10 Best Aquarium Substrate 2025 in the United States

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a volcanic soil-based substrate designed specifically for freshwater planted tanks and shrimp habitats. Its granulated form provides a porous structure that supports strong plant root development and easy nutrient uptake, which is great if you want lush, healthy plants. The substrate naturally supports beneficial bacteria, helping maintain a clean and stable aquarium environment.

It holds a neutral to slightly acidic pH, which suits many tropical fish, plants, and shrimp, so it fits well if your tank inhabitants prefer these conditions. The color is a natural earthy tone, which helps enhance the aquarium’s appearance without clouding the water or causing discoloration, even with driftwood. One nice feature is its ability to offer shelter for newborn shrimp, protecting them from predators until they grow.

On the downside, while the substrate is effective for plant growth, it can be a bit heavier to clean compared to sand or finer gravel due to its grain size and porous texture. This means some debris might settle into the substrate, requiring gentle vacuuming. This substrate is an excellent choice for aquarists focused on healthy plants and shrimp care in freshwater setups, especially when maintaining stable pH and water clarity is important.

The ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 is a plant-based aquarium substrate designed especially for planted tanks. It's made from natural black soil sourced from Japan and includes an Amazon concentrate supplement, which boosts nutrients and supports a variety of aquatic plant types. The granules are irregularly shaped and sized to encourage strong, healthy root growth, which helps plants establish quickly. This substrate naturally lowers and buffers the water's pH and hardness, creating a favorable environment for most aquatic plants.

Its dark color provides a natural look that enhances the overall aquarium aesthetic. Beginners will appreciate its ease of handling and ability to keep water clear. On the downside, while this substrate is nutrient-rich and great for plant growth, it may require periodic maintenance to avoid debris buildup since it isn’t designed to be completely self-cleaning. Also, some users might find it on the pricier side compared to basic substrates.

If your goal is to grow a lush, healthy planted aquarium with stable water conditions and an attractive natural look, ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 is a solid choice.

The LANDEN Aqua Soil Substrate is designed mainly for planted freshwater aquariums and shrimp tanks. It features a natural clay-based composition with a grain size of 3-5mm, offering a stable, porous surface that promotes healthy plant root growth and provides a soft environment beneficial for shrimp. Its black color gives a natural look that works well in most setups. One of its key advantages is the nutrient content—rich in organic acids, nitrogen, and trace minerals—that supports plant health and sustains beneficial bacteria, which help maintain clean water. The substrate also gently lowers the pH to mildly acidic levels preferred by many aquatic plants.

It's ready to use without rinsing, although some initial cloudiness in the water is normal and clears up after filtration starts. To ensure stable water conditions, especially ammonia levels, it’s recommended to perform frequent partial water changes during the first couple of weeks. The 5-liter bag weighs about 10 pounds and is suitable for creating a substrate layer of around 6-8 cm thickness, which is typical for planted tanks.

The substrate is user-friendly and safe once established, but it's best to wait a week before adding fish or shrimp to avoid stress from initial water shifts. This substrate is well-suited for hobbyists seeking a natural, nutrient-rich base for healthy, thriving planted or shrimp aquariums, though it requires a bit of patience during the initial setup period.