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.
The first thing to consider when deciding what size aquarium tank or aquarium system to purchase is location. Aquariums do best on an inside wall of a room, away from direct sunlight.
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