Substrate is one of the most overlooked decisions in setting up a new tank, but the right choice depends heavily on what you’re actually trying to keep – a substrate that’s perfect for a planted shrimp tank may be entirely wrong for a simple community fish setup.
Inert gravel and sand
Plain gravel or sand doesn’t affect water chemistry and is a straightforward, low-cost choice for a community fish tank without heavy planting. It’s easy to clean and widely available in a range of colours and grain sizes.
Active/planted substrates
Nutrient-rich active substrates are designed to support healthy plant root growth and, in many cases, gently buffer water chemistry toward conditions suited to planted and shrimp tanks. These are a common choice for aquascaped setups where plant health is a priority.
Substrate for shrimp tanks specifically
Many dedicated shrimp keepers use active substrates that help buffer pH toward the lower, more acidic range some shrimp species prefer – but this isn’t universal across all shrimp species, so it’s worth researching what your specific shrimp actually need before choosing.
Grain size and depth
Finer substrates suit plants with delicate root systems and burrowing fish or invertebrates; coarser gravel suits tanks without live plants. A general guide is a few centimetres of depth for planted tanks, enough to support root development without becoming anaerobic and smelly at the base.
Where to find substrate
Browse inert and active substrates for every setup – including Aquaview’s own range – in our Substrates section on The Aviary Hub.
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