4 replies to this topic

[Blakey]

So this is a fairly broad question and not one answer will be suitable but I'm curious as to how important substrate is to the aquarium.
Clearly it's of more benefit to plants and fish who are dependant on it but does it play a bigger role than that?

[malawiman85]

To me it is a problem for bigger fish because its impossible to keep a tank as clean as opposed to bare bottom.
The down side of bare bottom is the tank doesnt look as good and fish dont get the opportunity to sift, dig and bury in the substrate.
Some substrates dont really affect water chemistry, some do, some are great buffers.
Planted is a different story... im sure one of the planted gurus will run through that better than I ever could.

[Michael the fish fanatic]

i like the asthetic looks of substrate, but a pain in the butt to keep clean!!!!

[sandgroper]

You can still go bare bottom with plants if your that way inclined, just put them in pots. Substrate also holds beneficial bacteria.

[MrLeifBeaver]

If you have a good water cycling around the tank and bottom feeders your substrate will never get dirty (noticebly).