. However, they are used in the reproduction of fish species that disperse their eggs.
The eggs will fall between the pearls and out of reach of the adult fish, who would love to eat the tasty freshly laid eggs. Beads are also used for Beta fish bowls, allowing for easy maintenance.
If you want to keep live plants inside acquariumit is common to use laterite or vermiculite as a substrate. These materials can store and release nutrients important to living plants. They are usually used as the bottom layer of the substrate and covered with a layer of gravel.
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The amount of substrate
substrate generally it is filled in a layer of about 4-5 centimeters. Additional depth may be warranted if there are live plants that produce stronger roots and need more depth. When using sand, the desired depth is usually a little shallower, between 3 and 4 centimeters. A larger amount can cause anaerobic zones in the gravel and these are problematic. This also applies to the overflow gravel substrate.
The color of the substrate
Color is a topic that often gives rise to heated discussions. Some strongly argue that it should mimic natural habitats, while others choose the color of the substrate based on personal preference, including bright pink, neon blue, red or other colors. Clearly, these are not natural colors that fish experience in the wild, but they will not directly harm aquarium inhabitants.
If you do a good job caring for your fish, substrate color is less of a problem. Most fish are quite adaptable and, if kept in a well-maintained aquarium with adequate water conditions and good food, will do well regardless of the color of the substrate.
Substrate maintenance
Regardless of the substrate you choose for your aquarium, it is important to periodically remove any dirt that may accumulate there. The easiest way to do this is to use a special gravel siphon acquariumwhich will suck away the debris substrate without removing it. These are available at your local fish store and should be used about once or twice a month when doing partial water changes in the aquarium.
Read also: How to add new fish to the aquarium
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