AQUARIUM SOIL AND SUBSTRATE

Aquarium soil and substrate give your plants a base to root in and feed them from below. Choose a soil or nutrient-rich substrate for the bottom of your planted tank, then add support products for roots and water stability. Ask us if you are not sure what your tank needs.

Which product do you need?

  • Aquarium soil: Indica Aqua Soil, a premium aquasoil for strong root growth and healthy plants.
  • Nutrient-rich substrate: Plant Right Special Substrate, a nutrient-rich substrate for aquarium plants.
  • Root development: TPRS Root Boost+, a root development enhancer and substrate activator for faster rooting and nutrient uptake.
  • Substrate and water care: TCWS Water Care 4+, a substrate activation and biological water care system for stable aquascapes.

How much substrate do I need?

Litres needed = length (cm) x width (cm) x depth (cm) divided by 1000. For example, a 60 x 30 cm tank filled to 5 cm deep needs about 9 litres. Check the pack size and set-up instructions on each product page.

Substrate questions

Do I need aquarium soil for a planted tank? Rooted plants and carpets often grow better in a nutrient-rich substrate. Stem plants can also take nutrients from the water, so you can add a liquid fertilizer.

Should I do anything before I plant? Follow the set-up instructions on the pack. Some soils need rinsing and a cycling period before fish go in.

Can I use soil in a shrimp tank? Check the product page and label first, because soil can affect water conditions.

Which fertilizer goes with my substrate? See our Good Grow Series, which has fertilizers matched to the age of the tank.

Need help choosing?

Tell us your tank size and plants and we will suggest how much substrate to buy and what to add.