🪵 The perfect substrate for an aquarium – sand, gravel or soil?

🌿 Why the substrate is so important

The substrate is far more than just "decoration" in the aquarium – it's the foundation for a stable biological balance, healthy plant growth, and the well-being of all animals. 🐠🌱

It affects water parameters, nutrient availability, and even the behavior of shrimp, snails, and fish. Therefore, the choice between sand, gravel, or soil has a significant impact on your entire aquarium.
In this article, we'll show you which substrate is suitable for your aquarium , what you should pay attention to, and what advantages and disadvantages each option has.

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🪣 What functions does the soil fulfill?

✅ Promotes plant growth: nutrient storage and root support.
✅ Stabilize biological balance: habitat for microorganisms and biofilm.
✅ Support animals: Shrimp, snails and bottom-dwelling fish need suitable substrate.
✅ Design the look & layout: Color, structure and height influence the overall appearance.

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🌿 The 3 main types of substrate compared

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🪵 1. Sand – fine, natural and ideal for soil organisms

Characteristics:

• Fine-grained (0.1–2 mm)

• Very natural look

• No sharp edges – perfect for bottom-dwelling fish and shrimp.

Advantages:
✅ Ideal for corydoras catfish, shrimp and snails
✅ No risk of injury
✅ Affordable and easy to care for
✅ No risk of rotting zones with a thin layer

Disadvantages:
❌ No nutrients → not ideal for heavily planted aquariums
❌ Compaction possible → regular loosening necessary

💡 Tip: Combine sand with fertilizer pellets or a nutrient-rich substrate underneath if you want to care for many plants.

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🪨 2. Gravel – the all-rounder for beginners

Characteristics:

• Grain size: 2–5 mm

• Good airflow and oxygen supply

• Neutral for water parameters

Advantages:
✅ Robust and durable
✅ Easy to clean
✅ Suitable for many aquarium types
✅ No risk of compaction

Disadvantages:
❌ Plants don't root quite as well as in soil
❌ Contains no nutrients – fertilization required

💡 Tip: Gravel is ideal for community tanks or aquariums with invertebrates and few demanding plants.

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🌱 3. Soil – the premium solution for planted aquariums & aquascapes

Characteristics:

• Special, nutrient-rich soil

• Ensures a slightly acidic pH value

• Promotes healthy plant growth

Advantages:
✅ Optimal nutrient supply for plants
✅ Promotes root growth and algae competition
✅ Ideal for aquascapes and planted tanks
✅ Slightly lowers pH and KH – perfect for shrimp

Disadvantages:
❌ More expensive than sand or gravel
❌ More sensitive when cleaning
❌ Not ideal for burrowing fish

💡 Tip: Soil is the first choice for heavily planted aquariums or demanding layouts with CO₂ and fertilization.

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📊 Comparison table – sand, gravel or soil?

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🧠 Tips for choosing substrate

• 🌿 For planted aquariums: Soil or gravel with nutrient substrate

• 🐌 For shrimp & snails: Sand or fine gravel

• 🪸 For aquascaping: Soil is almost always the best choice

• 🪱 For beginners: Gravel is low-maintenance and versatile

👉 In our shop you will find care products, fertilizer balls and invertebrates that optimally complement your soil system and keep it healthy.

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🌱 Bonus tip: Layer the substrate for maximum effect

Many aquarium owners combine two substrates:

• Below: Nutrient medium or soil for plant growth

• Above: Gravel or sand for appearance and animal friendliness

This combination unites the best of both worlds and ensures a stable system in the long term.

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✅ Conclusion: The choice of substrate determines success

The substrate is the foundation of your aquarium – literally. 🪵 It influences plant growth, water parameters, animal health, and the entire biological balance.
Whether sand, gravel, or soil – each option has its advantages. The crucial factor is which animals and plants you want to keep and what your goals are for your aquarium.

👉 In our shop you will find suitable care products, nutrients and invertebrates that perfectly complement any substrate.