Soil is a very important element in the arrangement of the underwater kingdom. With it, the aquarium acquires individuality. Due to the soil mixtures, the plants are strengthened and grow, absorbing the preserved nutrients. The quality of this product depends not only on the appearance of the aquarium, but also on the nature of the habitat, the state of its inhabitants. Our rating was created for those who are interested in a quality arrangement of the aquarium. In the review you will find out which product manufacturers were among the leaders, and which soil mixtures are recognized as the best. Here you will receive a number of valuable tips on choosing the right mixture. Forward for quality soil for your own water kingdom!
Content:
Soil for the aquarium which company to choose
In the presented ranking, the best soil mixes for aquariums are proposed. Products were selected based on their qualitative composition. The choice of a particular soil depends primarily on the type of aquarium and its inhabitants.
Among the most popular and reputable manufacturers were few.
We arrange the companies in decreasing order of their popularity in the Russian market:
1. Tetra
2. Azoo
3. Hagen
4. JBL Sansibar
Consumer assessment of these manufacturers is approximately at the same level. Companies specialize in the production of soils aimed at ensuring the active growth of plants, the purification of the aquatic environment, and the maintenance of an adequate pH level. Products are divided into natural mixtures, neutral, artificial and nutritious. We managed to highlight the top 5 compositions.
The best soil mix for standard aquariums
This product category includes a product of natural origin. It can be a small stone, volcanic sand, gravel, pebbles, etc. This is an empty mixture, excluding any nutrient impurities. If such material is used as a plant growth stimulator, then the expected effect should be expected not earlier than six months later. The process starts only after the required amount of nutrients accumulated as a result of waste decomposition is accumulated in the mixture.
For standard aquariums also suitable treated natural soil. For example, expanded clay, soil from the treated clay. Such a ground is called empty neutral. In such a case, additional fertilizers are used to stimulate the growth of the inhabitants of the aquarium.
The most budget and simple option - sand and gravel
It will be a question of the most popular soil which perfectly will be suitable for the tank settled by unpretentious inhabitants. This mixture is optimal in the case of almost all species of fish and plants.
The product is the best substrate for beneficial microorganisms, it copes well with the biological function. Sand particles reach a maximum of 2 mm, gravel - 5 mm. An approximately equal particle size provides a lower percentage of soil caking. Preference should be given to the rounded stones, because sharp stones can injure the inhabitants of the aquarium. One not very pleasant nuance: the plants in such a soil mixture will not grow actively - it will take time to silt or additional fertilizers.
We note a number of the main advantages of this mixture:
- excellent circulation;
- neutral to the chemical nature of water;
- performance of a biological function;
- Easy to clean tank.
Among the shortcomings worth staying at:
- inability to use in the case of inhabitants burrowing into the ground;
- the absence of nutrients.
Most buyers were pleased with this kind of soil. Consumers consider this version of the mixture the most simple and economical.
The most natural appearance of the aquarium will give the treated natural soil
The soil of baked clay is considered the most neutral and natural. The rounded surface ensures the safety of the fish. Porosity is an excellent condition for the reproduction of bacteria that are vital to plants. Expanded clay is a natural absorbent that is able to purify water from excess fertilizer and waste, preventing the growth of algae. This type of soil does not block.
Of the advantages of the soil mixture should be highlighted:
- excellent circulation;
- natural appearance;
- chemical neutrality;
- performing a biological function;
- destruction of excess organic matter and fertilizers;
- smooth surface;
- porous structure;
- ease of cleaning aquarium.
As cons of the product were:
- lack of nutritional components;
- lightness (some large plants need deep planting).
This soil mixture has received excellent user reviews. She especially liked the consumer for the natural brown color.
The best soils for aquariums with abundant flora
This category of product includes all kinds of nutrient mixtures and substrates. Their presence in the aquarium eliminates the need for additional fertilizers. Such soils are suitable for all representatives of the flora. The mixture is added to the ground at the time of the justification of the new aquarium, and is also used to improve the composition of the old tanks.
The product provides active, healthy growth of plants, promotes the fastest rooting of the inhabitants of the reservoir, transports nutrients to their root system. The described soil mixtures are not only a guarantee of excellent water circulation, but also greater permeability compared to traditional gravel. The best grounds for aquariums with a large number of "green" inhabitants were two mixtures.
Power Sand Special M (ADA) nutritional blend - the best option for a Dutch or nano-aquarium
The product has proven itself as a food substrate for aquariums. The composition of the soil is peat, mineral fertilizers, porous elements and beneficial microorganisms.
The use of the mixture ensures high-quality biological purification of the aquarium. In addition, the nutrient substrate plays the role of growth stimulant of the flora living in the reservoir. The validity of the soil is quite long. The product is also indicated for use in shrimps, since Power Sand Special M (ADA) is also a worthy food base for these organisms.
Note the main positive aspects of the mixture:
- providing a good nutritional basis for beneficial bacteria;
- guarantee of excellent circulation in the aquarium;
- stimulation of plant growth and development;
- providing favorable conditions for the reproduction of flora representatives;
- possibility of use in shrimp.
As a lack of soil of this brand:
- cost - it is somewhat overestimated, in comparison with similar products.
The general opinion of buyers about the nutrient mixture is positive. Many consumers are ready to buy expensive ground for its obvious quality characteristics.
DeponitMix (Dennerle) - the best mixture to stimulate plant growth
It is a soil containing a huge amount of active substances of mineral and organic origin. Such a nutritional substrate will become an indispensable stimulator of plant growth. Usually this product is used in combination with neutral soils. The mixture contains high-speed substances in the form of granules, as well as long-acting impurities. In addition to the above, in the composition of Deponita there will be porous elements and living useful microorganisms.
The product must be accompanied by instructions for its use, which spelled out the dose and procedure for using the soil. Often in the case of Deponita there is a need to use a thermal cable to improve the circulation of water in the tank.
We single out a number of the main advantages of the product:
- ensuring the biological activity of beneficial microorganisms;
- stimulation of the growth of representatives of the flora;
- "Inhibition" of the process of growth and development of algae in the aquarium.
As minuses of the mixture were:
- possibility of use only in combination with neutral varieties of soil;
- the possibility of souring the lower levels of the soil.
Most buyers liked the soil. Users find the product an excellent example of the optimal ratio of price and quality.
The best soils for a pseudo aquarium
Cichlidia are representatives of the natural world of Malawi and Tanganyika, who prefer coral chips as the soil. The same material will be ideal for a pseudo marine aquarium. The mixture has a porous structure, due to which it can be a substrate. This substance is often used as a filler for an aquarium filter. Most often for tanks with fish use a crumb of white color.
The product is environmentally friendly, does not pose a threat to the health of the inhabitants. The material can be used throughout the life of the aquarium. Before placing on the bottom, the crumb is washed from the dust under running water. Actually, it is the traditional coral baby and will conclude our rating.
Coral baby - the best soil for cichlid
One of the most beautiful decorative elements of pseudo saltwater aquariums. White coral baby looks great in any water landscape. In addition to its attractiveness, the soil is distinguished by a clearly increased chemical activity. It is for this reason that the composition can not be used in all types of aquariums - coral chips increase the indicator of water hardness. In this case, the buyer often faces the choice between a crumb and quartz grains. The last option is not quite a beautiful gray tint. The described soil can be both small and larger fraction.
Let us dwell on the obvious advantages of the product:
- attractive appearance;
- round shape of the particles - does not harm the fish;
- structure porosity.
Among the disadvantages of coral chips:
- the tendency to darken the outer layer of the soil - there is a need for periodic cleaning;
- an increase in water hardness is not acceptable for all types of inhabitants.
Most buyers consider coral chips the best option for their own "marine" aquarium. Many have placed the highest quality rating on a product.
What soil for aquarium buy
1. The traditional option for a standard aquarium is sand and soil. Such a product should be preferred in the case of an acute statement of the financial issue, since such a soil will be the cheapest.
2. If you are striving for a more natural look of an aquarium, you should stay on brown processed natural soil. However, in this case it is necessary to spend money on additional fertilizers for plants.
3. For the design of the Dutch or nano-aquarium requires a nutritional substrate. The proven product was a mixture of Power Sand Special M from the manufacturer ADA.
4. For lovers of lush vegetation in the miniature water kingdom, the manufacturer Dennerle made DeponitMix Deponit (Susbtrat), which will be an excellent activator of the growth of flora representatives. In the case of such a nutritional basis, you can forget about the need to use additional fertilizers for the aquarium.
5. The best choice for cichlidics and pseudo saltwater aquariums will be the traditional coral baby, which not only provides a good indicator of water hardness, but also gives the aquarium a refined, natural look.
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