How big do Silver Tip Tetras grow?

What do you need to know about keeping blue tetras?

Blue tetra’s need plenty of open space to swim, so the tank should be no less than 20 gallons. When keeping blue tetras, ensure that the aquarium water is the right temperature, that they have enough oxygen and the right food, and that the tank is kept clean. Neon tetra disease is a rare disease caused by mycobacteria.

What is the best aquarium substrate for cichlids?

White aquarium substrate is not often found in freshwater settings, but may invoke the environment that certain cichlids live in. Black aquarium substrate is especially good at making the color of your fish pop. In fact, I find that cherry shrimp and betta fish look especially vibrant when placed in a tank with black substrate.

Is gravel the best substrate for a fully planted tank?

While gravel is not the best substrate for a fully planted tank because it does not provide minerals to help plant growth, it can help anchor the plants down and is not too dense for roots to spread throughout the bottom of the aquarium. Gravel is inert, meaning it does not change the water parameters of the aquarium it is in.

Should I use special substrates in my planted aquarium?

There are many benefits to using special substrates in your planted tanks rather than using regular aquarium gravel or sand. Regular aquarium substrates don’t provide any extra nutrients or trace minerals your plants can use, and the texture and composition of these substrates can actually impede your plant’s growth.

What is the best soil for aquarium plants?

Aquarium soil, such as UNS Controsoil or Aquario NEO Soil, is typically a clay-based substrate full of nutrients that excel plant growth. It is the best substrate for aquarium plants and a must-have for a high-tech planted tank. Plants that feed predominantly through their roots will thrive when they are planted in aquarium soil.

How much substrate do I need for a 2 gallon tank?

As a rule of thumb, for a 2 inch deep substrate bed, you will need about 1 pound of planted tank substrate per gallon. Eco Complete is one of the most popular planted tank substrates on the market, and for good reason—its grows plants and it looks great.

What is the best aquarium substrate for plants?

For low tech planted tanks, meaning tanks with no CO2 and little to no fertilizer, as well as conventional aquarium lights, like a kit light, the best aquarium substrate is one that provides enough nutrients for undemanding plants like cryptocorynes and other easy to grow stem plants.

Can you use crushed coral substrate in a planted tank?

While it may be tempting to opt for another type of natural aquarium substrate like marble or coral, these are bad choices for planted tanks. While you can use crushed coral substrate in freshwater aquariums to help increase your water’s pH, it can be toxic to aquatic plants.

Can aquarium plants grow in aqua-soil?

The truth is, most aquarium plants will grow well in aqua-soil. There are some exceptions, such as the Amazon frogbit. If plants such as the Amazon frogbit grow in a soil substrate they can actually rot. If you are looking to have a breeding tank then marbles are the substrate of choice for you.

Can you use gravel in a freshwater aquarium?

Generally speaking, a clean gravel or substrate is usually the best option for freshwater aquarium gravel. Gravel is usually large enough that water can flow through the crevices between pieces, which means that less bacteria – the bad bacteria, that is – can build up between cleanings. Sometimes sand is the better option, though.

How much substrate do aquarium plants need to root?

Some aquarium plants are deep rooting whilst others are shallow rooting. The general rule for deep rooted plants is a depth of two to three inches of substrate. You can reduce this to accommodate any shallow rooting plants. Some plants can root without any substrate at all!

What is substrate in an aquarium?

Substrate can be one of the most visual aspects of your aquarium. This alongside plants can really create the most wonderful environment for your coral or fish. The depth of your substrate needs to be understood depending on what substrate and what plants you are using.

Can you use sand as a substrate in a fish tank?

Yet another beneficial aspect of using sand as substrate is that it provides beneficial bacteria with a good home. Yes, you should have a filter with biological filtration, but some bacteria laden sand can go a long way in speeding up the nitrogen cycle in your fish tank.

What are the benefits of gravel substrate for aquariums?

The biological filtration of gravel substrate can also help to reduce the number of times you need to change the aquarium water with a siphon. Bare bottom tanks naturally require more frequent cleaning – all that gunk collects on the bottom of the tank, with nowhere to go – and that means more work for you.

How deep should the substrate be in a fish tank?

Some aquariums are meant for fish only, and in these instances the aquarium substrate should be no more than two inches (5.08 cm) deep. The substrate may be of any size unless you have fish that are bottom feeders, where you should consider using finer gravel.

Are planted aquariums good for beginners?

For many, an aquarium full of lush plant growth is the pinnacle of freshwater fishkeeping. Emulating professional aquascapes can be very difficult and costly but beginner-friendly planted tanks can be equally as captivating. Image above: Hydrocotyle tripartita looks great against mosses.

Is there a glow in the dark stone for fish tanks?

It is not a glow in the dark stone, but you can choose from a wide variety of different colors. Depending on the type of fish colors you have, you can choose blue, green, pink, orange-brown, black, and yellow. The Marina Decorative Gravel has an epoxy coating, which is safe and non-toxic.

What is the substrate of an aquarium?

The substrate of an aquarium refers to the material used on the tank bottom. It can affect water chemistry, filtration, and the well-being of the aquarium’s inhabitants, and is also an important part of the aquarium’s aesthetic appeal.

Should I put sand in my fish tank?

Freshwater invertebrates like Cherry and Ghost shrimp prefer fine substrates like sand, and bottom-feeding fish like Cory Cats and loaches may be injured by digging through harsh aquarium gravels. A layer of sand may also help keep your tank tidier, because debris is less likely to sink through the fine particles.

What is sand in aquariums?

Sand for marine and reef tanks often contains crushed coral or calcium carbonate, which alter the aquarium’s pH and increase the water’s hardness. “Live” aquarium sands come packed in fresh or saltwater and contain living colonies of bacteria to help jump-start your tank’s nitrogen cycle.

Should I use gravel or gravel substrate in my Aquarium?

You’ll have a wider array of filtering options when you go with a gravel substrate since you can use either undergravel or hanging/canister filters with your tank. The gravel won’t clog the filters or get sucked out when using a vacuum hose.

What are the benefits of substrate for aquariums?

When combined with plants, rocks, driftwood, and other decor, substrate helps create a visual landscape that is pleasing to the eye and provides a calming effect. A well-crafted aquarium is known to have a positive health benefit to those who gaze at it.

What is aquarium gravel and what are its benefits?

Other types of gravel are porous and allow bacteria and microorganisms to flourish in your substrate. The presence of this bacteria helps boost the nitrogen cycle and converts toxic waste products into a safer form. As with sand, there isn’t a formal definition for aquarium gravel.

Is sand a good substrate for goldfish?

Some people choose a bare-bottom tank, but many people don’t like the appearance. Sand is an excellent substrate for goldfish tanks, improving water quality and the health of your fish, encouraging beneficial bacteria growth and preventing choking. Sand is not without problems, though, so care must be taken to keep it from clogging filter fans.

How does substrate affect pH in an aquarium?

One thing to remember is that substrate can have a direct impact on the pH level in your aquarium. It also plays a part in the filtration of your tank. These two elements are key to plants growth but more importantly to any other occupants you keep in your aquarium.

How much gravel substrate do I need for my Aquarium?

Our advice is to aim for a minimum of 1 inch of substrate on the tank, and a good rule to go by is using one pound of substrate per gallon in your tank. Feel Free To Share! As always we hope that you’ve enjoyed today’s article on gravel substrates and that it has answered whatever questions you may have.