Substrate Choice: Planted Soil, Sand, or Bare Bottom?

Substrate isn't just aesthetic

The substrate you choose affects plant root nutrition, bottom-dwelling fish behavior, ease of cleaning, and even water chemistry (some substrates buffer pH/KH actively).

The main options

• Nutrient-rich aquasoil (ADA Amazonia and similar) — best for demanding planted tanks, especially carpeting species, but can leach ammonia briefly when first added and often softens water (lowering pH/KH) — a consideration for hardwater species.
• Inert sand — easiest to keep clean, ideal for corydoras and other bottom-feeders that sift substrate, but offers zero nutrition to plant roots; relies entirely on root tabs or liquid ferts.
• Bare bottom — simplest to maintain, best for breeding setups or tanks prioritizing easy waste removal over aesthetics, but eliminates substrate-rooted plants and substrate-dwelling species as options entirely.

Matching to your actual stocking plan

If you want a dense carpet plant or demanding stem plants, aquasoil isn't optional — no amount of liquid fertilizer fully substitutes for root-zone nutrition. If your focus is corydoras, loaches, or other substrate-sifting fish, prioritize sand fineness and avoid sharp gravel that can damage barbels and skin.