Substrate is a necessity for any aquarium ecosystem. Generally, it is recommended to have 1-2 inches of substrate in any aquarium, however this is all dependent upon the population of the tank. Substrate provides a minuscule but efficient natural filter.
There are many different substrates to choose from when setting up an aquarium. For freshwater there is gravel, fluorite, and cichlid sand. For saltwater tanks the best substrates are aragamax sand, live sand, and dolomite. Choosing the right one depends on what type of setup and fish in the aquarium.
Using the proper substrate set up in the planted aquarium can really make a significant difference in the overall success of the plants. This is one of those cases where a little bit of preparation can give really good returns.
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