There are many diverse types of substrate on the market today, ranging from high-end to budget-friendly, to meet the needs of developing and building aquascaping environments. However, the most popular and effective ones include the 5 types of substrates for aquariums below, let’s aquaplantshub.com explore in detail!
Akadama Aquatic Substrate
At the top of the list, known as the “King of all soils” specifically used for aquatic systems. Aquatic substrate AKADAMA is produced from a rare accumulation layer beneath the nutrient-rich, fertile volcanic sediments. With a brown-yellow soil layer rich in nutrients and minerals, it is most suitable for growing terrestrial and aquatic plants.
Advantages:
- Affordable, easy to purchase, and relatively good quality
- Light and airy, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth without clouding the water
Disadvantages:
- For plants that require a lot of nutrients, this substrate may not fully meet their needs, requiring additional support substrate
Price ranges from 33,000 – 40,000 VND / 1 Liter.
Gex Green Aquatic Substrate
Gex Green Aquatic Substrate
When it comes to higher-end substrate segments, we cannot overlook the Gex Green aquatic substrate from Japan, which is very suitable for use in aquariums or tanks planted with ferns, mosses, and aroids… With a primary component of activated carbon, using Gex Green substrate will quickly clear the water in the aquarium, providing good nutrition in the early stages. However, the downside of this product is that its nutrient durability is not long-lasting and depletes quickly after a few months, requiring supplementation afterward.
Advantages:
- Highly rated for quality and does not cloud the water in the aquarium.
- High nutrient content and slow nutrient release rate, allowing aquatic plants to develop fully without excess nutrients.
Disadvantages:
- The granules are quite large, making the substrate look rough when newly laid.
- The coarse substrate can make it difficult to arrange aquatic plants.
Price ranges from 90,000 – 140,000 VND / 2 Liters.
Aquabest Aquatic Substrate
Aquabest Aquatic Substrate
Another type of substrate from Japan but at a more affordable price is Aqua-Best Black substrate. This substrate is extremely ideal, suitable for the majority of aquatic plants and ornamental shrimp species. The aquatic substrate helps stabilize the pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 (depending on the water source) suitable for breeding ornamental shrimp, fish, and aquatic plants.
Advantages:
- High nutrient content, slow nutrient release, stable, and suitable for all types of aquatic plants.
- Granule sizes vary from 2-4mm.
- The black substrate can help highlight the plants, fish, and shrimp in the aquarium.
Disadvantages:
- Can cause cloudiness when first laid but will clear up after 3-4 hours.
Price ranges from 50,000 – 60,000 VND / 1 Liter.
Ada Amazonia Aquatic Substrate
ADA AMAZONIA Aquatic Substrate
One of the most popular substrates favored by many customers due to its superior quality. Ada aquatic substrate helps aquariums retain water in a slightly acidic environment for a long time. It has relatively good nutrition, stabilizes pH, and creates favorable conditions for plants to grow and develop in aquatic environments. Additionally, the uniform and beautiful granule size contributes to the aesthetics of the entire aquarium. However, the cost of this substrate for aquatic plants is relatively high.
Advantages:
- Contains colloidal particles that trap floating dirt in the water, eliminating the need for chemical treatment
- Helps stabilize pH to an ideal level for most aquatic plants
- Reduces water hardness
- Granules have an ideal size and density, allowing for good aeration for root systems and substrate microorganisms to thrive
- Moderate nutrient release rate, minimizing excess nutrient conditions
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high cost for long-term maintenance
Price ranges from 95,000 – 230,000 VND / 1 Liter.
Oliver Knot – Quality Aquatic Substrate
Oliver Knot Aquatic Substrate
Another high-end substrate that is widely used is Oliver Knot substrate. The pH level in this substrate is very safe and suitable for aquatic cultivation. Additionally, it contains many nutrients, meeting the needs of various aquatic plants. However, the downside of this substrate is that it can cause brown algae in the early stages. If there is no experience in controlling water and light, the granules are somewhat large.
Advantages:
- Quickly clears the water and removes cloudiness while supporting aerobic bacteria.
- Natural components in the substrate are very beneficial for breeding shrimp
- Abundant nutrients create stable and long-term growth for aquatic plants
Disadvantages:
- Granules are somewhat large, which can easily cause brown algae if the dosage is not measured correctly
- This substrate for aquariums is somewhat difficult to purchase as there are no official distributors in Vietnam
Price ranges from 500,000 – 600,000 VND / 9 Liters.
Above are the top 5 types of substrates that Aqua Plants Hub has selected and suggested for you, each type of substrate has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. We hope this article will help you choose the most suitable substrate for your aquarium!
Nguyễn Thị Thu Thảo
