Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium at Chewy
"Composed of an extremely porous material that contains a wealth of nutrients as well as beneficial bacteria to support the nitrogen cycle."
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Seachem Flourite at Amazon
"A porous clay substrate that is nutrient rich, particularly in iron. It can be used as a stand-alone substrate."
Best Clay: First Layer Pure Laterite at Amazon
"When mixed together with gravel, laterite provides an excellent medium for live aquarium plants, providing them with essential nutrients."
Best for Live-Planted Aquariums: Fluval Plant Stratum at Amazon
"Formulated to support nitrifying bacteria and maintain a neutral to slightly acid pH while not discoloring the water. It will not compact."
Best for Nitrification: ActivFlora™ Planted Aquarium Substrate at Amazon
"Specialized gravels that contain essential minerals, micro-nutrients, and heterotrophic bacteria to support healthy nitrification processes."