You might have heard that keeping fishes at home brings good luck!
Many people around the world love to nurture some of the most beautiful and colourful fishes at their home.
But in order to keep them healthy and happy, you need to make all essential arrangements. It is not just about bringing an aquarium to the home and buying some boxes of feed; you need to check out the best substrate options available for your tank.
What Is Substrate?
It’s the martial at rock bottom of your aquarium to root plants into. However, substrates also can have an affect on water chemistry, filtration, and therefore the aesthetic appeal of your planted aquarium.
Types Of Substrates For Goldfish
Those who are planning to nurture a beautiful goldfish at home can find plenty of options for aquarium substrates.
These substrates are used not just to enhance the appeal of the aquarium; rather, at the same time, these materials can enhance the water chemistry. It is further responsible for enhancing overall health and well-being of your fish.
Hence, every fish owner needs to be very careful while making a selection for the goldfish tank substrate.
With so many options available in the market, you may get confused while picking the best one. So, we have created a detailed guide here for you to make the selection convenient and fruitful.
Gravel Bottom Goldfish Tank Substrate:
Without any doubt, gravel is the most popular and widely used substrate for the goldfish tanks. These traditional substrates are very cheap, and they are easily available.
These substrates are currently available in multiple materials, sizes and colour ranges. Although some studies reveal that gravel can pose choking hazard for goldfish, it is still one of the best choices for the substrate.
While enhancing the aesthetic look of the aquarium, gravel creates favourable conditions for the growth of beneficial bacteria. Once a thin layer of gravel is added to the bottom part of the goldfish tank, it can automatically boost the biological filtration level for your aquarium.
It is important to mention that goldfishes have a habit of feeding on the bottom of the tank and they are also known to have big mouths; it is important to be careful while choosing the size of the gravel for your tank. The pea-sized gravel is considered as the best choice to avoid choking hazards for your goldfish.
Gravel is also capable enough to create a positive environment for the growth of plants on the tank bottom. However, you may find it little challenging to convince your tiny goldfish that it should not eat or dig those plants.
Also, make sure you carefully rinse the gravel before adding it inside the tank so that it doesn’t accompany contaminants or pests into the goldfish house.
Pros
- These tanks are easier to clean.
- Best choice for anchoring plants with essential nutrients.
- Gravel doesn’t cloud the aquarium water.
- Recommended for the proper growth of healthy bacteria in the tank.
- You can find many creative colour choices.
- It can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tank.
Cons
- Gravels can stick in the mouth of your fish or may cause choking hazards.
- Waste and food can accumulate on the bottom leading to the production of nitrates and ammonia. It can further pollute tank water.
- Sharp gravels can pose serious damage to the fish.
- Gravels may cause some barrier to light reflection in the tank.
How to Clean Gravel Tank?
Well, it is easier to clean the gravel tank; but one needs to stay aware about maintaining the best chemistry of water for the goldfish.
Start by filling a bucket with the dirty aquarium water as long as it gets half-full. Now, you have to fill the remaining half portion of the tank with clean tap water. Make sure the process doesn’t cause drastic changes in the water as it may pose serious harm to your fish. Now, pick your fish and put her inside the bucket. You can now start the cleaning process for the tank.
It is time to empty the tank but while cleaning the bottom, make sure that you leave some dirty gravels behind so that the bacteria can sustain. Put the remaining gravels in a bucket and then use the high-pressure hose for complete cleaning of the gravel.
Clean the entire tank using tap water, without chemicals or soap. Add the mixture of your clean and dirty gravel and fill the tank with clean water. Set up the electrical equipment and put your goldfish back into the clean tank.
Sand Bottom Goldfish Aquarium Substrate:
Sand bottom is a new choice for goldfish tanks. Many people prefer this because they believe that it resembles the natural habitats of the fishes.
Some experts say that goldfishes have a habit of living in the slow-moving water that has a rich muddy bottom. You can choose mud or dirt as a perfect substrate for your goldfish aquarium; however, it may cause murky tank appeal, and you cannot record the movements of your sandfish.
Sand is considered as the best substitute for dirt as it doesn’t cause muddy appeal of the water. You can choose the high-quality soft sand for this purpose but make sure that it is very sieved and filtered to remove unwanted debris and particles.
The best part is that goldfish sand tank substrates can be found in multiple colour ranges that lead to the impressive appeal of the aquarium. But while choosing sand for the goldfish tank, you should always be careful in picking up substrate which is designed especially for the freshwater fishes. In case if your sand contains salt, it may pose serious harm to your goldfish.
As this sand is very compact in nature, you will also find it perfect choice for nurturing plants in the aquarium. Moreover, it can also avoid the unnecessary accumulation of food particles on the bottom of the tank. You will find sand as the best choice to create a natural and healthy environment for your goldfish.
Pros
- Sand substrate helps to collect waste on the top layer of the sand; hence, it can be easily removed.
- Sand substrate creates a natural and healthy environment for the goldfish.
- Creates a favourable environment for the fish to forage.
- The surface can nurture healthy bacteria.
Cons
- You may find it a little difficult to clean.
- It can lead to building up of some harmful gasses.
- Sand can cause scratches on the aquarium glass.
- May cause irritation to the gills of the goldfish.
How to Clean Sand Bottom Tank?
The biggest benefit of using sand bottom is that it can prevent waste from falling below the sand level so that it cannot stick on the bottom of the tank. Hence, you will find it easier to clean without even affecting the water mixture.
While cleaning, you need to start by filtering the sand surface using a siphon and then clean the solid particles from the sand substrate. Once your sand is clean, you can put it back into the tank. Other than this, you can also clean out the upper layer of sand using a hose every time whenever you clean the tank.
Can Sand Irritate Goldfish Gills?
In my opinion, it’s fine. Goldfish encounter this in the wild and they have thrived with sand substrate when I’ve chosen to use it. So in my opinion, it’s good to use…but you will find people who disagree.
Bare Bottom Goldfish Aquarium Substrate:
Here comes the most utilitarian and spartan form of fish tanks. They are more useful when you give more priority to the practicality of the design instead of the looks.
When you feel that the substrate is not so essential for nurturing your goldfish, you can use the clean bottom tank. As goldfishes are little bit destructive as compared to other fishes, they try to such up gravel when very hungry. Such actions further lead to serious health problems.
The best way to eliminate such problems is to use tanks with a bare bottom. They are usually easier to clean, and you will never experience any mess with the normal colour of the water in the tank.
Installing a bare bottom tank means you are also providing more space to your goldfish for swimming. But the biggest trouble with these tanks is that they do not look much appealing to the eyes. Even the waste of the fish stays visible in the tank, and it may make your tank look very unattractive.
When there is no substrate on the tank bottom, it is more common to see the growth of algae. Some experts reveal that algae can help to keep water parameters very stable for the health of fishes. With the photo-synthesis phenomenon, algae make use of carbon dioxide and nitrogen while releasing more oxygen content that could keep your fishes healthy. That is why many goldfish lovers are satisfied with the natural growth of algae in the tanks.
In case if you are interested in growing some plants in your aquarium tank, the substrate fewer options may not serve well because you will have nothing to support the roots of the plants. However, one can have floating or no-roots plants in these aquarium tanks.
Pros:
- You may find it easier to clean waste and accumulated food particles from the bottom of the tank.
- This is a cost-effective alternative that can help you save more money.
- Bare bottom tanks are the best choice for enhancing water flow movements.
- It helps your fishes to enjoy an extra water column, and they can swim better.
- Fishes cannot find any particle of sand or gravel to swallow.
Cons:
- The overall appeal of these tanks is usually boring.
- It offers a lesser surface area for the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Your goldfish may not find anything to forage through.
- Too many reflections may cause stress on your fish.
- These tanks can affect the natural behaviour of your goldfishes.
How to Clean Bare Bottom Tank?
It is probably the most convenient to clean the fish tank for busy owners. Note that, the substrate fewer tanks require lesser efforts for cleaning, and you need not execute the process frequently. It clearly means that your tank can have better growth of healthy bacteria that can further help to maintain the fruitful natural environment for your fishes.
Other Substrate (Crushed Coral)
As discussed above, crushed coral raises the pH within the aquarium. Therefore, it’s not an honest choice for fish that prefer water with a coffee to neutral pH. it’s perfect, however, for fish like African cichlids. It also gives a saltwater “feel” to a water aquarium.
If you would like the buffering that crushed coral provides, but your fish prefer sand, you’ll use coral sand as your substrate. One major problem with crushed coral relates to its light coloration which again doesn’t hide dirt and debris. this will be remedied by frequent vacuuming.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Substrate
Particle Size
Substrates vary widely in terms of particle size – everything from sands consisting of very tiny particles to larger river rocks. Large particle substrates allow more uneaten food and waste to penetrate into it resulting in toxic build ups if not cleaned. Small particle substrates can compact which can cause areas that lack oxygen. These areas can eventually release sulfide – a substance that’s extremely toxic to fish.
The size of the particles also features a big impact on the health of the fish and therefore the simple cleaning. as an example , some fish wish to scoop the substrate in their mouth and move it around. it’s not an honest idea to combine these species with sand because the tiny particles can irritate them.
Sand also can be somewhat difficult to wash because the small particles often get vacuumed out of the tank alongside the waste. On the opposite hand, some fish enjoy making nests or homes out of the substrate and in these instances, large particle sizes wouldn’t be conducive to the present habit. As you’ll see, it’s important to research the precise needs of your fish when considering the acceptable particle size.
Color
When it involves choosing a color of the substrate, you’ve got many options to settle on from starting from the neon-colored substrate to natural colors. the color of the substrate may be a very personal choice, so choose what you wish best.
many of us love seeing bright pink gravel while others would cringe at the thought of such an unnatural looking substrate. One common use of a substrate’s color is to reinforce the color of the fish. Darker colors tend to form a light-colored fish look brilliant. On the opposite hand, a light-colored substrate can wash these same fish out, but also can make dark-colored fish stand out.
The overly dark substrate can reduce how large the tank looks during a similar fashion to painting an area in your house a dark color. For this reason, some people use lighter-colored substrate to form the aquarium feel more open and bright. you’ll also want to think about how the substrate will look once it becomes dirty. Brownish-colored substrate tends to cover fish waste quite a white substrate, as an example.
What is the Best Substrate for Goldfish
Well, now you have gone through all the available options for fish tanks substrates. With the mixed opinions regarding all available types, you may find it little confusing to choose the best one.
In order to make the best decision for the selection of goldfish tank substrate, you should give first preference to the overall health of your fish. And secondly, you can check out the experience that you wish to create by owning a fish tank at your home.
Gravel substrates usually maintain great appeal, and they are easy to clean. The best thing to know about gravel substrates is that they can help you grow more plants that create better opportunities for your fish to forage. But make sure that the gravel you use for the tank substrate doesn’t have sharp edges that may cause harm to the fish. It is recommended to choose gravel with pea-size dimensions.
The sand substrates may appear a great choice for goldfish foraging needs, and they create a positive environment for the growth of healthy bacteria. However, you may find them little difficult to clean. Moreover, these substrates may cause a build-up of many harmful gases, can scratch the bottom of the tank and may cause irritation to the gills of your fishes.
Without any doubt, bare bottom tanks are much easier to maintain, and there is nothing that could harm your fish inside the tank. But they lead to a dull appearance while completely eliminating the chances of continuing the natural foraging behaviour for the fishes.
Now, as you know the pros and cons of each tank, it will be easier to pick the best tank for your goldfishes.
If you are a beginner, it is always good to go ahead with the gravel option as these substrates are easier to maintain and may offer healthy living conditions for your fish as well.
So, it is the right time to bring a lovely goldfish to your home and enjoy the amazing experience of owning an aquarium.
Best Substrates Tanks Reviewed
Let’s now compare the different substrates available.
1. ADA Aquasoil Amazonia
ADA Aquasoil is a superb option if you would like to stay with many various plants.
Generally, the nutrients are going to be good in your tank for a year. So you’ll get to provide some liquid dosing.
This substrate will lower the pH and soften the water in your tank. Now, this is often good for several aquatic plants, but might not be for the fish you retain. So keep that in mind.
If you are doing got to lower your pH, ADA Amazonia Aquasoil will help.
Pros
- Nutrient-Rich
- Granules are the perfect size for aquatic plants
- A great option if you retain many various sorts of plants in your tank
- Color can make vibrant fish and shrimp ‘pop’
- Lowers pH and softens water (good if it’s needed in your tank)
Cons
- Lowers pH and softens water (bad if you would like to avoid this)
- A little costlier than other options (but the price is justified)
- Can initially cause an ammonia spike (good for cycling a replacement tank)
Summary: This is often a premium organic freshwater substrate made up of baked soil granules. A 9-liter bag is approximately 17-19 pounds – enough for a ten – 15-gallon aquarium.
2. Seachem Flourite
The substrate isn’t chemically treated, and won’t alter the water chemistry in your tank.
If you select Seachem Flourite, I like to recommend you clean it before adding it to your planted aquarium. If you don’t, it’s more likely to discolor the water.
Pros
- Long-lasting quality
- Porous clay gravel
- Doesn’t affect water chemistry
- Organic
- Provides many essential nutrients
Cons
- Not good for plants with delicate roots
- Can cloud your aquarium initially
- Personally, i feel you’ve got better options (however, these are more expensive)
- It’s dense, so are often hard to put your plants without damaging their stems
Summary: A clay-based substrate, it’s high in iron and features a tendency to lack in other nutrients. If you would like to stay plants with more delicate roots, this isn’t the substrate for you
3. Carib Sea Eco Complete Planted Black Aquarium Substrate
This product comes during a twenty-pound bag. it’s an entire substrate for freshwater tank use. This one substrate provides for all of your plants’ needs without having to feature the other extra substrate or chemical.
This substrate uses a replacement formula for enhanced root development. it’s everything in one package. Their advertising compares this substrate with the rich soil of Hawaii or Costa Rica.
The Eco-Complete Substrate alone contains magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, sulfur and quite 25 other elements. This product is ideal for nourishing your aquatic plants.
Not only beneficial for plants, but this product is also additionally good for your fish. The substrate has highly porous spherical grains for higher diffusion performance, therefore the waste is a smaller amount likely to stay on the surface but is going to be diffused and absorbed into the layer of the substrate.
This substrate also contains live Heterotrophic bacteria, which helps to rapidly convert fish waste into natural food and nutrients for your aquatic plants. With the Eco-Complete substrate, there’ll exist a natural biological balance in your tank, ensuring all the nutrients and waste are cycled and reproduced as naturally and as quickly as possible.
However, there’s one problem with this almost perfect product. It’s the pH level. Being a mixture of the many nutrients directly, it’s very difficult to possess a neutral level of pH. This product features a slightly alkaline characteristic.
4. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum
If you’ve got an aquarium that has not only plants and fish but also shrimp, then this substrate is certainly the proper one for you. this is often definitely one among the simplest substrates out there.
This product is formed from natural and mineral-rich organic volcanic soil. Yes, it’s not normal soil but volcanic soil. Volcanic soil contains many special components that are different from standard soil.
All of these special volcanic nutrients are very beneficial for spurring on healthy plant growth. The substrate also contains nutrients that are good for encouraging rootage development.
The texture of this substrate is additionally great. it’s light, noncompaction and porous. These characteristics make it easy for nitrifying bacteria to grow and develop within the tank. These bacteria will help maintain the water’s health and cleanliness at the foremost optimal levels.
The substrate is meant to market neutral to only mildly acidic pH levels.
One special feature of this substrate that’s advertised as making this product especially suitable for shrimp is that the size of the particles. the dimensions of the particles allows the baby shrimp to cover within the substrate until they’re large enough to return out of the “dirt” to defend themselves among other shrimp and fish.
However, there’s one small problem with this advertisement about the shrimp. albeit the substrate is gravel-like, the particle size remains pretty small.
Even if it can act as a refuge for the baby shrimp, it won’t take long for the shrimp to outgrow the dimensions of the substrate and not be ready to hide anymore. Even so, it’s still an excellent product overall.
Pros
- Mineral-rich volcanic soil
- Promotes plant growth and root development
- Light, porous
- Neutral to slightly acidic
Cons
- Expensive
- Shrimps can quickly outgrow the “substrate shelter”
Conclusion
The fishkeeping hobby is trendy, and there are tons of requirements you would like to remember of before you jump into it. Also, there are tons of low-quality substrates that you simply got to avoid to avoid unnecessary health problems for your goldfish.
Using this guide, you’ve got the required information to form the proper decision and make the last word aquarium experience for both you and your goldfish.
