7 Things You Need To Know About Freshwater Aquarium Substrate

The topic of freshwater aquarium substrate is often neglected by many who don't realize how important it is in a freshwater aquarium set up. Seven pieces of advice are given in this article to help ensure nothing goes awry for you.

Sometimes not enough attention is paid to the use of freshwater aquarium substrate in the aquarium set up process. It is more crucial than many folk realize. Here are just 7 tips pointing out what could go wrong if certain advice is not taken.

1. Always wash your freshwater aquarium substrate thoroughly with hot water before you use it in your aquarium.And ensure that the tank itself has been thoroughly sterilized too.The substrate will be a place where favorable bacteria will establish themselves, assisting the cycling of nitrogen and producing great living conditions for the fish.

2. To give your aquascape a realistic look ensure the level of substrate rises from the front to the back of the tank. In addition put some localized dips and rises in it as you get in natural surroundings. Consider a combination of rocks, pots (to act as caves/shelter) and other decorations plus a range of different sized plants to complete the realism.

3. Limestone in your gravel can cause your water to harden and the pH to rise. This could be detrimental to the health of those fish species who prefer soft water and lower ph. To check that there is none, add a few drops of vinegar to a piece of gravel and if it fizzes then there is limestone in it.

4. If your fish like to dig into the substrate, do not use large particle size gravel. This would be unfair to them. If you have bottom dwellers then do not use sharp, rough edged gravel pieces. They can get injured. Find out about their behavior before you buy them.

5. Never place rocks on top of your substrate. Always bed them into the bottom of the tank and fill around it. This is more secure, especially if you have other rocks and decorations on top of them. If you do this then your fish might not suffer from being squashed.

6. If an under gravel filter is to be used make sure you have at least 6 to 8 cms of depth to your substrate. If sand is used as a substrate then if you are using an under gravel filter don't forget that it will probably need additional maintenance than usual. It will clog up more frequently.

7. When filling your tank, first of all place a piece of brown paper over the gravel substrate. To stop the substrate being greatly disturbed use a cup to pour the water into and it will flow gently onto the paper when full. Continue filling until it is safe to remove the cup and the fill completes. Remove the brown paper carefully. This method stops you disturbing the substrate layer.

So now you have been given 7 tips regarding freshwater aquarium substrate. Take note of the advice given, carry these out actions and you will have removed several potential problems you may have otherwise had.