CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate

About the Product:

CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate is mineralogically and biologically complete substrate for planted aquariums that comes in live water that contains purifying bacteria.

Mineralogically complete means it contains iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur plus over 25 other elements to nourish your aquatic plants. It contains all the mineral nutrients needed for luxuriant aquatic plant growth without nuisance algae. This iron-rich substrate eliminates the need for laterite.

Biologically complete means it contains live heterotrophic bacteria to rapidly convert fish waste into natural food for your aquatic plants; creates a natural biological balance which makes cycling a new aquarium faster and safer; packed in Liquid Amazon buffered "Black Water" solution for immediate organic water conditioning; unsurpassed MacroPorosity for healthy roots and bacterial efficiency. You would need to buy 4 bags of ordinary gravel to equal the surface area of this one bag of the substrate.

Other features include: nitrate and carbonate free-will not increase pH or carbonate hardness; there are no artificial dyes, paints, or chemical coatings; the natural black substrate encourages the most vibrant coloration in fishes and reduces fish stress; spherical grains for optimum diffusion performance; supplies calcium without raising the pH; lead-free.

The Bi-Modal grading naturally separates into 2 distinct layers: 1) a Fine layer on the bottom for best root development and 2) a Coarse layer on top which conveys oxygen and nutrients to the roots.

Instructions: Use 1-2 pounds per gallon of aquarium water. Two pounds or more per gallon will deliver the best performance. An ideal depth is at least 3".

It is designed to be a complete substrate but may also serve as a bottom layer with your choice of the non-carbonate substrate on top (do not use marble, dolomite, limestone, crushed coral, shells aragonite, etc.).

For new aquarium set-ups simply pour in the entire contents of this bag and fill the aquarium with de-chlorinated tap water or, for best results, de-ionized or distilled water. It will automatically segregate into 2 distinct layers with the finer material on the bottom.

For established systems, drain and discard most of the liquid contents of the product before placing it into the system.

Warning: Placing new gravel over the top ("capping") of an established gravel bed can be damaging to aquatic life. Gently mix new material into the existing bed with fingers. For added safety, this process can be done, in sections, over the course of a few days.

Place aquatic plants with roots deep into the substrate. Plants may be held in place with the aid of small rocks, pieces of wood, etc.