How to choose a substrate for your aquarium?
The substrate for the aquarium should not be decorative. You should not use colored multi-colored stones to fill the aquarium. They will distract attention from the fish. Moreover, the multi-colored stones are made of plastic. Low-quality artificial soils emit hydrogen sulfide, which poisons fish.
You cannot use fine construction sand to fill the aquarium. Over time, such soil will be compacted, and water will not be able to flow to the roots of plants. The root system of the algae will begin to rot, and the release of toxic substances will begin.
River sand will not work either. Large grains of sand will fall on the filter. Because of this, it will quickly fail. In addition, such soil cakes.
Should I use professional primers?
Professional aquarium soils are rich in minerals for algae. Such soils are used in aquariums over 500 liters, as it is very difficult to maintain the natural balance in such large aquariums.
If you want to set up a smaller aquarium, use regular aquarium soil with a diameter of 3 to 5 mm.
Such a substrate meets all the requirements for a good aquarium ecosystem:
- the aquarium soil is smooth, so the fish will not get hurt on it;
- thanks to the coarse fraction, the soil will not spoil the aquarium filters;
- in such a soil, algae take root quickly.
Consider ways to visually increase the volume of your aquarium.
How to visually increase the volume of the aquarium
In order to increase the volume of the aquarium, install a background and also properly distribute the soil around the aquarium. The soil layer at the front of the aquarium should be twice as thick as in the background. Plant low-growing algae in the foreground and tall plants at the back.
Flushing and soil color
Many aquarists believe that the pebbles should be rinsed before filling the aquarium with soil. This opinion is erroneous. Only river sand is washed to get rid of fines. It is not necessary to rinse other aquarium substrates.
It is categorically impossible to use chemical agents during flushing. You may not completely wash out the detergent. If you fill the aquarium with such soil, fish will perish.
Do not use white soil to fill the aquarium. It must be cleaned every three days, otherwise small algae and deposits will appear on the surface of the soil. Fill the aquarium with beige or yellow soil.