Aquatic Pets SA Aqua Soil Substrate ±2kg – For Shrimps & Planted Aquariums
Give your plants and shrimp the perfect start with this premium Aqua Soil substrate, available from Aquatic Pets SA. Specially formulated for planted aquariums and shrimp habitats, this soil provides the ideal balance of nutrients and water stability needed for a thriving aquascape.
Key Features
Nutrient-Rich Formula: Packed with essential minerals to promote lush, healthy plant growth.
Shrimp-Friendly: Helps maintain soft, slightly acidic water conditions ideal for Caridina and Neocaridina species.
Strong Root Support: Encourages fast and stable root development for carpeting plants, stems, and root-feeders.
Water Parameter Stability: Naturally buffers pH and KH for a balanced, stable environment.
Premium Aesthetic: Dark granules highlight plant colours and make shrimp stand out beautifully.
Long-Lasting Quality: Maintains structure and nutrients over time without breaking down quickly.
Specifications
Weight: Approximately 2 kg
Grain Size: Fine–medium granules
Suitable for: Planted tanks, shrimp tanks, nano aquascapes
Sold by: Aquatic Pets SA
Why Choose Aqua Soil from Aquatic Pets SA?
At Aquatic Pets SA, we carefully choose substrates that support both beginners and advanced aquascapers. This Aqua Soil offers true value by boosting plant growth, enhancing shrimp health, and improving the overall beauty of your aquascape.
How to Use
Lightly rinse (optional — do not over-wash).
Add a 2–4 cm layer to the aquarium base.
Fill the tank slowly to avoid disturbing the soil.
Allow the aquarium to cycle before adding shrimp.
Create a healthy, vibrant, and stable planted aquarium — Aqua Soil from Aquatic Pets SA is the foundation your aquascape deserves.
The Ocean Max Aquarium Plant Soil (1–2mm grain size) is a premium substrate specially developed to support strong and vibrant plant growth in freshwater aquariums. With its fine granule size and nutrient-rich composition, it ensures excellent root development and stable aquascapes, while maintaining water quality for fish and shrimp.
Key Features:
Nutrient-rich formula – provides essential minerals to support lush plant growth.
Optimal grain size (1–2mm) – ideal for rooting, stability, and natural aquascaping.
Improves water quality – helps buffer pH to slightly acidic levels, perfect for most tropical plants and shrimp.
Natural appearance – dark, earthy tones create a realistic and professional aquascape look.
Safe for all tank inhabitants – free from harmful chemicals, suitable for fish, shrimp, and snails.
Available Sizes:
2 kg – perfect for nano and small aquariums.
4 kg – ideal for medium-sized planted tanks.
8 kg – best value for larger aquariums or heavily planted setups.
Suitable For:
Freshwater planted aquariums
Aquascaping layouts (Iwagumi, Dutch, Nature style)
Shrimp and community tanks
Amazonia soil
Amazonia soil (often called Amazonian soil or Amazon Basin soil) refers to the soils found in the Amazon Rainforest, which covers much of northern South America — mainly Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and surrounding countries.
Here’s a breakdown of its main features:
🌱 1. General Characteristics
Highly weathered: Amazonian soils are very old and have been exposed to intense rainfall and heat for millions of years, which leaches away nutrients.
Nutrient-poor: Despite the lush vegetation, most Amazonian soils (especially Oxisols and Ultisols) are poor in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Acidic: The soils tend to have a low pH, making them acidic and less fertile for conventional agriculture.
Thin fertile layer: Most nutrients in the Amazon ecosystem are stored in the biomass (trees, leaves, and roots), not in the soil itself.
🪵 2. Types of Soils Found
Oxisols (Ferralsols):
Deeply weathered, reddish soils.
Rich in iron and aluminum oxides.
Very low natural fertility.
Ultisols:
Also weathered and acidic.
Found on gently rolling uplands.
Slightly more fertile than Oxisols.
Alluvial soils:
Found along river floodplains.
More fertile due to periodic flooding and sediment deposition.
Terra preta (“Black Earth”):
Human-made soil rich in organic matter and charcoal.
Extremely fertile and carbon-rich.
Created by Indigenous Amazonian peoples thousands of years ago.
🌿 3. Terra Preta – The Exception
Composition: Mix of charcoal (biochar), bones, compost, and pottery fragments.
Properties: High carbon content, better nutrient retention, and long-term fertility.
Importance: Shows that Indigenous peoples practiced sustainable soil management long before modern agriculture.
🌧️ 4. Ecological Role
Despite poor soil fertility, the Amazon rainforest thrives because nutrients are recycled rapidly through decomposition and uptake by plant roots.
The soil supports complex ecosystems by maintaining moisture and providing a base for dense root networks.
Active substrate / soil, targeted at both shrimp (especially soft-water species) and aquatic plants.
Core benefits:
Lowers and stabilises pH to a slightly acidic level (~ 6.0-6.5).
Reduces carbonate hardness (KH) to ~0-2°d depending on source water.
Supplies trace minerals/humic & fulvic acids to support both plants and shrimp health.
Porous granules create good surface area for beneficial bacteria (important for shrimp bio-filtration).
Suitable Use Cases & Target Species
Ideal for shrimp species requiring soft, acidic water (e.g., bee shrimp, Crystal Reds, etc).
Suitable for planted tanks: root-friendly substrate, supports healthy plant growth.
Especially useful if you want one substrate that works for both shrimp & plants, which seems to be your goal.
Less suitable if you have species that prefer neutral to alkaline water (the substrate actively lowers pH).
Installation / Usage Tips (based on comparable products)
Place the substrate unwashed into the dry aquarium, to a depth of approx. 3-5 cm.
Fill with water carefully (so as not to disturb the substrate too much).
Cycle the tank before introducing shrimp especially with active soils, you may get an initial spike in ammonia or changes in water chemistry.
Monitor pH, KH, and GH (general hardness) especially in the first weeks to ensure stability.
Since the substrate gradually buffers the water, the effect will diminish over time (2+ years depending on use and water hardness). See hobbyist feedback.
Aqua Soil is a premium natural substrate specially formulated for aquascaping and planted aquariums. It provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth while maintaining water clarity and stability ,making it perfect for both plants and decorative aquariums.
Key Features
Rich in nutrients – promotes strong root development and vibrant plant growth.
Natural water conditioning – gently stabilizes pH for optimal aquatic health.
Porous structure – enhances water circulation within the substrate and supports beneficial bacteria.
Aesthetic dark color – creates a beautiful contrast that highlights plants, rocks, and decorations.
Ready to use – pre-rinsed and pre-conditioned; no need for washing before use.
Long-lasting – maintains shape and nutrients for extended aquarium stability.
Ideal For
Freshwater aquascapes
Community aquariums
Decorative aquariums with driftwood, stones, or ornaments
Aquatic plants (rooted or stem plants)
⚙️ How to Use
Spread Cay Aqua Soil evenly at the bottom of the aquarium (3–5 cm depth).
Slope substrate higher at the back for a natural perspective.
Add decorations, driftwood, and plants.
Fill aquarium slowly to avoid disturbing the soil.
Cycle the tank before introducing fish or shrimp.