{"product_id":"aquaforest-af-natural-substrate-7-5l","title":"AquaForest AF Natural Substrate 7.5L","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquaForest AF Natural Substrate 7.5L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquaForest AF Natural Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a nutrient-rich, natural substrate base designed for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaquascapes and planted freshwater aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its carefully selected combination of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epeat and clay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e creates a fertile, nature-like environment that provides aquatic plants with readily available micronutrients and essential plant food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe substrate is specifically designed to support the development of strong root systems and long-term plant growth. Its natural \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCation Exchange Capacity (CEC)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e allows the peat and clay to absorb excess nutrients from the aquarium water, store them within the substrate and make them available to plant roots when needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis nutrient-storage capability also helps maintain a more balanced environment by releasing stored nutrients back into the water when levels become depleted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNutrient-rich substrate base for planted aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeat and clay-based formula\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for aquascapes and freshwater planted tanks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides readily available micronutrients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports healthy root-system development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreates a fertile, nature-like growing environment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural CEC helps store excess nutrients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelps make stored nutrients available to plant roots\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports long-term plant growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClay improves substrate structure and consistency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnriched with carefully selected trace elements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaboratory-supervised micronutrient composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan lower and help stabilise aquarium pH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenefits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports Strong Root Development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe carefully selected peat creates favourable conditions for aquatic plant roots while supplying essential minerals and trace elements needed for healthy development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNutrient-Rich Growing Environment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAF Natural Substrate contains readily available micronutrients and plant nutrients, providing a fertile foundation for aquatic plants from the beginning of the aquarium setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural CEC Nutrient Storage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth peat and clay have natural \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCation Exchange Capacity (CEC)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This allows the substrate to capture excess nutrients from the water and store them for later use by plant roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelps Maintain Nutrient Availability\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen nutrient levels in the water become depleted, stored nutrients can become available again, creating a more efficient and balanced nutrient environment for aquatic plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImproves Substrate Structure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClay acts as a structural base, helping create a consistent substrate texture while also contributing to the natural nutrient-storage properties of the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports Biological Balance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of peat, clay and carefully selected micronutrients creates a supportive environment for healthy plant development while helping maintain a balanced aquarium ecosystem.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAF Natural Substrate is designed to be used as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebase layer beneath gravel or sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep 1 — Install Equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstall a heater cable if one is being used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep 2 — Add the Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread AF Natural Substrate evenly across the bottom of the aquarium and compact it to create a layer approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2–2.5 cm thick\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep 3 — Add the Top Layer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCover the AF Natural Substrate with approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3 cm of gravel or sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep 4 — Partially Fill the Aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGently fill the aquarium with approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15 cm of water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo prevent disturbing the substrate, place a plate or dish on the bottom of the aquarium and direct the water stream onto it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep 5 — Plant the Aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace your aquatic plants into the prepared substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep 6 — Complete the Fill\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarefully fill the aquarium completely with water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoverage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 L of AF Natural Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is sufficient for approximately a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e200 L aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100 cm × 40 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e base when used at the recommended substrate depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAF Natural Substrate is rich in micronutrients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efirst three months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, AquaForest recommends avoiding additional fertilisers containing micronutrients \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eunless plants show visible signs of micronutrient deficiency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis helps prevent excessive accumulation of trace elements during the initial setup period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Considerations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAF Natural Substrate can \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elower and stabilise the pH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of aquarium water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor accurate monitoring, AquaForest recommends using a suitable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH test or pH probe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e when setting up and maintaining an aquarium with this substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater planted aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquascaping setups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature-style aquascapes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeavily planted aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquatic plants with extensive root systems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong-term planted aquarium setups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarists looking for a nutrient-rich substrate base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquariums requiring natural nutrient storage through CEC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Summary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreate a fertile foundation for your aquascape with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquaForest AF Natural Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its natural \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epeat and clay composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e provides aquatic plants with essential micronutrients while supporting strong root development and long-term growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith natural CEC properties, the substrate can absorb and store excess nutrients from the water and make them available to plant roots when required. Combined with its nutrient-rich composition and natural ability to influence pH, AF Natural Substrate provides an excellent foundation for creating a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehealthy, thriving planted aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Pets SA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44734981079083,"sku":null,"price":1058.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/4676\/6123\/files\/aquaforestNaturalSubstrate.png?v=1786477048","url":"https:\/\/aquaticpetssa.com\/products\/aquaforest-af-natural-substrate-7-5l","provider":"Aquatic Pets SA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}