DIY Aquarium Substrate Ideas

Picking the right substrate can take hours of research to find the right material to suit your aquarium. The ultimate answer can be different for every hobbyist, even if they plan on housing the same fish in the same type of environment. The best part of substrate is that there are plenty of options to keep you thinking.

  1. Live Sand

    • Live sand is a very popular substrate used in marine aquariums because it has been taken from the ocean. This sand will have live sand inhabitants that help create a healthy sand bed in a tank. This substrate is a good alternative to having live rock in a tank.

    Onyx Sand

    • Onyx sand is a dark, porous substrate that is relatively new to the market. It's considered to be very flexible in the fact that it's primarily beneficial to planted aquariums but can be used in all aquarium settings including fresh water and marine. This substrate is not chemically treated and is not known to increase pH levels, so it is animal safe.

    River Gravel

    • River gravel is a very common stone but it is less common in aquariums because it does not have the same decorative appeal of dyed stones that are popular with hobbyists. However, if your goal is to have a natural environment for your fish and your fish come from an American lake bed or river, then using river gravel can give your tank an earthy tone that will feel natural to your aquariums' inhabitants.

    Decorative Gravel

    • Decorative gravel is usually brightly colored substrate that yields little benefit to the aquariums' habitat but instead focuses on a theme or color pattern for the aquarium. These types of substrates are most commonly used by people who do not enjoy a natural environment but rather enjoy a more colorful and festive tank.