The 4 Best Aquarium Plant Substrates of 2023

Best Overall

CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate 20-lb bag

5

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CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate is primarily composed of basaltic volcanic soil, which has a high granular absorbency that helps promote optimal nutrition uptake to your plant's roots. It also has the bacteria necessary to maintain your aquarium's internal nitrogen cycle, in addition to 25 other micro- and macronutrients useful to plants, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. While supplemental fertilizer will eventually be necessary, Eco-Complete will provide the right start to your planted aquarium.

It's also easy to use. There's no need to rinse Eco-Complete in advance, simply fill the bottom of your tank to a depth of approximately 3 inches. The CaribSea substrate contains both fine and large grains, which will eventually settle into two separate layers, with a finer bottom providing hold for your plant's roots. While you always have the option of a second substrate layer, such as one selected for aesthetic cover, it's not necessary when using Eco-Complete, which has a neutral black tone.

CaribSea's Eco-Complete contains no artificial dyes. It is additionally free of nitrate and carbonate, so it won't alter the hardness or pH values of your aquarium water. It is available in a 20-pound bag.

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Seachem Flourite 15.4 lbs

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Seachem Flourite is a porous clay substrate that is nutrient rich, particularly in iron. It can be used as a stand-alone substrate in a freshwater aquarium without the need for additional plant nutrients supplements. It is not chemically treated and is pH neutral. Seachem Flourite comes in 15-pound bags and is available in a natural dark color, red, black, and black sand.

Best for Live-Planted Aquariums

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum

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Fluval Plant Stratum is a lightweight porous substrate intended for use in freshwater live planted aquariums. It is formulated to support nitrifying bacteria and maintain a neutral to slightly acid pH while not discoloring the water. It will not compact and allows roots to grow and spread readily throughout the substrate. A variation of this substrate is made specifically for shrimp tanks. The color is designed to camouflage newborn shrimp from fish, and the grain size is small enough for them to hide in. This substrate is not recommended for large or boisterous fish, such as large cichlids or goldfish, nor is it intended for use in brackish tanks.
Fluval Plant Stratum, should be lightly rinsed to remove loose dust. The tank will initially be cloudy; however, it is safe for fish and shrimp even during the cloud stage, and will clear in a matter of hours. It is not recommended to mix this substrate with gravel or other substrates. Fluval Plant Stratum comes packaged in 4.4-, 8.8- and 17.6-pound bags. A single 4.4-pound bag is suitable for tanks under 18 inches, while an 8.8-pound bag is suitable for 18-inch tanks, and the 17.6-pound bag will cover a 24-inch aquarium.