{"title":"Substrate \u0026 Gravel","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"red-sea-reef-base-10kg","title":"Red Sea Reef Base 10kg","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural aragonite sand that buffers reef water as it settles.\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Sea Reef Base is an oolitic aragonite substrate, formed by natural precipitation and collected from a renewable source — the same calcium-carbonate sand chemistry reef keepers have relied on for decades to help hold pH and alkalinity steady in a marine system. It's sold in a 10 kg bag, in Pink or White.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural aragonite\u003c\/strong\u003e — helps maintain a stable pH around 8.2–8.3 and supports alkalinity (KH) stability as it dissolves slowly over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProcessed, not just dredged\u003c\/strong\u003e — exposed to air and UV light, screened, then mechanically washed twice for a cleaner bag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo tones\u003c\/strong\u003e — Pink gives the classic warm reef-flat look; White gives a brighter, more neutral sand bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10 kg bag\u003c\/strong\u003e — sized to build up a display bed gradually or to top up an existing one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOolitic aragonite (calcium carbonate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSource\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural precipitation, renewable source\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePack size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePink, White\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHelps maintain approximately pH 8.2–8.3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProcessing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir and UV exposed, screened, double washed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill it fit my tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRed Sea doesn't publish an exact coverage figure — how far a 10 kg bag goes depends entirely on the footprint of your tank and how deep a bed you want. As a starting point, weigh out one bag over your sump or a spare container to see the volume it makes before committing it to the display, and buy a second bag rather than guess short on a display you'll only fill once.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuited to marine fish-only and reef systems as a display or sump substrate. Not intended as a freshwater substrate, and not a substitute for live rock or bacterial supplementation when cycling a new tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eShips standard parcel post. As a natural product, minor variation in grain and tone between bags is normal and not a fault.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the difference between Pink and White?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth are the same aragonite chemistry — the difference is purely the colour and tone of the finished sand bed, Pink giving a warmer look and White a brighter one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse it before adding it to the tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — even after Red Sea's own washing process, a rinse before use will settle any remaining fines faster and keep the water from clouding on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should I make my sand bed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat depends on what you're running it for — talk to us about your setup if you're planning a deep sand bed rather than a shallow display layer, since the right depth changes the buying quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RedSea","offers":[{"title":"Pink","offer_id":54774151905571,"sku":"RED193","price":75.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White","offer_id":55335333921059,"sku":"RED194","price":75.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/red-sea-reef-base-10kg-43876662411555.webp?v=1790239002"},{"product_id":"bioscape-bioscape-terra-base-extra-coarse-3-5mm-5kg-bag","title":"Bioscape Terra Base Extra Coarse 3-5mm 5kg Bag","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA coarse base layer that keeps water moving through the bottom of a scape.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Terra Base Extra Coarse is a 3 to 5 mm substrate (the gravel or soil layer on the floor of a tank or enclosure) sold in a 5 kg bag. It goes underneath your main substrate in aquariums, or at the bottom of a terrarium as a drainage layer, so water can pass through instead of sitting and going stale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtra coarse 3 to 5 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e, which lets water circulate through the bed and helps stop the layer compacting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInert and pH neutral\u003c\/strong\u003e (it will not change your water chemistry or shift pH, the measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks in water and on land\u003c\/strong\u003e, under plant soil or decorative gravel in aquariums, or as a drainage base in terrariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBioactive mixes\u003c\/strong\u003e (living terrarium setups with plants and clean up crew): can be blended in to keep the mix open and free draining.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrain size: 3 to 5 mm (extra coarse)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 5 kg bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEffect on pH: none (inert)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable as a base layer in planted aquariums, under decorative gravel, and as a drainage layer in terrariums and paludariums (part water, part land enclosures). At 3 to 5 mm it is too coarse to use on its own as a top layer for fish that sift sand or for plants that need a fine rooting bed, so cap it with a finer substrate or plant soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse in a bucket until the water runs clear before adding it to an aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovered by your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law against manufacturing faults. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774336258339,"sku":"BIS98","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-bioscape-terra-base-extra-coarse-3-5mm-5kg-bag-872355.webp?v=1790230840"},{"product_id":"caribsea-arag-alive-live-reef-sand","title":"CaribSea Arag-Alive Live Reef Sand 20lb (9kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive sand for a faster start on a new marine tank.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Arag-Alive is aragonite reef sand (a natural form of calcium carbonate, the same mineral as coral skeletons) packed with live bacteria, in a 20 lb (about 9 kg) bag. CaribSea says it cycles days faster than other live sands in independent lab tests (cycling is the build up of bacteria that break down fish waste before a tank is safe for stock).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e to seed the biological filter and shorten the ammonia cycle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAragonite\u003c\/strong\u003e, which raises pH and alkalinity (alkalinity is the water's ability to hold pH steady), the direction reef and marine tanks need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e: CaribSea's instruction is to open the bag and place the contents straight into the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClarifier in the packing liquid\u003c\/strong\u003e: CaribSea adds its Bio-Magnet clarifier to the liquid in the bag to help the water clear quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: live aragonite sand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBag size: 20 lb (about 9 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaker: CaribSea (USA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for marine, reef and African cichlid aquariums. Not suitable for soft water freshwater tanks or planted tanks where you want low pH, because it will push pH and alkalinity up. Our North Lakes team can help work out how many bags your tank needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut the sand in first, before the tank water, and do not pour it through a full tank, which clouds the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovered by your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law against manufacturing faults. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242228629795,"sku":"BA8911","price":69.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/caribsea-arag-alive-live-ree-43876492902691.webp?v=1790239540"},{"product_id":"bioscape-breakwater-brown-coarse-3-5mm-7kg-bag","title":"Bioscape Breakwater Brown Coarse 2-4mm - 7kg bag","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA natural brown coarse gravel that will not shift your pH.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Breakwater Brown Coarse is a natural aquarium substrate (the gravel or sand layer on the tank floor) in a warm brown colour. It is triple washed and does not affect aquarium pH. 7 kg bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoes not affect aquarium pH\u003c\/strong\u003e (how acidic or alkaline the water is), so it will not change your water chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriple washed\u003c\/strong\u003e by Bioscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoarse grain\u003c\/strong\u003e that allows drainage and water circulation through the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeveral uses\u003c\/strong\u003e: on its own, as a scaping highlight, under plant soil, beneath other decorative gravel, or as a base drainage layer in terrariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrade: coarse; Bioscape lists Breakwater Brown Coarse as 2 to 4 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 7 kg bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: breakwater brown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: natural aquarium substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for freshwater aquariums, planted tanks as a layer with plant soil, and terrariums as a drainage layer. It is gravel, not a nutrient soil, so on its own it does not feed plant roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive it a rinse before adding it to the tank to clear any remaining dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour rights under Australian Consumer Law apply. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242256908579,"sku":"AA1965","price":41.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-co-43106844213539.webp?v=1790231145"},{"product_id":"seachem-flourite-red-3-5kg","title":"Seachem Flourite Red 3.5kg","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorous clay gravel in red for planted freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem Flourite Red is a specially fracted (graded by particle size), stable, porous clay gravel made for the natural planted aquarium. Its red colour suits planted aquariums. It is not chemically coated or treated, will not change your water's pH, and Seachem states it is good for the life of the aquarium and does not need replacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks on its own:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem says it is most effective used alone as the whole substrate bed, but it can be mixed with other gravels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo laterite needed:\u003c\/strong\u003e gravel modifiers such as laterite (an iron rich clay added under gravel for plant roots) are not necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH neutral:\u003c\/strong\u003e not coated or treated, so it will not alter pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo replacement needed\u003c\/strong\u003e for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand: Seachem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: porous clay planted aquarium substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 3.5 kg bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to planted aquariums, and can be used in any freshwater aquarium. Seachem does not list it for marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is pre-washed, but as a natural product it may get dusty in transit, so rinse it before use. Fill the tank slowly: place a bowl on the substrate and pour water into the bowl so it overflows gently onto the bed. Some cloudiness at first is normal; mechanical filtration such as filter floss will clear it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour rights under Australian Consumer Law apply. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242261299491,"sku":"AA1077","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/seachem-flourite-red-3-5kg-43160355143971.webp?v=1790231147"},{"product_id":"seachem-onyx-sand-3-5kg","title":"Seachem Onyx sand 3.5kg","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA carbonate-rich, clay-based substrate that gently buffers pH while your plants root into it.\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem Onyx Sand is a natural, uncoated substrate built for freshwater planted aquariums. It's dark grey rather than black, porous enough for roots to establish quickly, and because it's mineral rather than chemically treated, it never needs replacing — set it up once and leave it in place for the life of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarbonate-rich composition\u003c\/strong\u003e — naturally raises pH by roughly 0.1 to 0.5 units, depending on your source water, without a separate buffer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo chemical coating\u003c\/strong\u003e — it's a natural clay-based mineral, not a dyed or resin-coated gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePermanent substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e — never needs replacing or refreshing over the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePorous structure\u003c\/strong\u003e — supports strong root development in heavily planted layouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible use\u003c\/strong\u003e — works as a standalone substrate or as a nutrient-buffering base layer under a finer cap.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark grey tone\u003c\/strong\u003e — sits neutrally behind planted layouts without the stark black of dyed substrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeachem\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnyx Sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural carbonate-rich clay substrate, uncoated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003epH effect\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH by approximately 0.1–0.5 units, depending on source water hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark grey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eReplacement interval\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required — permanent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA0449\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarcode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e116350303\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich size do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnyx Sand is sold in a 3.5 kg bag and a larger 7 kg bag. Seachem doesn't publish an exact coverage depth per kilogram, so the right choice comes down to your tank's footprint: the 3.5 kg bag suits a nano to small planted tank, or works as a thin buffering base layer under a finer cap in a larger tank. If you're not sure how far a bag will go in your specific tank, get in touch before ordering rather than guessing — it's cheaper to check than to reorder.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e freshwater planted aquariums, aquascapes wanting a natural buffering base layer, tanks with softer source water that benefit from a mild upward pH nudge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine or brackish systems, tanks where you need a completely inert substrate with zero pH effect, or setups needing a bright white or pale substrate for contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnyx Sand is pre-washed at the factory but can pick up dust in transit, so rinse it before adding it to the tank. Once planted, avoid heavy stirring or deep gravel vacuuming around root zones — light surface cleaning is enough, since the substrate itself never needs replacing or topping up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a natural mineral substrate, Onyx Sand doesn't carry a manufacturer warranty the way equipment does — Seachem's guarantee is on product quality at the time of sale, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. It ships as a standard parcel with no special freight handling required.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill Onyx Sand keep raising my pH indefinitely?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The buffering effect is mild and depends on your source water's existing hardness — it nudges pH upward rather than driving it to a fixed target the way a dedicated buffer product does.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I use Onyx Sand in a saltwater or brackish tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Onyx Sand is formulated and sold for freshwater planted aquariums only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse it before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It's pre-washed by Seachem but can become dusty in transit, so a rinse before adding it to the tank will keep your water clearer during setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix Onyx Sand with other substrates?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — many aquascapers use it as a base layer under a finer-grained cap substrate, taking advantage of its buffering properties without it being the visible top layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need replacing over time?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It's a natural, uncoated mineral substrate that Seachem states is good for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242272899363,"sku":"AA0449","price":35.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/seachem-onyx-sand-3-5kg-43160358650147.webp?v=1790231147"},{"product_id":"seachem-flourite-black-3-5kg","title":"Seachem Flourite Black 3.5kg","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA substrate your plants can actually feed from, not just sit in.\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem Flourite Black is a stable, porous clay gravel for freshwater planted aquariums. It isn't chemically coated or treated — the clay itself is soft enough that plant roots draw minerals directly from the grains, and because it's a natural mineral substrate rather than a nutrient-dosed one, it doesn't run out or need replacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePorous clay structure\u003c\/strong\u003e — plant roots extract minerals directly from the substrate rather than relying only on water-column dosing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot chemically coated\u003c\/strong\u003e — won't alter your water's pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNever needs replacing\u003c\/strong\u003e — good for the life of the aquarium, and compatible with undergravel filters without softening or breaking down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse alone or as a base layer\u003c\/strong\u003e under other substrates or hardscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA0420\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarcode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e000116372305\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone — uncoated, untreated clay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill it fit my tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeachem doesn't publish a fixed coverage figure (litres or kilograms per square metre of tank floor) for this bag size — their own product page instead offers an online calculator that takes your tank's footprint and desired depth. As a starting point for planning, weigh up how many bags you'll need before ordering rather than guessing on one bag for a larger footprint; we're happy to help you work out quantities for your specific tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePreparation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlourite Black is pre-washed at the factory, but can still be dusty after transit — rinse before use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill the tank slowly once the substrate is in (the \"bowl method\" — pour water onto a bowl or plate sitting on the substrate) to avoid disturbing the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome initial cloudiness is normal and clears through mechanical filtration, or faster with a water clarifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for any freshwater planted aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot chemically coated, so it won't push your pH in any direction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot marketed for marine or reef use — this is a freshwater planted-tank substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo replacement needed under normal use. Avoid excessive substrate disturbance once plants are established, and it will continue to work with an undergravel filter without softening or decomposing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish-tabs\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e — root-zone fertiliser tabs pushed into the substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish-trace\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Trace\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish-potassium\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Potassium\u003c\/a\u003e — water-column dosing to complement root feeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCovered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law in addition to any manufacturer guarantee. Ships Australia-wide from North Lakes, QLD.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need rinsing before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — it's pre-washed at the factory but can pick up dust in transit, so rinse it before adding it to the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill it change my water's pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, it isn't chemically coated or treated, so it won't push pH in either direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeachem doesn't publish a fixed coverage figure for this bag size — contact us with your tank's footprint and desired substrate depth and we'll help you work out how many 3.5 kg bags you need.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need replacing over time?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo — it's a stable mineral substrate, not a nutrient dose, so it's good for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it with an undergravel filter?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, Seachem states it works fine with undergravel filtration and won't soften or break down.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242272997667,"sku":"AA0420","price":46.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/seachem-flourite-black-3-5kg-43160359010595.webp?v=1790231147"},{"product_id":"seachem-flourite-sand","title":"Seachem Flourite Sand","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorous clay sand for planted freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem Flourite Sand is a specially fracted (graded by particle size), stable, porous clay gravel made for the natural planted aquarium. It is not chemically coated or treated, will not change your water's pH, and Seachem states it is good for the life of the aquarium and does not need replacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks on its own:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem says it is most effective used alone as the whole substrate bed, but it can be mixed with other gravels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo laterite needed:\u003c\/strong\u003e gravel modifiers such as laterite (an iron rich clay added under gravel for plant roots) are not necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH neutral:\u003c\/strong\u003e not coated or treated, so it will not alter pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo replacement needed\u003c\/strong\u003e for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand: Seachem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: porous clay planted aquarium substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizes on our store: 3.5 kg and 7 kg bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to planted aquariums, and can be used in any freshwater aquarium. Seachem does not list it for marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is pre-washed, but as a natural product it may get dusty in transit, so rinse it before use. Fill the tank slowly: place a bowl on the substrate and pour water into the bowl so it overflows gently onto the bed. Some cloudiness at first is normal; mechanical filtration such as filter floss will clear it, and Seachem Clarity speeds this up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour rights under Australian Consumer Law apply. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"3.5 kg","offer_id":55244169085219,"sku":null,"price":63.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55244169117987,"sku":null,"price":128.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/seachem-flourite-sand-43160359895331.webp?v=1790238166"},{"product_id":"seachem-flourite-black-sand","title":"Seachem Flourite Black Sand","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorous clay sand in black for planted freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem Flourite Black Sand is a specially fracted (graded by particle size), stable, porous clay gravel made for the natural planted aquarium. Its black colour suits planted aquariums. It is not chemically coated or treated, will not change your water's pH, and Seachem states it is good for the life of the aquarium and does not need replacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks on its own:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seachem says it is most effective used alone as the whole substrate bed, but it can be mixed with other gravels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo laterite needed:\u003c\/strong\u003e gravel modifiers such as laterite (an iron rich clay added under gravel for plant roots) are not necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH neutral:\u003c\/strong\u003e not coated or treated, so it will not alter pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo replacement needed\u003c\/strong\u003e for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand: Seachem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: porous clay planted aquarium substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizes on our store: 3.5 kg and 7 kg bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to planted aquariums, and can be used in any freshwater aquarium. Seachem does not list it for marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is pre-washed, but as a natural product it may get dusty in transit, so rinse it before use. Fill the tank slowly: place a bowl on the substrate and pour water into the bowl so it overflows gently onto the bed. Some cloudiness at first is normal; mechanical filtration such as filter floss will clear it, and Seachem Clarity speeds this up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour rights under Australian Consumer Law apply. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"3.5 kg","offer_id":55244169249059,"sku":null,"price":63.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55244169281827,"sku":null,"price":131.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/seachem-flourite-black-sand-43160359928099.webp?v=1790238166"},{"product_id":"bioscape-golden-sand-fine-1-2mm","title":"Bioscape Golden Sand Fine 1-2mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fine golden sand that will not shift your pH.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Golden Sand Fine is a natural aquarium substrate (the gravel or sand layer on the tank floor) with a 1 to 2 mm grain in a golden sand colour. It is triple washed and does not affect aquarium pH. Available in 3 kg and 7 kg bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoes not affect aquarium pH\u003c\/strong\u003e (how acidic or alkaline the water is), so it will not change your water chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriple washed\u003c\/strong\u003e by Bioscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine 1 to 2 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e for a smooth, even look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeveral uses\u003c\/strong\u003e: on its own, as a scaping highlight with other gravels, mixed with nutrient rich plant soils, or as a base drainage layer in terrariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrade: fine, 1 to 2 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizes: 3 kg and 7 kg bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: golden sand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: natural aquarium substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for freshwater aquariums, planted tanks mixed with plant soil, and terrariums as a drainage layer. It is sand, not a nutrient soil, so on its own it does not feed plant roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive it a rinse before adding it to the tank to clear any remaining dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour rights under Australian Consumer Law apply. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249197564195,"sku":null,"price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249197596963,"sku":"BIS85","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-golden-sand-fine-1-43876823597347.webp?v=1790239781"},{"product_id":"bioscape-ebony-black-fine-1-2mm","title":"Bioscape Ebony Black Fine 1-2mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fine black quartz sand for aquariums and terrariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Ebony Black Fine is a natural quartz sand in a 1 to 2 mm grain. It does not affect aquarium pH, and Bioscape triple washes it before bagging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoes not affect pH\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it will not change your water chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine 1 to 2 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e that still lets water circulate and drain through it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible use:\u003c\/strong\u003e on its own, for scaping highlights, under plant soil, beneath other decorative gravel or as a drainage layer in terrariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTriple washed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: natural quartz sand, black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrain size: 1 to 2 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBag sizes: 3 kg and 7 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable as a substrate for freshwater aquariums, under a plant soil in planted tanks, and as a base drainage layer in terrariums. It is plain sand rather than a plant soil, so for planted tanks Bioscape suggests using it under a plant soil. Because it does not affect pH, it will not buffer (hold up) pH the way aragonite reef sand does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive it a rinse in a bucket before adding it to the tank to clear any dust from handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny warranty Bioscape offers applies in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249197629731,"sku":null,"price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249197662499,"sku":"BIS86","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-ebony-black-fine-1-43876823630115.webp?v=1790239781"},{"product_id":"bioscape-breakwater-brown-fine-1-2mm","title":"Bioscape Breakwater Brown Fine 1-2mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fine, natural gravel that won't push your water chemistry around.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Breakwater Brown Fine 1-2mm is a triple-washed, pH-neutral aquarium and terrarium substrate in an earthy brown tone, fine enough to sit close around plant roots or to use as a smooth-textured base or scaping highlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWon't affect pH\u003c\/strong\u003e — an inert gravel, so it won't push your water chemistry away from what your fish or plants are already set up for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriple washed\u003c\/strong\u003e — less dust to settle out than an unwashed gravel, though we'd still recommend a quick rinse before adding it, since transit and handling can stir dust back up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine 1-2mm grade\u003c\/strong\u003e — sits close around root systems and gives a smoother, more even-looking base than a coarse gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks as a base or a highlight\u003c\/strong\u003e — use it as the full substrate, mix it with a nutrient-rich plant soil, or use it as a scaping accent against a coarser gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarcode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9327975044473\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBIS87\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9327975044510\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade: fine, 1-2mm grain size. Colour: brown. Material: natural gravel, inert (does not affect pH). Bioscape hasn't published a depth-per-bag coverage figure for this grade — as a guide, dry-fill a footprint you can measure before committing to a full layout, since the depth you end up with depends on how deep and how tightly you pack it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBioscape sells the Breakwater Brown range in more than one grade, so it's worth checking you've got the right one before ordering:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBreakwater Brown Fine 1-2mm (this product)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanted tanks and tight root beds, a smoother look\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-coarse-2-4mm\"\u003eBreakwater Brown Coarse 2-4mm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-4mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeneral base substrate, better water flow through the bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-coarse-3-5mm-7kg-bag\"\u003eBreakwater Brown Coarse 3-5mm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChunkier hardscape base, least prone to compacting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e freshwater and marine aquariums, planted tanks and paludariums where roots sit close to the substrate, and as a base or drainage-adjacent layer in terrariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e setups that need an active, buffering substrate — this gravel is inert, so it won't raise KH or hardness the way a cichlid-specific substrate would, and it won't lower pH the way an aquasoil does. It's also not a true drainage layer on its own in a terrarium, since the fine grade packs tighter than a coarse gravel — use the Coarse 2-4mm or 3-5mm underneath if you specifically want open drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse before use, even though it's triple washed — a few minutes under a hose or in a bucket clears any dust picked up in transit and stops the tank clouding on fill; fine grades hold a little more dust than coarse gravel, so give it slightly longer. Once it's in the tank, an occasional gravel vacuum during water changes is all it needs; it doesn't need replacing on any schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny fault on arrival — a torn bag or contamination — is covered under your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law. As a natural material, colour and exact grain mix vary a little bag to bag; the product photo is representative rather than exact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill this gravel change my water's pH or hardness?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It's an inert gravel, so it won't push pH, KH or general hardness in either direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs this fine enough for a planted tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the 1-2mm grade is the finer end of the Breakwater Brown range and sits close around root systems, which is why it's the one most planted-tank keepers reach for over the coarse grades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse it before adding it to my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's triple washed at the factory, but we'd still rinse it — fine gravel holds onto a bit more dust than coarse, so a thorough rinse saves you a cloudy tank on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the difference between this and the Coarse 2-4mm?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain size — this is 1-2mm, the Coarse grade is 2-4mm. The fine grade gives a smoother look and suits tighter root systems, while the coarser grade compacts less and lets more water move through the bed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249197695267,"sku":null,"price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249197728035,"sku":"BIS87","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-fi-43876823892259.webp?v=1790239781"},{"product_id":"bioscape-pastel-bronze-fine-1-2mm","title":"Bioscape Pastel Bronze Fine 1-2mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fine bronze-toned gravel for a natural, sand-like aquascape base.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Pastel Bronze Fine is a 1-2 mm inert substrate in soft bronze tones, close enough to sand-fine that corydoras and other substrate-sifting fish can work through it comfortably. Sold in 3 kg and 7 kg bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInert\u003c\/strong\u003e — won't shift pH or KH, so it drops into any water chemistry as a purely decorative base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine 1-2 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e — closer to sand than Bioscape's Coarse 2-4 mm grade, giving bottom-dwelling and substrate-sifting species a softer surface to work through.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarm bronze tone\u003c\/strong\u003e — a soft, natural colour that reads well in both planted freshwater aquascapes and marine display tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh and marine safe\u003c\/strong\u003e — the same bag suits freshwater, brackish and marine setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag sizes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine, 1-2 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePastel bronze\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater and marine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 kg, 7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePastel Bronze Fine (this bag)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePastel Bronze Coarse\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrain size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-4 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCorydoras and other substrate-sifters, a sand-like finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOpen-bottom layouts, better flow-through for root tabs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for planted community tanks, corydoras and other species that sift or dig through fine substrate, and marine or brackish tanks wanting a soft bronze base. Not the best pick where you specifically want water and root-tab nutrients to flow through the substrate bed — the Coarse 2-4 mm grade packs less tightly for that.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse thoroughly under running water before adding it to the tank — fine grades carry more dust than coarse gravel, so expect to rinse until the water runs close to clear. Being inert, it won't need replacing on a schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCovered against manufacturing defects under Bioscape's warranty, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships by standard parcel post.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs this substrate safe for corydoras and other fish that dig?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — the 1-2 mm fine grain is close enough to sand that substrate-sifting species can work through it without the sharp edges a coarser gravel can have.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill it cloud my water when I add it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse it well first and it shouldn't. Fine grades hold more dust than coarse gravel, so a thorough rinse under running water before adding it matters more here than with the Coarse grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix it with the Coarse grade?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, both are the same inert bronze-toned material at different grain sizes, so they can be layered or blended in the same tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBioscape doesn't publish a coverage figure for this bag. Buy based on your tank's footprint and desired depth, and add a second bag if you need more — it's easy to top up gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249197826339,"sku":null,"price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249197859107,"sku":"BIS88","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-pastel-bronze-fine-46120678883619.webp?v=1790239780"},{"product_id":"bioscape-ebony-black-coarse-2-4mm","title":"Bioscape Ebony Black Coarse 2-4mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA dyed-black coarse gravel that makes bright fish and plants pop.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Ebony Black Coarse 2-4mm is a natural aquarium and terrarium gravel supplied in 3 kg and 7 kg bags, at a chunky 2–4 mm grain size that resists compacting flat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt suits a full tank base, an accent layer in an aquascape, or a drainage layer under a terrarium substrate, and lets water and root-tab fertiliser move through the bed rather than sealing it off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-contrast black\u003c\/strong\u003e — a dark bed that makes bright fish, plants and hardscape stand out, and shows less visible detritus between water changes than a pale gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoarse 2-4mm grade\u003c\/strong\u003e — chunky enough to resist compacting flat, and open enough for water and root-tab fertilisers to move through.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSame line as Breakwater Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e — part of Bioscape's Premium Scaping Substrate range, which uses an inert, pH-neutral base gravel in the Breakwater Brown colourway; we treat Ebony Black as the same base material, dyed rather than reactive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRinse before use\u003c\/strong\u003e — Bioscape washes it before packing, but transit and handling can stir dust back up, so we'd still rinse it before adding it to the tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo pack sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e — 3 kg suits a nano to small tank or an accent layer, 7 kg suits a full base in a larger tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhoto is representative\u003c\/strong\u003e — colour and exact grain mix vary a little bag to bag on a natural, dyed material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarcode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9327975044534\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBIS95\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9327975044565\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade: coarse, 2–4 mm grain size. Colour: black (dyed). Bioscape hasn't published a depth-per-bag coverage figure for this grade — as with the Breakwater Brown grade in the same range, dry-fill a footprint you can measure before committing to a full layout, since the depth you land on depends on how deep and how tightly you pack it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBioscape sells the Ebony Black range in two grades:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bioscape-ebony-black-fine-1-2mm\"\u003eEbony Black Fine 1-2mm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanted tanks and tight root beds, a smoother look\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEbony Black Coarse 2-4mm (this product)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-4mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeneral base substrate, better water flow through the bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e freshwater and marine aquariums as a base or accent, and as a drainage layer under bioactive terrarium substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e setups that need an active, buffering substrate — on the basis that it shares its base gravel with the inert Breakwater Brown grade, this is a non-reactive substrate, so it won't raise KH or hardness the way a cichlid-specific substrate would, and it won't lower pH the way an aquasoil does.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse before use, even though it's washed at the factory — a few minutes under a hose or in a bucket clears any dust picked up in transit and stops the tank clouding on fill. Once it's in the tank, an occasional gravel vacuum during water changes is all coarse gravel like this needs; it doesn't need replacing on any schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny fault on arrival — a torn bag or contamination — is covered under your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law. As a natural, dyed material, colour and exact grain mix vary a little bag to bag; the product photo is representative rather than exact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill this gravel change my water's pH or hardness?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's sold as part of the same Premium Scaping Substrate range as Bioscape's inert Breakwater Brown gravel, dyed black rather than left natural, so we'd expect it to behave the same way and not push pH, KH or general hardness. Watch your test kit after adding a large amount, and let us know if you see otherwise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse it before adding it to my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It's washed at the factory, but a quick rinse clears any dust from transit and handling and saves you a cloudy tank on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBioscape hasn't published an exact coverage figure for this grade, and coverage depends on how deep you're going, so test-fill a small measured area first if you want to work out quantity precisely rather than guessing on a full tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix this with Breakwater Brown for a two-tone look?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — both are the same grade family and differ only in colour, so they layer or blend cleanly for a two-tone base or an accent stripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the difference between this and the Fine grade?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain size — this is 2–4 mm, the Fine grade is 1–2 mm. The coarser grade compacts less and lets more water move through the bed, while the Fine grade gives a smoother look and suits tighter root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249197924643,"sku":null,"price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249197957411,"sku":"BIS95","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-ebony-black-coarse-42333833527587.webp?v=1790233226"},{"product_id":"bioscape-breakwater-brown-coarse-2-4mm","title":"Bioscape Breakwater Brown Coarse 2-4mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA natural coarse gravel base that won't push your water chemistry around.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Breakwater Brown Coarse 2-4mm is a triple-washed, pH-neutral aquarium and terrarium substrate in an earthy brown tone, sized for use as a full tank base, an accent layer in an aquascape, or a drainage layer under a terrarium substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWon't affect pH\u003c\/strong\u003e — an inert gravel, so it won't push your water chemistry away from what your fish or plants are already set up for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriple washed\u003c\/strong\u003e — less dust to settle out than an unwashed gravel, though we'd still recommend a quick rinse before adding it, since transit and handling can stir dust back up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoarse 2-4mm grade\u003c\/strong\u003e — chunky enough to resist compacting flat and to let water and root-tab fertilisers move through it, unlike a fine sand grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks as a base or an accent\u003c\/strong\u003e — use it as the full substrate, as a contrast layer against a lighter gravel or soil, or as a terrarium drainage layer under a bioactive substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarcode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9327975044541\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBIS96\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9327975044572\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade: coarse, 2-4mm grain size. Colour: brown. Material: natural gravel, inert (does not affect pH). Bioscape hasn't published a depth-per-bag coverage figure for this grade — as a guide, dry-fill a footprint you can measure before committing to a full layout, since the depth you end up with depends on how deep and how tightly you pack it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBioscape sells the Breakwater Brown range in more than one grade, so it's worth checking you've got the right one before ordering:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-fine-1-2mm\"\u003eBreakwater Brown Fine 1-2mm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanted tanks and tight root beds, a smoother look\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBreakwater Brown Coarse 2-4mm (this product)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-4mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeneral base substrate, better water flow through the bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-coarse-3-5mm-7kg-bag\"\u003eBreakwater Brown Coarse 3-5mm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChunkier hardscape base, least prone to compacting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e freshwater and marine aquariums, planted tanks as a base or accent, and as a drainage layer under bioactive terrarium substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e setups that need an active, buffering substrate — this gravel is inert, so it won't raise KH or hardness the way a cichlid-specific substrate would, and it won't lower pH the way an aquasoil does.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse before use, even though it's triple washed — a few minutes under a hose or in a bucket clears any dust picked up in transit and stops the tank clouding on fill. Once it's in the tank, an occasional gravel vacuum during water changes is all coarse gravel like this needs; it doesn't need replacing on any schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny fault on arrival — a torn bag or contamination — is covered under your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law. As a natural material, colour and exact grain mix vary a little bag to bag; the product photo is representative rather than exact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill this gravel change my water's pH or hardness?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It's an inert gravel, so it won't push pH, KH or general hardness in either direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse it before adding it to my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's triple washed at the factory, but we'd still rinse it — a quick rinse clears any dust from transit and handling and saves you a cloudy tank on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBioscape hasn't published an exact coverage figure for this grade, and coverage depends on how deep you're going, so test-fill a small measured area first if you want to work out quantity precisely rather than guessing on a full tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use this in a terrarium?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — it's commonly used as a drainage layer under a bioactive terrarium substrate, as well as in aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the difference between this and the Fine grade?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain size — this is 2-4mm, the Fine grade is 1-2mm. The coarser grade compacts less and lets more water move through the bed, while the Fine grade gives a smoother look and suits tighter root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249198121251,"sku":null,"price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249198154019,"sku":"BIS96","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-breakwater-brown-co-42333833560355.webp?v=1790233227"},{"product_id":"bioscape-pastel-bronze-coarse-2-4mm","title":"Bioscape Pastel Bronze Coarse 2-4mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA warm bronze aquarium gravel that works in fresh and saltwater.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Pastel Bronze Coarse is a 2-4 mm inert gravel in soft bronze tones, sized for a natural aquascape base under plants, fish and bottom-dwelling species. It's sold in 3 kg and 7 kg bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInert\u003c\/strong\u003e — won't shift pH or KH, so it's safe to use as a purely decorative base in any water chemistry you're already running.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoarse 2-4 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e — chunkier than Bioscape's Fine 1-2 mm grade, so it packs less tightly and lets water and root-tab nutrients move through more freely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarm bronze tone\u003c\/strong\u003e — a soft, natural colour that suits both planted freshwater aquascapes and marine or brackish setups without looking artificial.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh and marine safe\u003c\/strong\u003e — the same bag works across freshwater, brackish and marine tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag sizes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse, 2-4 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePastel bronze\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater and marine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 kg, 7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePastel Bronze Coarse (this bag)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePastel Bronze Fine\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrain size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-4 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOpen-bottom layouts, bottom feeders, better flow-through for root tabs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSand-like look, corydoras and other fine-substrate species\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for freshwater planted tanks, community aquariums, brackish setups and marine display tanks where a bronze-toned base suits the aquascape. Not intended for species that need a soft, sand-fine substrate to dig or sift through — choose the Fine 1-2 mm grade for those tanks instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with any new substrate, rinse it thoroughly under running water before adding it to the tank to settle dust and fines. Being inert, it doesn't need replacing on a schedule and won't affect water chemistry over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCovered against manufacturing defects under Bioscape's warranty, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships by standard parcel post; the 7 kg bag is heavier freight than most decor items, so allow for that in a multi-item order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill this gravel change my water chemistry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Bioscape Pastel Bronze Coarse is inert and doesn't buffer pH or add hardness, so it's a purely decorative substrate choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a marine or reef tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, Bioscape markets this gravel as safe for both freshwater and marine setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBioscape doesn't publish a coverage figure for this bag, so the safest approach is to buy based on your tank's footprint and desired depth, and top up with a second bag if needed — coarse gravel is easy to add to gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need rinsing before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — rinse under running water until it runs clear, the same as any new aquarium substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"3 kg","offer_id":55249198186787,"sku":null,"price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 kg","offer_id":55249198219555,"sku":"BIS97","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-pastel-bronze-coars-42333833888035.webp?v=1790233227"},{"product_id":"fluval-plant-shrimp-stratum","title":"Fluval Plant \u0026 Shrimp Stratum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA volcanic soil substrate that softens water for plants and shrimp without a separate buffer.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fluval Plant \u0026amp; Shrimp Stratum is a porous, active substrate sourced from the foothills of Mount Aso in Japan, built for planted aquascapes and dwarf shrimp colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe granules are lightweight and non-compacting, which lets roots and burrowing shrimp move through the substrate freely, and the porous surface gives beneficial bacteria somewhere to colonise. Fluval states it helps support a neutral to slightly acidic pH and softens water by reducing carbonate hardness — useful for soft-water species without reaching for a separate pH product.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive volcanic soil\u003c\/strong\u003e — porous granules from Mount Aso, Japan, that support root growth and bacterial colonisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoftens and buffers water\u003c\/strong\u003e — helps move water toward neutral-to-slightly-acidic and reduces carbonate hardness, per Fluval.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-compacting\u003c\/strong\u003e — stays loose enough for roots and shrimplets to move through it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShrimplet refuge\u003c\/strong\u003e — the granule structure gives newborn shrimp somewhere to hide until they're large enough to be out in the open.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWon't discolour water\u003c\/strong\u003e — Fluval notes it also helps control the tannin staining that driftwood can cause.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVolcanic soil (active substrate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater effect\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftens toward neutral–slightly acidic; reduces carbonate hardness (no numeric figure published by Fluval)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePreparation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRinse gently in a colander before use — do not agitate vigorously\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanted tanks, dwarf shrimp, soft-water tropical fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eVariant specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNAN28\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill it fit my tank? \/ How much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFluval publishes a simple formula for Stratum coverage: multiply your tank's footprint in centimetres (length × width) by the substrate depth you want in centimetres, then divide by 1000 — the answer is the weight in kilograms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStratum needed for a 5 cm layer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 × 30 cm (nano cube)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≈ 4.5 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 × 30 cm (2 ft)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≈ 9 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 × 45 cm (3 ft)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≈ 20.3 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 × 50 cm (4 ft)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≈ 30 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese are worked examples at a flat 5 cm depth, using Fluval's own formula — not a Fluval-published table for these exact tanks. Slope the substrate deeper at the back for an aquascape and you'll need more; a flat carpet-only layout needs less. For an exact figure, measure your tank's footprint and apply the formula above, or ask us and we'll work it out for your tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for planted tanks, aquascapes and dwarf shrimp setups wanting a soft, slightly acidic substrate. Not the right choice if you specifically want a hard, alkaline substrate for African cichlids or livebearers — Stratum works against that water chemistry, not with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse gently before adding — a light dusting of fines is normal and settles within the first day or two. The pH-softening effect is strongest in the first few months and tapers as the substrate's buffering capacity is used up over time; Fluval does not publish a fixed replacement interval.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWorks well under root-feeding plants such as swords and crypts, and alongside a gentle filter intake guard to keep shrimplets safe. Ask us about root tabs if you're planting heavy feeders directly into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGeneral Fluval warranty terms apply to any manufacturing defect, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Larger bag sizes (4 kg, 8 kg) are heavier parcels — standard parcel freight still applies, but expect a heavier box.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse Stratum before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eGently, yes — Fluval recommends rinsing in a colander without heavy agitation to remove dust, rather than a vigorous rinse that would break down the granules.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill it lower my pH permanently?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe softening effect is real but not permanent or precisely quantified by Fluval — expect it to be strongest early on and to fade as the substrate's buffering capacity is used up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix pack sizes to hit an exact weight?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — the four sizes are designed to be combined; use the coverage formula above to work out your total, then combine bags to get close to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs it safe for a shrimp-only tank with no fish?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — it's specifically positioned by Fluval for shrimp tanks, including as a refuge for newborn shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fluval","offers":[{"title":"2 kg","offer_id":55249641210147,"sku":null,"price":32.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4 kg","offer_id":55249641242915,"sku":null,"price":60.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8 kg","offer_id":55249641275683,"sku":null,"price":107.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.8 kg","offer_id":55335329890595,"sku":"NAN28","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/fluval-plant-shrimp-stratum-42333540352291.webp?v=1790233227"},{"product_id":"bioscape-coral-sand-1mm-diameter","title":"Bioscape Coral Sand 1mm Diameter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fine coral and aragonite substrate that keeps marine and cichlid tanks buffered.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Coral Sand is a 1mm grain substrate of crushed coral and aragonite, sized for an even, natural-looking sand bed that also holds pH and hardness stable over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoral and aragonite blend\u003c\/strong\u003e — calcium carbonate media that slowly dissolves to release calcium and carbonate into the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1mm fine grain\u003c\/strong\u003e — fine enough for sand-sifting fish, gobies and burrowing invertebrates to move through naturally, unlike coarse rubble or gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH and alkalinity buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e — helps hold water parameters stable, which is what marine and African cichlid systems are built to run at.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh surface area\u003c\/strong\u003e — supports beneficial bacteria for extra biological filtration wherever it's used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComposition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrushed coral and aragonite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1mm diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural neutral tones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFunction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\/alkalinity buffer, fine substrate bed, biological filtration media\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich size do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVariant\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5kg bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCOR01\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10kg bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCOR02\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003eBioscape has not published a coverage depth per kilogram for this sand, so we can't give an exact bag-to-tank-footprint figure here. As a general reference point, aquarium sand is commonly run at a 2–5cm bed depth, but check your own footprint and desired depth before ordering, and round up rather than down if you're unsure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCoral Sand vs Coral Rubble — which do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSand's fine 1mm grain is what you want for the visible substrate bed — it's what sand-sifting fish and gobies can actually move through, and it settles into an even, natural-looking layer. Bioscape Coral Rubble's larger 20–50mm pieces are better suited to structural jobs — sump and refugium media, or a base layer under reef and cichlid rockwork. Reef and cichlid setups often run sand as the visible bed with rubble hidden in the sump for extra buffering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine and reef aquariums, African cichlid tanks, and setups wanting a fine, natural-look substrate that also buffers water chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e soft or acidic-water setups — South American cichlids, most planted tanks and blackwater biotopes — where the rising pH and hardness from dissolving carbonate works against the tank you're trying to keep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse before adding to settle dust from bagging and transit — coral sand this fine will cloud the water noticeably if added dry. Buffering capacity reduces as the sand dissolves over years; test alkalinity periodically in heavily stocked reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNatural product — exact grain colour and tone vary bag to bag, and photos are representative. Any fault on arrival is covered under your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill this cloud my water when I add it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, briefly, if added dry — rinse it first in a bucket until the runoff runs mostly clear, then add it to reduce clouding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should I lay it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBioscape hasn't published a coverage figure. A 2–5cm bed is a common real-world starting depth for aquarium sand, but check what your stocking (e.g. sand-sifting fish, burrowing inverts) actually needs before deciding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs this safe for a planted freshwater tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt will buffer pH and hardness upward over time, which suits most plants poorly and works against soft-water species — it's built for marine and African cichlid systems, not general planted freshwater tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"5kg","offer_id":55293070967075,"sku":"COR01","price":43.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10kg","offer_id":55335001096483,"sku":"COR02","price":74.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-coral-sand-1mm-diam-43314011341091.webp?v=1790238166"},{"product_id":"bioscape-coral-rubble-20-50mm-diameter","title":"Bioscape Coral Rubble 20-50mm Diameter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChunks of real coral and aragonite that hold your tank's pH and hardness steady.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bioscape Coral Rubble is 20–50mm pieces of coral skeleton and aragonite, sized for building reef structure, sump and refugium media beds, or a buffering base layer under African cichlid rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoral and aragonite blend\u003c\/strong\u003e — calcium carbonate media that slowly dissolves to release calcium and carbonate into the water column.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH and alkalinity buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e — helps hold water parameters stable rather than letting them drift acidic over time, which matters most in marine and African cichlid tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh surface area\u003c\/strong\u003e — the irregular, chunky pieces give beneficial bacteria plenty of room to colonise, adding biological filtration wherever the rubble sits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e20–50mm piece size\u003c\/strong\u003e — large enough to use as structural reef base rock, sump media or a coarse foundation layer, rather than a fine substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComposition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoral skeleton and aragonite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePiece size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–50mm diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural neutral tones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFunction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\/alkalinity buffer, biological filtration media, reef and cichlid aquascaping\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich size do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVariant\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5kg bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCOR03\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10kg bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCOR04\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003eBioscape has not published a coverage or depth figure per kilogram for this rubble, so we can't state how many kilograms you'll need for a given tank footprint here — as a rough real-world guide, rubble this size is normally used as a partial structural layer or sump\/refugium media rather than a full substrate bed, so actual quantity depends heavily on your layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCoral Rubble vs Coral Sand — which do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRubble's larger 20–50mm pieces suit structural jobs — reef rockwork bases, sump and refugium media, or a coarse layer under cichlid rock piles. Bioscape Coral Sand's fine 1mm grain is what you want for an even substrate bed that sand-sifting fish and gobies can actually move through. Many reef and cichlid setups use both: sand as the visible substrate, rubble hidden in the sump or refugium as extra buffering media.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine and reef aquariums, African cichlid tanks, sumps and refugiums wanting extra calcium\/alkalinity buffering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e soft or acidic-water setups — South American cichlids, most planted tanks and blackwater biotopes — where a rising pH and hardness from dissolving carbonate is the opposite of what you want.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse before adding to remove dust from bagging and transit. Buffering capacity reduces as the rubble dissolves over years of use; test alkalinity periodically in heavily stocked reef systems rather than assuming it buffers forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach piece is a natural product — size, shape and exact colour vary bag to bag, and photos are representative rather than exact. Any fault on arrival is covered under your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill this raise my pH too high?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt buffers pH upward and holds it stable rather than pushing it indefinitely higher — this is exactly what marine and African cichlid tanks are meant to run at, but it's the wrong media for soft or acidic-water species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBioscape hasn't published a coverage figure, and rubble is typically used as a partial structural or sump layer rather than a full substrate bed, so quantity depends on your specific layout — buy the smaller 5kg bag first if you're unsure and top up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix this with regular gravel?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — rubble is commonly mixed with or layered under other substrates for extra buffering, though the buffering effect scales with how much rubble is actually present.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bioscape","offers":[{"title":"5kg","offer_id":55293071524131,"sku":"COR03","price":45.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10kg","offer_id":55335001424163,"sku":"COR04","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bioscape-coral-rubble-20-50m-43314014716195.webp?v=1790238167"},{"product_id":"seaflor-special-grade-reef-sand-40lb-18kg","title":"Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand 40lb (18kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAragonite sand that buffers your reef the moment it settles.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand is an 18 kg (40 lb) bag of 1.0 to 2.0 mm aragonite sand, a fine-to-medium grade built for reef and FOWLR tanks that want a natural seabed rather than crushed coral chunks. Being aragonite, it is calcium carbonate through and through, so it buffers pH and carbonate hardness upward and keeps doing so for as long as it is in the tank - the question this page has to answer is how many bags that actually takes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density of 85 lb per cubic foot for Special Grade Reef Sand, which works out to 1.36 kg per litre of settled bed. The table below uses that figure to work out weight and bag count for common Australian tank footprints, rounded up to the next whole 18 kg bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.1 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.3 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18.4 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.6 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.3 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e34.9 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18.4 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36.8 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e55.1 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30.6 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e61.3 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e91.9 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36.8 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e73.5 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110.3 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eA note on depth\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5 cm gives a thin aesthetic sand line over the display base. 5 cm is the common all-round reef depth. Beds past about 7.5 cm move into deep-sand-bed territory, which some reefers run deliberately for denitrification, but which needs proper husbandry to avoid becoming a hydrogen sulphide trap - it is a deliberate technique, not a default to drift into.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 lb (18 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85 lb per cubic foot (1.36 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 13.3 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite (calcium carbonate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffers pH and carbonate hardness upward\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended - ships dry, not in a conditioning solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine - reef and FOWLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0050\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRinsing before use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike CaribSea's Arag-Alive range, Seaflor Special Grade ships dry rather than in a bacterial conditioning solution. Rinse it in a bucket of fresh water, swirling and pouring off the cloudy water, until it runs close to clear before adding it to the tank. Skipping this step is the single biggest cause of a sand-storm display on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e reef tanks, FOWLR systems, and any marine setup that wants a natural-looking sand bed that also buffers pH upward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e freshwater aquariums of any kind. Aragonite raises pH and hardness, which is wrong for planted, soft-water and most community freshwater setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-seas-base-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea South Seas Base Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - a foundation rock that buffers the same way, for matched water chemistry under the sand bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shelf-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shelf Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - aragonite display rock that pairs visually and chemically with this sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless. A full 150 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth needs around four bags, close to 73 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse this sand before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It ships dry rather than in a conditioning solution, so rinse it until the water runs close to clear or expect a cloudy tank for the first day or two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much will it raise my pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt buffers against downward drift rather than driving pH to one fixed number - the result depends on your source water, your KH and your bioload. It will help hold a reef tank in the stable alkaline range aragonite systems need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use this in a freshwater tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It will push pH and hardness upward, which suits a reef tank but works against most freshwater setups, including planted tanks and soft-water community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should my sand bed be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround 5 cm suits most reef tanks. Thinner beds are mostly aesthetic; beds beyond about 7.5 cm are a deliberate deep-sand-bed technique that needs its own maintenance approach rather than something to fall into by accident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293346939171,"sku":"CS0050","price":138.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/seaflor-special-grade-reef-s-43203673817379.webp?v=1790235418"},{"product_id":"eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Eco-Complete Planted Black 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA mineral-rich black bed that feeds roots without touching your pH.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Black is a volcanic basalt planted-aquarium substrate supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag, with a grain size of 0.25 to 7.0 mm. CaribSea describes it as a rich basaltic volcanic base containing iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulphur plus over 25 other elements, and states it is nitrate and carbonate free and will not increase pH or carbonate hardness in the long term. That last point is what separates it from an aragonite substrate and from an active aqua soil: it feeds plants through the roots and otherwise leaves your water chemistry where it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBasaltic volcanic mineral base\u003c\/strong\u003e - iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur plus over 25 other elements, available at the root rather than needing to be dosed into the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWill not raise pH or carbonate hardness\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea states the substrate is nitrate and carbonate free, and supplies calcium without raising pH. It suits soft-water and CO2-injected tanks that an aragonite gravel would ruin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.25 to 7.0 mm mixed grade\u003c\/strong\u003e - the fine fraction gives carpeting plants and shrimp something to work with, while the coarser fraction keeps the bed open enough for roots and water movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive heterotrophic bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea includes them to convert fish waste into food for the plants, and they shorten the cycling of a new tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - it is packed in CaribSea's Liquid Amazon buffered blackwater conditioning solution, and rinsing would discard both that and the bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo dyes, paints or coatings\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea states the colour is the mineral itself, so there is no coating to wear off individual grains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe table gives the weight of Eco-Complete Planted Black and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints, worked from CaribSea's published bulk density of 54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.9 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.4 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.8 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22.2 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e58.4 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e46.7 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70.1 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eA note on CaribSea's own figure\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea's published guidance is 2 lb of substrate per US gallon of tank volume. On a 60 x 30 x 36 cm tank that works out at roughly 15 kg, which is close to a 10 cm bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is deeper than most planted tanks need. A working range is 5 cm at the front rising to 7.5 cm at the back, which gives rooted stems and swords enough to hold onto without burying the tank in substrate. The table above is built on depth rather than tank volume for that reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by CaribSea's published density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag. Hardscape sitting on the glass displaces substrate, so a rock-heavy iwagumi needs a little less than the table says, and a sloped bed should be worked out from the average depth rather than the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 7.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 10.5 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasaltic volcanic mineral base, supplied damp in Liquid Amazon solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrate and carbonate free; will not raise pH or carbonate hardness long term\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater - planted, community and shrimp aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0770\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Eco-Complete Planted grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBase material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 7.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasaltic volcanic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarpeting plants, shrimp and any scape wanting a dark base; the wider grade with a genuine fine fraction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-red-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Red\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 6.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLaterite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavy root feeders and warm-toned scapes; coarser and more uniform, so it resists compaction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth are the same density, so a bed of either depth costs the same number of bags. The choice is grain size, colour and base material rather than quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat it does, and what it does not do\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEco-Complete is a mineral substrate, not an active aqua soil. The practical consequences are worth knowing before you buy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it does:\u003c\/strong\u003e it puts iron and trace minerals in the root zone, holds them there, and keeps supplying them for years without a recharge. It does not leach ammonia when flooded, so there is no waiting period before livestock can go in, and it will not crash your KH the way an active soil does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it does not do:\u003c\/strong\u003e because it is nitrate free, it contains no nitrogen and no phosphate. Fast-growing stems still need a water column fertiliser such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish\"\u003eSeachem Flourish\u003c\/a\u003e, and a high-light CO2 tank will need nitrogen and phosphorus dosed as well. It also will not soften your water or drop pH, so if you are chasing blackwater parameters for wild caught fish this is not the substrate that gets you there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted community aquariums; carpeted foreground scapes where the fine fraction helps small plants root; shrimp tanks, where the mineral content is useful and the pH neutrality is essential; low-tech tanks that would rather not have a soil to replace in two years; anyone who wants plant growth without changing their water chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e African Rift Lake cichlid tanks, which need the pH and carbonate hardness that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-black-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Black Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e supplies and this deliberately does not. It is also not a replacement for an active soil if your goal is to actively lower pH and KH, and it will not feed a demanding high-tech tank on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the substrate into an empty tank and pour in the liquid from the bag with it - that is the Liquid Amazon conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlope it from about 5 cm at the front to 7.5 cm at the back, then place hardscape directly on the glass so it cannot subside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill slowly onto a plate or a bag laid on the substrate. The 0.25 mm fines will cloud the tank badly if you pour straight onto the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant into a partially filled tank if you can - it is far easier to place fine-stemmed plants with a few centimetres of water than with a full column.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun filtration. Cloudiness from the fines clears over the following day or two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not gravel-vacuum a planted bed. Hover the siphon above the surface to lift loose detritus and leave the root zone alone, because that is where the mineral content and the plant roots are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substrate does not exhaust on a schedule the way an active soil does, and there is no replacement interval. In a heavily rooted tank, root tabs pushed under swords and crypts after a couple of years will do more than replacing the bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing to watch with a 0.25 to 7.0 mm mixed grade: the fines gradually work downward and the coarse fraction ends up on top. That is cosmetic rather than a problem, but it means a freshly laid bed looks slightly different to a two-year-old one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish\"\u003eSeachem Flourish\u003c\/a\u003e - a water column trace supplement, which pairs with the substrate rather than duplicating it, since Eco-Complete supplies nothing to the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish-excel\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Excel\u003c\/a\u003e - a carbon source for tanks running without pressurised CO2.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dragon-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eDragon Stone Freshwater Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - pale pitted rock that reads strongly against a black substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-red-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Red\u003c\/a\u003e - the coarser laterite-based grade if you want a warmer-toned bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg. A 120 x 45 cm tank at 7.5 cm depth is four bags, around 36 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Black change pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea states the substrate is nitrate and carbonate free and will not increase pH or carbonate hardness in the long term, and that it supplies calcium without raising pH. It is a mineral substrate rather than a buffering one, which is why it suits soft-water and CO2-injected planted tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse it first?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is supplied damp in CaribSea's Liquid Amazon conditioning solution along with live heterotrophic bacteria, and rinsing would remove both. Tip the bag and its liquid straight into the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I still need fertiliser?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, for anything beyond a low-light tank. Eco-Complete is nitrate free, so it contains no nitrogen and no phosphate. It supplies iron and trace minerals at the root; nitrogen, phosphorus and water column traces still need dosing in a tank with fast-growing stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a shrimp tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It does not alter pH or carbonate hardness, which is what matters most for shrimp, and the 0.25 mm fine fraction gives them a surface they can graze and sift. Match your water parameters to the species rather than expecting the substrate to set them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow is it different from an aqua soil?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active aqua soil actively lowers pH and KH, contains organic nutrients including nitrogen, leaches ammonia when first flooded, and breaks down over roughly two years. Eco-Complete does none of those things: it is inert mineral rock that holds iron and trace elements, needs no waiting period, and does not need replacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I put it over or under another substrate?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can cap it or use it as a cap, but a 0.25 to 7.0 mm mixed grade will migrate into a layer of very different grain size over time. If you want a defined two-layer bed, choose materials with similar grain sizes so flow and digging do not blend them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347725603,"sku":"CS0770","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/eco-complete-planted-black-2-10281464201507-1-dq.webp?v=1790372752"},{"product_id":"eco-complete-planted-red-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Eco-Complete Planted Red 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaterite in the bed, so you never have to layer it in yourself.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Red is a laterite-based planted-aquarium substrate supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag, with a grain size of 3.0 to 6.0 mm. Laterite is the iron-bearing clay that planted-tank keepers used to buy separately and bury under their gravel; here it is the substrate itself, which is why CaribSea states the iron-rich red grade eliminates the need for laterite. Like the black grade it is nitrate and carbonate free and will not raise pH or carbonate hardness, so it feeds roots without moving your water chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLaterite based and iron rich\u003c\/strong\u003e - the iron-bearing clay is the substrate rather than a layer buried beneath it, so there is no separate laterite to add and nothing to disturb when you replant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWill not raise pH or carbonate hardness\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea states the substrate is nitrate and carbonate free. It suits soft-water and CO2-injected tanks where an aragonite gravel would be the wrong call.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.0 to 6.0 mm uniform grade\u003c\/strong\u003e - a narrow size range with no fine fraction, so the bed stays open, drains freely between grains and does not compact around roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive heterotrophic bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea includes them to convert fish waste into food for the plants and to shorten the cycling of a new tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - packed in CaribSea's Liquid Amazon buffered blackwater conditioning solution, which rinsing would wash away along with the bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarm red tone, no dyes\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea states its Eco-Complete substrates use no artificial dyes, paints or coatings, so the colour is the mineral itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe table gives the weight of Eco-Complete Planted Red and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints, worked from CaribSea's published bulk density of 54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.9 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.4 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.8 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22.2 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e58.4 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e46.7 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70.1 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGo deeper with this grade than you would with a fine one\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 3.0 to 6.0 mm grain needs depth to hold a plant upright. Read the 7.5 cm column for a rooted tank with swords, crypts or vallisneria, because at 2.5 cm a newly planted stem simply lifts out. The 2.5 cm figures are there for a shallow decorative bed rather than a planted one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea's own published guidance is 2 lb per US gallon of tank volume, which on a 60 x 30 x 36 cm tank comes to roughly 15 kg, or about a 10 cm bed. That is generous even for root feeders; 5 to 7.5 cm is the working range most planted tanks settle on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by CaribSea's published density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag. Hardscape sitting on the glass displaces substrate, and a sloped bed should be worked out from the average depth rather than the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 6.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 10.5 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLaterite based, supplied damp in Liquid Amazon solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrate and carbonate free; will not raise pH or carbonate hardness long term\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater - planted and community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended bed depth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 to 7.5 cm for rooted plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0771\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Eco-Complete Planted grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBase material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 7.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasaltic volcanic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarpeting plants, shrimp and any scape wanting a dark base; the wider grade with a genuine fine fraction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-red-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Red\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 6.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLaterite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavy root feeders and warm-toned scapes; coarser and more uniform, so it resists compaction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth grades share a density, so either one costs the same number of bags for the same bed depth. The decision is grain size, colour and base material, not quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere the coarse grade helps, and where it hurts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3.0 to 6.0 mm size is the whole character of this substrate, and it cuts both ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt helps\u003c\/strong\u003e heavy root feeders. Amazon swords, crypts and vallisneria put down thick root systems that want an open bed with water moving between the grains, and a uniform coarse grade never compacts into the airless mat a very fine sand can become. Replanting is also easier: a coarse bed parts around your fingers and closes again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt hurts\u003c\/strong\u003e small foreground plants. Dwarf hairgrass, Monte Carlo and other carpeting species have fine roots that struggle to grip a 3 to 6 mm grain, and newly planted runners float free. If a carpet is the point of the scape, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e runs down to 0.25 mm and is the better choice. Uneaten food also drops into the gaps in a coarse bed, so feed to what the fish actually eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted tanks built around rooted species - swords, crypts, vallisneria and other heavy root feeders; Dutch-style and jungle scapes; community aquariums where a warm-toned bed suits the fish; low-tech planted tanks that want the substrate to keep working for years without a recharge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e carpeted foreground scapes, where the grain is too coarse for fine roots to hold; African Rift Lake cichlid tanks, which need the pH and carbonate hardness that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e supplies and this deliberately does not; and any setup where you are trying to actively lower pH and KH, which is a job for an active aqua soil rather than an inert mineral substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the substrate into an empty tank and pour in the liquid from the bag with it - that is the Liquid Amazon conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild to at least 5 cm, ideally 7.5 cm at the back, then set hardscape directly on the glass so it cannot subside as plants are worked in around it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill slowly onto a plate or a bag. A coarse grade clouds far less than a fine one, but a hard pour still craters the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant deep. Push rooted plants further into a coarse bed than feels necessary, then firm the substrate around the crown so they do not lift.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike a coarse cichlid gravel, do not drive a vacuum into a planted bed. Hover the siphon above the surface and lift what is loose, leaving the root zone and its iron content undisturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause waste drops into the gaps of a 3 to 6 mm bed, the honest counterweight is feeding discipline and decent flow across the substrate rather than aggressive cleaning. Plants use a good deal of what settles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no replacement interval. Laterite does not exhaust the way an organic soil does, and in a mature tank root tabs pushed under the heaviest feeders after a few years are more useful than a rebuild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish\"\u003eSeachem Flourish\u003c\/a\u003e - water column traces, which the substrate does not provide; Eco-Complete is nitrate free and works at the root only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/seachem-flourish-excel\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Excel\u003c\/a\u003e - a carbon source for planted tanks running without pressurised CO2.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dragon-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eDragon Stone Freshwater Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - earthy pitted rock that sits naturally with a red laterite bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e - the finer, darker grade if you need a carpet to root.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg. Because this grade wants a deeper bed than a fine substrate, budget from the 7.5 cm column - a 120 x 45 cm tank at that depth is four bags, around 36 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I still need to add laterite?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea states the iron-rich red grade eliminates the need for laterite, because laterite is the base material of the substrate rather than a separate layer buried underneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill Eco-Complete Planted Red change my pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea states the substrate is nitrate and carbonate free and will not increase pH or carbonate hardness in the long term. It adds minerals at the root without acting on the water chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I grow a carpet in it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot easily. At 3.0 to 6.0 mm the grain is too coarse for the fine roots of dwarf hairgrass or Monte Carlo to grip, and newly planted runners tend to lift. Use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e, which runs down to 0.25 mm, if a carpet is the goal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need rinsing before it goes in?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is supplied damp in CaribSea's Liquid Amazon conditioning solution with live heterotrophic bacteria. Tip the bag and its liquid straight into the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I still need fertiliser?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in most tanks. The substrate is nitrate free, so it holds no nitrogen and no phosphate. It supplies iron and minerals to the roots; nitrogen, phosphorus and water column traces still need dosing wherever plants are growing quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes the red colour clash with green plants?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a warm earthy red rather than a bright one, and it reads as soil under a densely planted tank. It is more visible in a sparsely planted scape, so if you want the substrate to disappear behind the plants, the black grade does that more reliably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep does the bed need to be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 to 7.5 cm for a rooted planted tank. A coarse grain needs depth to hold a plant, and anything shallower than 5 cm will let newly planted stems and crowns work loose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347758371,"sku":"CS0771","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/eco-complete-planted-red-20l-10281464234275-1-dq.webp?v=1790372752"},{"product_id":"eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine enough for shell dwellers to dig, alkaline enough to keep them healthy.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand is an aragonite-based African cichlid substrate supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag, with a grain size of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. It is the finest of the Eco-Complete Cichlid grades and the only one that lets sand-sifting and shell-dwelling species behave the way they do in the lake. It arrives packed in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria so it needs no rinsing, and being aragonite it raises pH and carbonate hardness and holds them there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm fine grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - small enough for shell dwellers to excavate and bank, and for sifting species to pass through their gills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAragonite based\u003c\/strong\u003e - it adds calcium, magnesium and carbonate, and CaribSea states it buffers automatically for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - supplied damp and biologically active, so a new bed starts processing ammonia sooner than dry sand would.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - it is packed in a water conditioning solution that removes chlorine and chloramine. Rinsing washes away both that and the bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetritus stays on the surface\u003c\/strong\u003e - a fine bed holds waste on top where a siphon can lift it, instead of losing it into the gaps the way a coarse gravel does.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural sand tone\u003c\/strong\u003e - a neutral bed that shows off the colour of Malawi and Tanganyikan fish without competing with it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCichlid Sand is the densest substrate in the Eco-Complete Cichlid range at 92 lb per cubic foot (1.47 kg per litre of bed), so a given depth costs more kilograms here than in either coarse grade. The table gives the weight and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.6 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.3 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.9 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.6 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.2 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37.8 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.9 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e39.8 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e59.7 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e33.2 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e66.3 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e99.5 kg - 11 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e39.8 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e79.6 kg - 9 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e119.4 kg - 14 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density for every substrate. Bed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by the density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo practical adjustments. Rockwork and caves sitting on the glass displace sand, so a heavily scaped tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes from front to back needs the average depth, not the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShell dwellers need more than the standard depth\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figures above assume a normal display bed. Tanganyikan shell dwellers dig pits and bank sand around their shells, and for those species a working depth is 5 to 7.5 cm rather than 2.5 cm. Read the deeper columns for a multifasciatus or brevis tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e92 lb per cubic foot (1.47 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 6.2 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural sand tone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite based, supplied damp in a water conditioning solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness, and continues buffering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater - African Rift Lake and other hard, alkaline setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0772\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Eco-Complete Cichlid grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e92 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShell dwellers, sand sifters and mouthbrooders that pick through the bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural-toned coarse bed; the densest grade, so heavy diggers move it least\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-black-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Black Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe same coarse grade in black, and the fewest kilograms per litre of bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-white-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete White Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e if you want a brighter bed than the natural sand tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving with a fine cichlid bed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand is the right substrate for the fish and the harder one for the aquarist. Two things follow from a 0.5 to 1.5 mm grain that do not apply to the coarse grades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first is movement. Mbuna and haps redistribute a fine bed constantly, and a filter outlet or powerhead aimed low will scour a hollow and pile a drift against the far glass. Aim flow across the bed rather than into it, and expect to level it by hand occasionally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second is depth. Fine sand compacts, and a bed much over 7.5 cm that is never disturbed can develop anaerobic pockets. In a shell dweller tank the fish do the disturbing for you. In a tank without diggers, run a shallower bed or push a finger through it now and then.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tanganyikan shell dwellers such as multifasciatus, similis and brevis; sand-sifting species including Enantiopus and Xenotilapia; Lake Malawi mbuna and hap tanks where you want the fish sifting naturally; Central American cichlids in hard alkaline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted aquariums, soft-water community tanks, blackwater and Amazonian setups, shrimp tanks, and discus or apistogramma systems - aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness and there is no way to stop it. It is also the wrong choice directly beneath a downward-facing powerhead, and it is not the grade to pick if you want a contoured bed to stay contoured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the sand into an empty tank first, and pour in the liquid from the bag with it - that liquid is the water conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel it, then place rockwork directly on the glass rather than on the sand, so a fish digging underneath cannot topple a rock pile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd water slowly onto a plate or a bag laid on the sand, or you will crater the bed and cloud the tank badly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun filtration. Expect cloudiness while the fines settle and the filter clears them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSiphon the surface rather than digging in. Waste sits on top of a fine bed, so hovering the siphon just above the sand lifts detritus without pulling the substrate up the hose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock stability is the thing to keep an eye on. Cichlids excavate under rockwork, and a cave built on sand rather than on the glass will eventually subside. Check the scape every few months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuffering capacity is consumed very slowly as aragonite dissolves, so there is no replacement schedule. Top up if the depth drops noticeably over several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e - the coarse grade, useful under rockwork where a fine sand would be excavated away.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dragon-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eDragon Stone Freshwater Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - pitted rock for the caves and sight breaks a Rift Lake scape needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hikari-cichlid-excel-pellet-250g\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Excel Pellet 250g\u003c\/a\u003e - a vegetable-based pellet suited to the herbivorous Malawi species often kept over sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg, and this is the densest grade in the range. A 150 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth is eight bags, over 72 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse CaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is supplied damp in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, and CaribSea's instruction is to place the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs it fine enough for shell-dwelling Tanganyikans?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At 0.5 to 1.5 mm it is fine enough for species such as Neolamprologus multifasciatus to excavate pits and bank sand around their shells. Give them 5 to 7.5 cm of depth so there is something to dig into.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill it cloud the tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBriefly. Fine substrate always releases some fines on filling, and adding water onto a plate rather than straight onto the bed makes a large difference. The filter clears the remainder over the following day or two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow does it compare with the gravel grades?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCichlid Sand is 0.5 to 1.5 mm and 92 lb per cubic foot; both coarse grades are 4.0 to 10.0 mm and lighter per litre. Sand allows natural digging and sifting and keeps waste on the surface, but it moves under flow and under fish. Gravel holds its shape but hides detritus in the gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a planted or soft-water tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness, which suits Rift Lake cichlids and works against plants, shrimp and soft-water fish. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e is the carbonate-free option for those tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should the bed be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5 to 5 cm for a general Rift Lake display, and 5 to 7.5 cm where shell dwellers or sifting species need something to work in. Very deep undisturbed fine beds can develop anaerobic pockets, so match the depth to whether anything in the tank actually digs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347791139,"sku":"CS0772","price":66.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20-10281464267043-1-dq.webp?v=1790372752"},{"product_id":"eco-complete-black-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Eco-Complete Black Cichlid 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Rift Lake gravel that holds pH up without a single chemical.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Eco-Complete Black Cichlid, sold by CaribSea under the name Zack Black, is an aragonite-based African cichlid substrate supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag with a grain size of 4.0 to 10.0 mm. That is a coarse gravel grade rather than a sand. It arrives packed in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, so it goes straight into the tank without rinsing. Because it is aragonite it raises pH and carbonate hardness and keeps them there, which is what Malawi, Tanganyika and Victorian cichlids want and what a planted or soft-water tank does not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm coarse grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - large enough that a determined digger rearranges the bed rather than excavating a crater down to the glass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAragonite based\u003c\/strong\u003e - it adds calcium, magnesium and carbonate to the water, and CaribSea states it buffers automatically for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - supplied damp and biologically active, which shortens the time a new bed takes to start processing ammonia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - it is packed in a water conditioning solution that removes chlorine and chloramine. Rinsing throws away both the bacteria and the conditioner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe lightest cichlid grade per litre of bed\u003c\/strong\u003e - at 54 lb per cubic foot it takes about a quarter fewer kilograms to fill the same bed as the 72 lb per cubic foot Cichlid Gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e - most Rift Lake cichlids hold deeper colour over a dark substrate than over a white one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the question a substrate page has to answer. The table gives the weight of Black Cichlid and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints, worked from CaribSea's published bulk density of 54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.9 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.4 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.8 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22.2 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e58.4 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e46.7 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70.1 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density for every substrate. Bed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by the density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo practical adjustments. Rockwork and caves sitting on the glass displace substrate, so a heavily scaped Tanganyikan tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes from front to back needs the average depth, not the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 10.5 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite based, supplied damp in a water conditioning solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness, and continues buffering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater - African Rift Lake and other hard, alkaline setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0777\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Eco-Complete Cichlid grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e92 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShell dwellers, sand sifters and mouthbrooders that pick through the bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural-toned coarse bed; the densest grade, so heavy diggers move it least\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-black-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Black Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe same coarse grade in black, and the fewest kilograms per litre of bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-white-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete White Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e if you want a bright bed rather than a dark one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe trade-off with the black grade\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Cichlid and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e share the same 4.0 to 10.0 mm grain, but Black Cichlid is 54 lb per cubic foot against the gravel's 72. That means a lighter, more porous grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upside is fewer kilograms and less freight for the same bed depth. The downside is that a large digging Malawi or a nest-building featherfin shifts a lighter grain more readily. If your tank is built around serious excavators, the denser gravel stays put better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria cichlid aquariums; Central American cichlid tanks that want hard alkaline water; any freshwater setup where pH drifts down between water changes and you would rather it did not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted aquariums, soft-water community tanks, blackwater and Amazonian setups, shrimp tanks, and discus or apistogramma systems. Aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness and there is no way to switch that off. It is also the wrong grade for shell-dwelling Tanganyikans, which need a fine sand they can actually excavate - \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e at 0.5 to 1.5 mm is the right call there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the substrate into an empty tank first, and tip in the liquid from the bag with it - that liquid is the water conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel it, then place rockwork and caves directly on the glass wherever you can, so nothing topples when a fish digs underneath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd water slowly onto a plate or a bag laid on the substrate rather than straight onto the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun filtration. Some cloudiness is normal and clears as the filter catches the fines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 4.0 to 10.0 mm bed has large gaps between grains, so uneaten pellets and detritus fall into it rather than sitting on top. This grade rewards a proper gravel vacuum worked into the bed at water changes, not the light surface siphoning a fine sand gets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping the bed shallow is what makes that possible. At 2.5 to 5 cm you can reach the glass with a siphon. Much deeper and the lower layer becomes a detritus reservoir you cannot service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buffering capacity is consumed very slowly as aragonite dissolves, so there is no replacement schedule. Top up if the depth drops noticeably over several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e - the fine grade, for a sand patch in front of the rockwork or for shell dwellers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dragon-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eDragon Stone Freshwater Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - pitted rock that makes good cichlid caves and territory breaks, and reads strongly against a black bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hikari-cichlid-excel-pellet-250g\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Excel Pellet 250g\u003c\/a\u003e - a vegetable-based pellet for the herbivorous Malawi species usually kept over this substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg. A 150 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth is five bags, close to 45 kg, so check the freight total before you order a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse CaribSea Eco-Complete Black Cichlid before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is supplied damp in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, and CaribSea's instruction is to place the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the conditioner and the bacteria you paid for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow high will it push my pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAragonite buffers against downward drift rather than driving pH to a fixed target, so the figure you land on depends on your tap water, your KH and how heavily the tank is stocked. It will hold a Rift Lake tank in the alkaline range and stop the slow acidification that otherwise happens between water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between Black Cichlid and Cichlid Gravel?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain size is identical at 4.0 to 10.0 mm. The differences are colour and density: Black Cichlid is black and 54 lb per cubic foot, Cichlid Gravel is natural toned and 72 lb per cubic foot. The black grade needs fewer kilograms for the same bed but is moved more easily by large diggers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a planted tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It raises pH and carbonate hardness, which suits Rift Lake cichlids and works against most aquarium plants. For a planted tank use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e, which is carbonate free and will not raise pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs the black colour a coating that wears off?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea states its Eco-Complete substrates use no artificial dyes, paints or chemical coatings, so there is no painted surface layer to chip away from individual grains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should the bed be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5 to 5 cm suits most Rift Lake tanks and stays serviceable with a gravel vacuum. Go deeper only where a species genuinely digs, and accept that the lower layer will collect detritus you cannot easily reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347823907,"sku":"CS0777","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/eco-complete-black-cichlid-2-10281464299811-1-dq.webp?v=1790372752"},{"product_id":"eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Eco-Complete Cichlid Gravel 20lb** (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe grade that stays where you put it when the cichlids start digging.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Gravel is an aragonite-based African cichlid substrate supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag, with a grain size of 4.0 to 10.0 mm. At 72 lb per cubic foot it is the densest of the three Eco-Complete Cichlid grades we stock, and that combination of a large grain and a heavy one is what makes it the choice for tanks built around excavators. It is packed in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, so it goes in without rinsing, and being aragonite it raises pH and carbonate hardness and holds them there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe densest Eco-Complete Cichlid grade\u003c\/strong\u003e - at 72 lb per cubic foot each grain is substantially heavier than the black grade at the same 4.0 to 10.0 mm size, so a digging fish rearranges less of it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAragonite based\u003c\/strong\u003e - it adds calcium, magnesium and carbonate, and CaribSea states it buffers automatically for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - supplied damp and biologically active, so a new bed begins processing ammonia sooner than dry gravel would.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - it is packed in a water conditioning solution that removes chlorine and chloramine. Rinsing discards both that and the bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural mixed tone\u003c\/strong\u003e - a neutral bed that does not show pale detritus the way a black substrate does, and does not bounce light the way a white one does.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge open pore spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e - water moves through a coarse bed rather than sitting in it, so the lower layer does not go stagnant at sensible depths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCichlid Gravel is the heaviest of the three grades per litre of bed, so the same tank takes more kilograms than it would in the black grade. The table gives the weight and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints, worked from CaribSea's published bulk density of 72 lb per cubic foot (1.15 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.2 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.4 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15.6 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.9 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.7 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e29.6 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15.6 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e31.1 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e46.7 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.9 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e51.9 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e77.8 kg - 9 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e31.1 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e62.3 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e93.4 kg - 11 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density for every substrate. Bed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by the density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo practical adjustments. Rockwork and caves sitting on the glass displace substrate, so a heavily scaped tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes from front to back needs the average depth, not the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72 lb per cubic foot (1.15 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 7.9 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural mixed tone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite based, supplied damp in a water conditioning solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness, and continues buffering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater - African Rift Lake and other hard, alkaline setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended bed depth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5 to 5 cm - a coarse grade is not suited to deep beds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0773\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Eco-Complete Cichlid grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e92 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShell dwellers, sand sifters and mouthbrooders that pick through the bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural-toned coarse bed; the densest grade, so heavy diggers move it least\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-black-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Black Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe same coarse grade in black, and the fewest kilograms per litre of bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-white-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete White Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e if you want a bright bed rather than a natural or dark one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy choose the gravel over the sand\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe honest answer is that it depends on the fish, not on looks. Most Malawi haps and mbuna move substrate around as a matter of routine, and a 0.5 to 1.5 mm sand ends up in drifts against the glass within weeks. A 4.0 to 10.0 mm grain at 72 lb per cubic foot resists that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cost of choosing gravel is cleaning. Pellets and detritus drop into the gaps between grains instead of sitting on the surface where a siphon can lift them off, so this grade needs the vacuum pushed into the bed rather than skimmed over it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShell-dwelling Tanganyikans are the clear exception. They need a fine sand they can actually excavate and pile, and gravel this size makes their natural behaviour impossible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi mbuna and hap aquariums; larger Tanganyikan community tanks; Central American cichlids that want hard alkaline water; any hard-water freshwater tank where pH drifts down between water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted aquariums, soft-water community tanks, blackwater and Amazonian setups, shrimp tanks, and discus or apistogramma systems - aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness and that cannot be switched off. It is also unsuitable for shell dwellers and any sand-sifting species, and a poor choice as a deep bed, where the gaps collect detritus a siphon cannot reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the gravel into an empty tank first, and pour in the liquid from the bag with it - that liquid is the water conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel it, then bed rockwork and caves directly on the glass wherever possible so nothing topples when a fish digs beneath it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd water slowly onto a plate or a bag laid on the gravel rather than straight onto the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun filtration. Some cloudiness is normal and clears as the filter catches the fines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork the gravel vacuum down into the bed at each water change rather than passing it over the surface. Coarse substrate hides waste rather than displaying it, so a bed that looks clean often is not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping the depth to 2.5 to 5 cm is what makes that practical. At 7.5 cm and beyond you cannot get a siphon to the glass, and the lower layer becomes a store of detritus with no way to service it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuffering capacity is consumed very slowly as aragonite dissolves, so there is no replacement interval. Top up if the bed drops noticeably over several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e - the fine grade, useful as an open sand patch in front of a rock wall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dragon-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eDragon Stone Freshwater Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - pitted rock for the caves and territory breaks that mbuna tanks are built around.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-cichlid-pellets-medium-120gm\"\u003eAPI Cichlid Pellets Medium 120g\u003c\/a\u003e - a staple pellet for the mixed Rift Lake communities usually kept over this bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg, and this is the heaviest grade per litre of bed. A 180 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth is seven bags, a little over 63 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse CaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Gravel?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is supplied damp in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, and CaribSea's instruction is to place the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the conditioner and the bacterial culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill my cichlids still dig it up?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey will move it, but far less than a sand. At 4.0 to 10.0 mm and 72 lb per cubic foot this is the heaviest grade in the range, and it is the best of the three at holding a slope or a contoured bed against routine digging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need a gravel vacuum or is surface siphoning enough?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt needs a vacuum worked into the bed. Waste falls into the gaps between 4 to 10 mm grains rather than resting on top, so surface siphoning removes very little of what is actually there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow does it compare with Black Cichlid?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame 4.0 to 10.0 mm grain, different colour and density. Cichlid Gravel is natural toned at 72 lb per cubic foot; Black Cichlid is black at 54. The gravel resists digging better; the black grade needs fewer kilograms for the same bed depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I keep shell-dwelling cichlids over it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Shell dwellers such as Neolamprologus multifasciatus excavate and bank substrate around their shells, and a 4 to 10 mm grain is far too large for them to shift. Use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e for those tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill it work in a planted tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It raises pH and carbonate hardness, which is the opposite of what most aquarium plants want. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-red-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Red\u003c\/a\u003e is the equivalent coarse grade for a planted tank and is carbonate free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347856675,"sku":"CS0773","price":66.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-43203675193635.webp?v=1790235418"},{"product_id":"eco-complete-white-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Eco-Complete White Cichlid 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA bright white bed that holds Rift Lake pH up on its own.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Eco-Complete White Cichlid is an aragonite-based African cichlid sand supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag at a fine grain of 1.0 to 2.0 mm. It is packed in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, so it goes straight into the tank without rinsing. Because it is aragonite it adds calcium, magnesium and carbonate to the water and holds pH and carbonate hardness up - which is what Malawi, Tanganyika and Victorian cichlids want, and what a planted or soft-water tank does not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine 1.0 to 2.0 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - small enough for sand-sifting and shell-dwelling species to pick through and excavate properly, rather than shoving gravel around.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAragonite based\u003c\/strong\u003e - it releases calcium, magnesium and carbonate, and CaribSea states it buffers automatically for the life of the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - supplied damp and biologically active, which shortens the time a new bed takes to start processing ammonia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - the bag liquid is a water conditioning solution that deals with chlorine and chloramine. Rinsing pours away both the conditioner and the bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e54 lb per cubic foot\u003c\/strong\u003e - a light grade at roughly 0.87 kg per litre of finished bed, so one 9.072 kg bag lays about 10.5 litres of sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBright white throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e - it lifts light back into the tank and makes blue and yellow Malawi haps read hard against it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the question a substrate page has to answer. The table gives the weight of Eco-Complete White Cichlid and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints, worked from CaribSea's published density of 54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.9 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.4 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.8 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22.2 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e58.4 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e46.7 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70.1 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat depth should I actually pick?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a fine sand, 2.5 to 5 cm is the working range. That is deep enough for shell dwellers to bury a shell and for sand sifters to work, and shallow enough that you can turn the whole bed over with a siphon at water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep sand beds belong in marine sumps, not in a Rift Lake display. A fine grain packs tightly, so anything past about 7.5 cm in freshwater tends to go anaerobic in the lower layer where you cannot reach it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo adjustments to the table. Rockwork placed on the glass displaces sand, so a heavily scaped Tanganyikan tank needs a little less than the figures say. A bed that slopes front to back should be worked out on its average depth, not its deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm typical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb per cubic foot (0.87 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 10.5 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite based, supplied damp in a water conditioning solution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness, and continues buffering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater - African Rift Lake and other hard, alkaline setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0778\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eA note on the published grain size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea's 2025 catalogue lists this product at 1.0 to 2.0 mm, while the company's website lists 0.5 to 1.5 mm for the same item number. We have used the catalogue figure above because it is the more recent published specification. Both describe a fine sand rather than a gravel, and neither changes how the bed behaves or how much you need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Eco-Complete African Cichlid grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDensity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-white-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete White Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA bright bed that reflects light and shows fish colour hardest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e92 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe finest and densest grade - stays put best under heavy diggers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-gravel-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Cichlid Gravel\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse natural-toned bed where you want gaps rather than sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-black-cichlid-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Black Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.0 to 10.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 lb\/cu ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse grade in black, for a dark tank rather than a bright one\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhite sand, honestly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA white bed is the highest-contrast option in the range and it is also the least forgiving one. Everything that lands on it is visible: uneaten pellets, faeces, a dusting of diatoms in a new tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is not a fault in the product. It is the trade-off you accept for the light it throws back into a deep Malawi tank. Practically, it means a white bed rewards a fortnightly siphon and punishes over-feeding faster than a natural or black grade does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiatoms - the brown film that appears on most new setups in the first month or two - show up strongly on white and then fade as the tank matures. They are a stage, not a problem with the sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria cichlid aquariums; Tanganyikan shell dwellers, which need a fine grain they can actually dig; sand-sifting species that pass substrate through their gills; and any hard-water freshwater tank where pH drifts down between water changes and you would rather it did not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted aquariums, soft-water community tanks, blackwater and Amazonian setups, shrimp tanks, and discus or apistogramma systems. Aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness and there is no way to switch that off. For a planted tank use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e, which is carbonate free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the sand into an empty tank and tip the bag liquid in with it - that liquid is the water conditioner and the bacterial culture, not packing water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel it, then set rockwork and shells down on the glass wherever you can, so nothing topples when a fish tunnels underneath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill slowly onto a plate or a flat bag laid on the sand. Fine grains lift easily and a hose pointed straight at the bed will cloud the tank for a day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun filtration and expect some haze. It clears as the filter catches the fines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine sand is serviced differently to gravel. Waste sits on the surface rather than falling into the bed, so you hover the siphon just above the sand and draw the debris off rather than plunging in and vacuuming the substrate away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStir the bed lightly every few weeks in areas that stay undisturbed, particularly under rockwork shadows and in back corners where flow does not reach. Sand-sifting cichlids do most of this for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buffering capacity is used up extremely slowly as aragonite dissolves, so there is no replacement schedule. Top up if the depth drops noticeably over several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand\u003c\/a\u003e - the natural-toned fine grade, if you want to break a white bed with a darker foreground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountain-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eMountain Stone Freshwater Rock 11kg\u003c\/a\u003e - pale, layered stone that stacks into Malawi-style terraces and reads well against white.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dragon-stone-freshwater-rock-25lb-11kg\"\u003eDragon Stone Freshwater Rock 11kg\u003c\/a\u003e - heavily pitted rock that makes natural caves and territory breaks for mbuna.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag is 9.072 kg. A 150 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth is five bags, close to 45 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse CaribSea Eco-Complete White Cichlid before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is supplied damp in a water conditioning solution with live bacteria, and CaribSea's instruction is to place the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing removes both the conditioner and the bacteria you paid for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill a white substrate stay white?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grains themselves do not discolour, because the colour is the aragonite rather than a coating. What changes is what settles on top: diatom film in the first month or two of a new tank, then detritus between siphons. A fortnightly surface siphon keeps it looking as it did on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow high will it push my pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAragonite buffers against downward drift rather than driving pH to a fixed target, so where you land depends on your tap water, your carbonate hardness and how heavily the tank is stocked. It will hold a Rift Lake tank in the alkaline range and stop the slow acidification that otherwise happens between water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs it fine enough for shell dwellers?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At 1.0 to 2.0 mm it is a true sand, so Neolamprologus and Lamprologus shell dwellers can excavate under and around a shell the way they would in the lake. The coarse 4.0 to 10.0 mm grades in this range cannot be dug the same way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix it with the black or natural grades?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can, but they will not stay separate. Different grain sizes and densities migrate under fish activity and flow, so a two-tone bed blends within weeks unless a physical barrier such as rock or an acrylic divider holds the line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a planted tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It raises pH and carbonate hardness, which suits Rift Lake cichlids and works against most aquarium plants. For a planted tank use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/eco-complete-planted-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eEco-Complete Planted Black\u003c\/a\u003e, which is carbonate free and will not raise pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347954979,"sku":"CS0778","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/eco-complete-white-cichlid-2-10281464398115-1-dq.webp?v=1790372752"},{"product_id":"arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Arag-Alive Bimini Pink 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria in the bag, so your sand bed cycles fast.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Arag-Alive Bimini Pink is a biologically active pink aragonite reef sand supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag, with a grain size of 0.5 to 5.0 mm. That is a mixed grade rather than a uniform sugar sand, so it carries enough weight to stay where you put it under moderate to strong flow. Because it is aragonite it raises pH and carbonate hardness, which makes it a marine, reef and African cichlid substrate rather than a general-purpose one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePacked with live bacteria\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea supplies Arag-Alive damp and biologically active, which shortens the time a new bed takes to start processing ammonia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea's instruction is to open the bag and place the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing would wash the bacteria down the drain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm mixed grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - the coarser fraction anchors the bed, so it scours less readily than a fine sand at the same flow rate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffers pH and alkalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e - aragonite dissolves slowly at reef pH, adding carbonate rather than consuming it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural pink colouration\u003c\/strong\u003e - the colour comes from the shell and coral fragments in the mix, not from a coating or dye.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClears quickly\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea states a tank should begin clearing within hours and be completely clear in 24 to 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the question a sand bag page has to answer. The table gives the weight of Bimini Pink and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints, worked from CaribSea's published bulk density of 90 lb per cubic foot (1.44 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.0 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.3 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24.7 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37.0 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e58.4 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32.4 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e64.9 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e97.3 kg - 11 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e77.8 kg - 9 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e116.8 kg - 13 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density for every substrate. Bed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by the density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo practical adjustments. Rockwork sitting on the glass displaces sand, so a heavily aquascaped tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes from front to back needs the average depth, not the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 lb per cubic foot (1.44 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 6.3 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite, supplied damp and biologically active\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine and reef; also hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eClearing time\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBegins clearing within hours, clear in 24 to 48 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0796\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich CaribSea reef sand should I choose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBacteria in the bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed pink bed with visible shell fragments; holds position under moderate to strong flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark contrast beds; the finest of the three live grades\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 5.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.257 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse gravel grade for high-flow zones and beds under rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.63 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo, dry sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine uniform oolitic bed, lowest cost per kilogram\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink and Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef if none of the four above is the grain size you are after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the sand into an empty tank first. CaribSea is specific about this - sand into the tank, then water, not the other way round.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel it, then place rockwork directly on the glass wherever you can, so nothing topples if livestock excavates underneath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd water slowly onto a plate or a bag laid on the sand so the stream does not crater the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun the filtration. Expect cloudiness that clears within 24 to 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine fish-only and reef aquariums; refugium and sump beds; hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks; tanks with moderate to strong flow where a finer sand would scour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted freshwater aquariums, soft-water community tanks, and any species that needs an acidic pH - the sand will raise pH and carbonate hardness and you cannot switch that behaviour off. It is also a poor choice as a burrowing medium for jawfish or sand-sifting gobies, which want a fine grain they can actually pick up; \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e at 0.5 to 1.0 mm suits those better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shallow bed of about 2.5 cm can be lightly siphoned at water changes. Beds deeper than about 5 cm are usually left alone below the surface, because stirring accumulated material back into the water column is what causes problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bed does not need replacing on a schedule. Aragonite dissolves slowly, so top up if the depth drops noticeably over several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shapes-20lb-9kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shapes\u003c\/a\u003e - aquascaping rock designed to sit on the glass beneath the sand bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-seas-base-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea South Seas Base Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - lower-cost structural rock for the base of a scape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-sea-salts-10-kg-300-ltr-bag\"\u003eRed Sea Salt 10 kg\u003c\/a\u003e - for mixing the saltwater that goes in on top.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of that, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg. A 120 x 45 cm tank at 5 cm depth is five bags, close to 45 kg, so check the freight total before you order a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse CaribSea Arag-Alive Bimini Pink before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea's instruction is to open the bag and place the contents directly into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the live bacteria that are the reason for buying live sand in the first place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow long does the tank stay cloudy?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea states that with sand, water, rock and filtration in place the tank begins clearing within hours and is completely clear in 24 to 48 hours. Adding water gently onto a plate rather than straight onto the sand makes a noticeable difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use Bimini Pink in a freshwater tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly in a hard, alkaline setup such as an African cichlid tank. Aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness, so it is the wrong substrate for planted tanks, soft-water community fish and anything from an acidic blackwater habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should the sand bed be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shallow bed of 2.5 to 5 cm is the usual choice for a modern reef tank and is easy to keep clean. Deeper beds of 7.5 cm and up are a deliberate denitrification strategy, and once built they should be left undisturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill Bimini Pink blow around in strong flow?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess than a fine sand will. The grain runs up to 5.0 mm, and the coarser fraction anchors the bed. Powerheads aimed straight down at the substrate will still excavate a hole in any sand, whatever the grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes the pink colour fade?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour comes from the shell and coral fragments in the mix rather than a dye or coating, so it is not a surface layer that wears off. Coralline algae and detritus settling on the bed will change how it reads over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293347987747,"sku":"CS0796","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb--10281464463651-1-dq.webp?v=1790372666"},{"product_id":"arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg","title":"Arag-Alive Hawaiian Black 20lb (9.072kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeep black sand that makes fish colour and coral pop.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Arag-Alive Hawaiian Black is a biologically active black aragonite reef sand supplied damp in a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag, with a grain size of 0.25 to 3.5 mm. It is the finest of CaribSea's three live grades we stock, which is what gives the bed its smooth, dark, even look. Like every aragonite substrate it raises pH and carbonate hardness, so it belongs in marine, reef and African cichlid tanks rather than planted or soft-water ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm fine grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - fine enough for sand-sifting fish to work through, and fine enough to read as a solid dark surface rather than dark gravel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria supplied in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - the sand arrives damp and biologically active, so a new bed starts processing ammonia sooner than dry sand would.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea's instruction is to tip the bag straight into the tank. Rinsing washes out the bacteria you paid for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark background for colour\u003c\/strong\u003e - fish that pale over a light substrate generally hold deeper colour over a dark one, and coral fluorescence reads more strongly against black.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffers pH and alkalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e - it is aragonite, so it adds carbonate rather than consuming it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClears quickly\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea states a properly filled tank begins clearing within hours and is completely clear in 24 to 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawaiian Black is the lightest of the three live grades at 80 lb per cubic foot (1.28 kg per litre of bed), so a given depth costs fewer kilograms than the same depth in Bimini Pink. The table gives the weight and the number of 9.072 kg bags for common Australian tank footprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.8 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.5 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.3 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.0 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.9 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32.9 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.3 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e34.6 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e51.9 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e28.8 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e57.7 kg - 7 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e86.5 kg - 10 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e34.6 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e69.2 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e103.8 kg - 12 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density for every substrate. Bed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by the density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo practical adjustments. Rockwork sitting on the glass displaces sand, so a heavily aquascaped tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes from front to back needs the average depth, not the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb (9.072 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e80 lb per cubic foot (1.28 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 7.1 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite, supplied damp and biologically active\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine and reef; also hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eClearing time\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBegins clearing within hours, clear in 24 to 48 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0797\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich CaribSea reef sand should I choose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBacteria in the bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed pink bed with visible shell fragments; holds position under moderate to strong flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark contrast beds; the finest of the three live grades\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 5.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.257 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse gravel grade for high-flow zones and beds under rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.63 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo, dry sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine uniform oolitic bed, lowest cost per kilogram\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink and Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef if none of the four above is the grain size you are after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving with a black sand bed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo things are worth knowing before you commit. Detritus, uneaten food and dislodged coralline flakes are all pale, and they show against black in a way they never do against a pink or natural bed. The bed looks dirtier at the same actual cleanliness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second is flow. At 1.28 kg per litre this is the lightest grade of the four on this page, and the grain starts at 0.25 mm. A powerhead pointed at the substrate will scour it more readily than it would scour Bimini Pink. Aim flow across the bed, not into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine fish-only and reef aquariums where you want maximum contrast; tanks with sand-sifting gobies, wrasses or jawfish that need a fine grain; hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks; refugium beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted freshwater tanks, soft-water community aquariums, and blackwater setups - aragonite will raise pH and carbonate hardness and there is no way to stop it. It is also the wrong choice directly under a downward-facing powerhead, where the fine fraction will be excavated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight siphoning of the top layer at water changes keeps the pale detritus that shows up against black under control. A turkey baster used to puff detritus off the surface before a water change works better than dragging a gravel vacuum through the bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeds over about 5 cm deep are best left undisturbed below the surface. The sand itself does not need replacing on any schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shapes-20lb-9kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shapes\u003c\/a\u003e - pale aquascaping rock, which is the contrast black sand is bought for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Arag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e - the coarser alternative if scouring is a concern in your tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-sea-salts-10-kg-300-ltr-bag\"\u003eRed Sea Salt 10 kg\u003c\/a\u003e - for mixing the water that goes in over the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of that, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 9.072 kg. A 150 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth is seven bags, a little over 63 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes black sand show dirt more than light sand?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Detritus, uneaten food and shed coralline flakes are pale and stand out against a black bed. The bed is not dirtier than a light one at the same maintenance level, but it reads that way, so most people siphon the surface more often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Hawaiian Black fine enough for a sand-sifting goby?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The grain runs from 0.25 mm, which is fine enough for sifting gobies and wrasses to pick up and pass through their gills. The coarser 3.5 mm fraction is a small part of the mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I rinse it first?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea's instruction for all Arag-Alive sands is to place the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the live bacteria and defeats the purpose of buying a live sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs the black colour natural or a coating?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black is supplied as a black aragonite substrate, not a coated or painted one, so there is no coating to chip off individual grains over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix Hawaiian Black with a lighter CaribSea sand?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can, and the grades are chemically the same aragonite. Be aware that flow gradually sorts mixed grades by weight and grain size, so a deliberate two-tone bed usually ends up blended after a few months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should I go?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5 to 5 cm is the usual shallow bed and is straightforward to maintain. Beds of 7.5 cm and deeper are a deliberate denitrification strategy and should be left undisturbed once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293348020515,"sku":"CS0797","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20-10281464496419-1-dq.webp?v=1790372667"},{"product_id":"arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg","title":"Arag-Alive Natural Reef 16lb* (7.257kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoarse grains that stay put where flow scours fine sand.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Arag-Alive Natural Reef is a biologically active aragonite substrate supplied damp in a 16 lb (7.257 kg) bag, with a grain size of 3.0 to 5.5 mm. At that size it is closer to a fine gravel than a sand, and that is the point - it is the grade to reach for in high-flow reef tanks and under rockwork where a 0.25 mm sand would be blown into drifts. It raises pH and carbonate hardness, so it is a marine, reef and African cichlid substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.0 to 5.5 mm coarse grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - heavy enough per grain to resist scouring from powerheads and return flow that would move a fine sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive bacteria supplied in the bag\u003c\/strong\u003e - it arrives damp and biologically active, so a new bed begins processing ammonia sooner than dry substrate would.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea's instruction is to place the contents directly into the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge open pore spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e - water moves through a coarse bed rather than sitting in it, which is why coarse grades are used in high-flow zones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffers pH and alkalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e - aragonite adds carbonate to the water instead of consuming it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural mixed reef colouration\u003c\/strong\u003e - the colour comes from the coral and shell fragments themselves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural Reef comes in a 7.257 kg bag, smaller than the 9.072 kg Arag-Alive sands, so bag counts run higher for the same tank. Figures are worked from CaribSea's published bulk density of 85 lb per cubic foot (1.36 kg per litre of bed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.1 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.3 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.6 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.3 kg - 4 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36.8 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30.6 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e61.3 kg - 9 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36.8 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e73.5 kg - 11 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe table stops at 5 cm deliberately. A deep bed in a 3.0 to 5.5 mm grade is not a deep sand bed - the pore spaces are far too large to go anoxic in the way a fine bed does, and instead the gaps collect detritus that you then cannot siphon out. Keep this grade shallow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes a bulk density for every substrate. Bed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want, and the weight is that volume multiplied by the density. Bag counts are rounded up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo practical adjustments. Rockwork sitting on the glass displaces sand, so a heavily aquascaped tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes from front to back needs the average depth, not the deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 5.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 lb (7.257 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85 lb per cubic foot (1.36 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 5.3 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite, supplied damp and biologically active\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine and reef; also hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended bed depth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5 to 5 cm - not suited to deep beds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0799\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich CaribSea reef sand should I choose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBacteria in the bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed pink bed with visible shell fragments; holds position under moderate to strong flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark contrast beds; the finest of the three live grades\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 5.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.257 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse gravel grade for high-flow zones and beds under rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.63 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo, dry sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine uniform oolitic bed, lowest cost per kilogram\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink and Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef if none of the four above is the grain size you are after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e high-flow reef tanks where fine sand piles into drifts; the bed under and around rockwork; sump and overflow chambers; hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks; anyone who has given up on a fine bed after repeatedly redistributing it by hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e jawfish, sand-sifting gobies and wrasses that burrow or sift - the grain is far too large for them to handle, and for those tanks \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e at 0.5 to 1.0 mm is the right call. It is also unsuitable as a deep denitrifying bed, and unsuitable for planted, soft-water or blackwater freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoarse beds trap detritus in the gaps between grains, so this grade rewards actual gravel-vacuuming rather than the light surface siphoning a fine sand gets. Work the siphon into the bed at water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping the bed shallow is what makes that possible. At 2.5 cm you can reach the glass; at 7.5 cm you cannot, and the lower layer becomes a detritus reservoir you have no way to service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shapes-20lb-9kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shapes\u003c\/a\u003e - aquascaping rock to sit on the glass with the substrate filled in around it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-seas-base-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea South Seas Base Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - structural rock for the foundation of a scape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eCaribSea Arag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e - a middle grade at 0.5 to 5.0 mm if Natural Reef is coarser than you want.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of that, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 7.257 kg. Because the bags are smaller than the 20 lb sands, a large tank runs to a lot of them - a 180 x 60 cm footprint at 5 cm depth is eleven bags, close to 80 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Natural Reef a sand or a gravel?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 3.0 to 5.5 mm it behaves as a fine gravel. It is the coarsest of the CaribSea live grades we stock, and it is chosen for stability under flow rather than for the look or feel of a sand bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I keep a sand-sifting goby over it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Sifting gobies, wrasses and jawfish need a grain they can lift and pass through their gills or burrow into, and 3.0 to 5.5 mm is well beyond that. Choose a fine grade for those tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should the bed be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween 2.5 and 5 cm. Coarse substrate does not form a functioning deep sand bed, and a deep layer simply accumulates detritus in the gaps where a siphon cannot reach it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need rinsing?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea supplies all Arag-Alive products damp and biologically active, and the instruction is to place the contents straight into the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy is the bag 16 lb when the other Arag-Alive sands are 20 lb?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea packs Natural Reef in a 16 lb (7.257 kg) bag. Factor that into your bag count, because the same bed depth needs roughly a quarter more bags than a 20 lb grade at similar density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill it stop my sand blowing into drifts?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt substantially reduces it. Each grain is far heavier than a fine sand grain, so it takes much more flow to move. No substrate resists a powerhead aimed straight down at it from close range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293348053283,"sku":"CS0799","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Arag-AliveNaturalReef16lb.png?v=1791170364"},{"product_id":"aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg","title":"Aragamax Select 30lb (13.63kg)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine oolitic grains, the classic bed for sand-sifting reef life.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea AragaMax Select is a dry oolitic aragonite sand supplied in a 30 lb (13.63 kg) bag, with a tightly held grain size of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. Oolitic means the grains are rounded rather than angular, which is what gives an AragaMax bed its smooth, even surface and makes it easy on burrowing fish and invertebrates. It is a dry substrate, not a live one, so it costs less per kilogram but brings no bacteria with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.5 to 1.0 mm uniform grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - the narrowest size band of the four CaribSea substrates on this page, which is why the bed lies flat and even.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOolitic, so grains are rounded\u003c\/strong\u003e - kinder to burrowing gobies, jawfish, wrasses and sifting invertebrates than an angular crushed substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffers pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/strong\u003e - aragonite dissolves slowly at reef pH and adds carbonate to the system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLargest bag of the group\u003c\/strong\u003e - 13.63 kg per bag covers more floor per bag than the 9.072 kg live sands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry sand\u003c\/strong\u003e - no live bacteria and no expiry to worry about, so it stores indefinitely before a build.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine enough for sifting livestock\u003c\/strong\u003e - the grade to choose if the tank will house a sand-sifting goby or a jawfish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFigures below use CaribSea's published bulk density for AragaMax Select of 90 lb per cubic foot (1.44 kg per litre of bed). One 13.63 kg bag lays about 9.45 litres of substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.0 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.3 kg - 1 bag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24.7 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37.0 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5 kg - 2 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e58.4 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32.4 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e64.9 kg - 5 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e97.3 kg - 8 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38.9 kg - 3 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e77.8 kg - 6 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e116.8 kg - 9 bags\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow these figures are worked out\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBed volume is the tank footprint multiplied by the depth you want. Weight is that volume multiplied by CaribSea's published density, and bag counts round up to the next whole bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRockwork placed directly on the glass displaces substrate, so a heavily aquascaped tank needs slightly less than the table shows. A bed that slopes front to back should be calculated on its average depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDry sand, not live sand - what that changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAragaMax Select carries no bacteria. Two things follow from that, and both are worth planning for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first is rinsing. CaribSea's no-rinse instruction applies specifically to the Arag-Alive live sands, where rinsing would wash the bacteria away. AragaMax is a dry sand with fine material in the bag, and we recommend rinsing it in a bucket until the water runs reasonably clear before it goes in. Skipping that step means a longer and heavier cloud.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second is cycling. A dry bed will not seed itself. Plan to cycle the tank with live rock, a bottled bacteria product or a bag of live sand mixed through the top layer, and test ammonia and nitrite before adding livestock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain shape\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOolitic - rounded rather than angular\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 lb (13.63 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 lb per cubic foot (1.44 kg per litre)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume per bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 9.45 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDry aragonite - no live bacteria\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended before use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine and reef; also hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0932\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich CaribSea reef sand should I choose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBacteria in the bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed pink bed with visible shell fragments; holds position under moderate to strong flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark contrast beds; the finest of the three live grades\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0 to 5.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.257 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoarse gravel grade for high-flow zones and beds under rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.63 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo, dry sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine uniform oolitic bed, lowest cost per kilogram\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink and Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef if none of the four above is the grain size you are after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine and reef aquariums; tanks housing sand-sifting gobies, wrasses, jawfish or burrowing invertebrates; anyone building a bed on a budget who already has a bacterial source; hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks; refugium beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted freshwater, soft-water community and blackwater aquariums, because aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness. It is also the wrong choice as the sole substrate in a tank you intend to stock quickly, since it brings no bacteria and the tank still has to cycle. In very strong flow a 0.5 to 1.0 mm grain will scour - \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e at 3.0 to 5.5 mm is the answer there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shallow bed of 2.5 to 5 cm can be surface-siphoned at water changes. Beds over about 5 cm are generally left undisturbed below the top layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAragonite dissolves slowly over years rather than months, so there is no replacement interval - top the bed up if the depth visibly drops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/caribsea-arag-alive-live-reef-sand\"\u003eCaribSea Arag-Alive Live Reef Sand\u003c\/a\u003e - one bag mixed through the top layer seeds a dry AragaMax bed with bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shapes-20lb-9kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shapes\u003c\/a\u003e - aquascaping rock that sits on the glass beneath the substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-sea-salts-10-kg-300-ltr-bag\"\u003eRed Sea Salt 10 kg\u003c\/a\u003e - for mixing the saltwater the bed goes under.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of that, and are not limited by anything the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bag weighs 13.63 kg. A 150 x 60 cm tank at 5 cm depth is five bags, close to 68 kg, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes AragaMax Select need rinsing?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend it. CaribSea's no-rinse instruction covers the Arag-Alive live sands, where rinsing would remove the bacteria. AragaMax is a dry sand, and rinsing it in a bucket first significantly reduces how long the tank stays cloudy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat does oolitic mean?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOolitic grains are rounded, formed in layers around a nucleus, rather than angular fragments of crushed shell or coral. A rounded grain is gentler on fish that burrow or sift, and it settles into a flatter, more even bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill AragaMax Select cycle my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is dry aragonite with no bacteria in the bag. Cycle the tank with live rock, a bottled bacterial starter or a bag of live sand mixed into the top layer, and confirm with ammonia and nitrite tests before stocking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs it fine enough for a jawfish or a sifting goby?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 0.5 to 1.0 mm it is the finest grade of the four CaribSea substrates on this page and suits sifting gobies and wrasses well. Jawfish additionally want rubble and shell fragments mixed in to line and stabilise a burrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow is it different from Arag-Alive?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame aragonite chemistry and the same effect on pH and alkalinity. The differences are that Arag-Alive arrives damp with live bacteria and needs no rinsing, while AragaMax is dry, costs less per kilogram and comes in a larger bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a freshwater aquarium?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly in a hard, alkaline setup such as an African cichlid tank. It raises pH and carbonate hardness, which rules out planted tanks, soft-water community fish and blackwater species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55293348118819,"sku":"CS0932","price":114.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg-10281464561955-1-dq.webp?v=1790372667"},{"product_id":"arag-alive-special-grade-reef","title":"CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe live sand grade that stays where you put it.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef is a biologically active aragonite reef sand with a grain size of 1.0 to 2.0 mm, supplied damp in a 10 lb (4.536 kg) or 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag. It is the coarsest of CaribSea's mid-range live grades, and that is the whole point of it: at 1 to 2 mm the bed resists scouring in a system running the turnover an SPS reef wants, where a finer sand would pile into drifts within a week. Being aragonite, it raises pH and carbonate hardness, so it belongs in marine, reef and African cichlid tanks only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - heavy enough per grain to hold position under high turnover, so the bed keeps the contour you gave it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplied damp with live bacteria\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea packs Arag-Alive wet and biologically active, which shortens the period before the bed starts processing ammonia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing before use\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea says open the bag and place the contents straight into the tank. Rinsing removes the bacteria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffers pH and alkalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e - aragonite dissolves slowly at reef pH, contributing carbonate rather than consuming it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClears faster than a fine sand\u003c\/strong\u003e - a coarser grain carries less fine dust into the water column when the tank is filled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo bag sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e - 4.536 kg for topping up or patching a scoured area, 9.072 kg for building the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorked from CaribSea's published bulk density for Arag-Alive of 100 lb per cubic foot, which is 1.60 kg per litre of finished bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.6 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.6 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e27.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e41.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.6 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e64.9 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36.0 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e108.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e86.5 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e129.8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTurning kilograms into bags\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDivide by 9.072 for 20 lb bags or 4.536 for 10 lb bags, then round up. A 150 x 60 cm reef at 5 cm depth is 72.1 kg, which is eight 20 lb bags. A 90 x 38 cm tank at 2.5 cm is 13.7 kg, most economically one 20 lb bag plus one 10 lb bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock sitting directly on the glass displaces sand, so a rock-heavy scape needs less than the table shows. Work a sloped bed out on its average depth rather than the deepest corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm (both bag sizes)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite, supplied damp and biologically active\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 lb per cubic foot (1.60 kg per litre of bed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine and reef; also hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBy bag size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.536 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 2.8 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS1790\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 5.7 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0790\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Arag-Alive grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four are supplied damp and biologically active. Grain size is the only meaningful difference, and it decides whether the bed holds its shape under your flow and whether your livestock can move it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-special-grade-reef\"\u003eArag-Alive Special Grade Reef\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigher-flow reef systems where a finer sand would scour into drifts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-fiji-pink\"\u003eArag-Alive Fiji Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine pink bed; workable by sand-sifting gobies and burrowing wrasses\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed pink bed with visible shell fragments\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark contrast beds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a coarser gravel grade see \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e. If the live bacteria are not what you are paying for, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e is the dry alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand into an empty tank first, then water. CaribSea is explicit about that order.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel the bed and set rockwork on the bare glass wherever the scape allows, so nothing shifts if a fish digs beneath it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill onto a plate or upturned bowl sitting on the sand so the incoming stream does not dig a crater.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun filtration. A 1 to 2 mm grade throws less dust than a fine sand, so expect a shorter cloudy period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e reef aquariums running high turnover; marine fish-only systems; beds sitting under and around rockwork where scouring is a problem; refugiums; and hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted freshwater tanks, soft-water community tanks and blackwater setups, because aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness permanently. It is also a poor burrowing medium for sand-sifting gobies and jawfish, which need a grain they can actually pick up - \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-fiji-pink\"\u003eArag-Alive Fiji Pink\u003c\/a\u003e at 0.5 to 1.5 mm is the better bed for those species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA coarser grain lets detritus settle between the particles rather than sitting on top, so a shallow bed of around 2.5 cm benefits from a light siphon at water changes. Beds over 5 cm are normally left undisturbed below the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo replacement schedule applies. Aragonite dissolves very slowly, so top up with a 10 lb bag if the depth drops over the years or if a powerhead has scoured a low spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-seas-base-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea South Seas Base Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - structural rock to sit on the glass before the sand goes in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shelf-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shelf Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - flat shelving pieces for building overhangs above the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/caribsea-purple-up\"\u003eCaribSea Purple-Up\u003c\/a\u003e - to push coralline algae onto the rock once the system is stable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea publishes no warranty term for its substrates, which is normal for a consumable. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless and are not reduced by that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA full bed is heavy freight. A 150 x 60 cm reef at 5 cm depth is 72.1 kg of sand, so price the delivery before you commit to the order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the grain size of CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm. That makes it coarser than Fiji Pink at 0.5 to 1.5 mm and finer than a crushed coral gravel, and it is the grade CaribSea positions for reef systems with real flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill Special Grade Reef stop my sand blowing into drifts?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt reduces it substantially compared with a sugar-fine sand, because each grain is heavier. No sand grade resists a powerhead aimed directly down at the substrate, so aim flow across the bed rather than into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I rinse it first?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea's instruction is to open the bag and tip the contents straight into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the live bacteria the product is sold for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much do I need for a 120 x 45 cm tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43.2 kg for a 5 cm bed, or 21.6 kg for a 2.5 cm bed. The deeper option is five 20 lb bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I mix Special Grade Reef with a finer sand?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, and it is a common approach - the coarser grade in the high-flow zones and under the rockwork, a finer grade across the open front where the look matters. Both are aragonite, so they behave the same chemically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs it safe for an African cichlid tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Raising pH and carbonate hardness is exactly what a Rift Lake tank wants, and 1 to 2 mm is coarse enough that digging cichlids will not cloud the water every time they excavate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"10lb (4.536kg)","offer_id":55293348184355,"sku":"CS1790","price":58.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20lb (9.072kg)","offer_id":55335325368611,"sku":"CS0790","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/arag-alive-special-grade-ree-43203675455779.webp?v=1790238521"},{"product_id":"arag-alive-fiji-pink","title":"CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine pink reef sand that arrives already carrying its bacteria.\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink is a biologically active aragonite reef sand with a grain size of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, supplied damp in either a 10 lb (4.536 kg) or a 20 lb (9.072 kg) bag. It sits in the middle of CaribSea's live sand range: fine enough to read as sand rather than gravel, coarse enough that it is not the sugar-grade oolite that lifts into the water column the moment a powerhead points at it. Because aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness, this is a marine, reef and African cichlid substrate rather than a general-purpose one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplied damp and biologically active\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea packs Arag-Alive wet with live bacteria rather than dry, so the bed starts processing ammonia sooner than a dry sand that has to be colonised from scratch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm grain\u003c\/strong\u003e - fine enough for sand-sifting gobies and burrowing wrasses to pick up and move, which a 2 mm-plus grade is not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo rinsing\u003c\/strong\u003e - CaribSea's instruction is to open the bag and put the contents straight in. Rinsing washes the bacteria you paid for down the drain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/strong\u003e - aragonite dissolves slowly at reef pH, adding carbonate to the water rather than consuming it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural pink tone\u003c\/strong\u003e - the colour is the mineral and shell content of the sand itself, not a coating or a dye that can wear off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo bag sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e - 4.536 kg for topping up or for a nano footprint, 9.072 kg for building a full bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the question a sand page has to answer, so here it is first. The figures come from CaribSea's own published bulk density for Arag-Alive of 100 lb per cubic foot, which works out to 1.60 kg per litre of finished bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank footprint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7.5 cm bed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.6 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.6 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 x 38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e27.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e41.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.6 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e64.9 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36.0 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e72.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e108.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180 x 60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e86.5 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e129.8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTurning kilograms into bags\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDivide the figure above by 9.072 for 20 lb bags, or by 4.536 for 10 lb bags, and round up. A 120 x 45 cm tank at 5 cm needs 43.2 kg, which is five 20 lb bags. A 60 x 30 cm tank at 5 cm needs 14.4 kg, which is most neatly bought as one 20 lb bag plus one 10 lb bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo adjustments worth making. Rock placed directly on the glass displaces sand, so a heavily scaped tank needs a little less than the table says. A bed that slopes front to back should be worked out on its average depth, not its deepest point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm (both bag sizes)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAragonite, supplied damp and biologically active\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBulk density\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 lb per cubic foot (1.60 kg per litre of bed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEffect on water\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises pH and carbonate hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRinsing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required, and not recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine and reef; also hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBy bag size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed volume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSupplier code\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.536 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 2.8 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS1792\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.072 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 5.7 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCS0792\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Arag-Alive grade do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four grades below are supplied damp and biologically active. The only meaningful difference between them is grain size, and grain size decides two things: whether the bed stays put under your flow, and whether your livestock can move it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrade\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrain size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-fiji-pink\"\u003eArag-Alive Fiji Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 1.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine pink bed; workable by sand-sifting gobies and burrowing wrasses\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-special-grade-reef\"\u003eArag-Alive Special Grade Reef\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 to 2.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigher-flow reef systems where a finer sand would scour into drifts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-bimini-pink-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Bimini Pink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5 to 5.0 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed pink bed with visible shell fragments\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-hawaiian-black-20lb-9-072kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Hawaiian Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 to 3.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark contrast beds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also stock \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-natural-reef-16lb-7-257kg\"\u003eArag-Alive Natural Reef\u003c\/a\u003e as a coarse grade, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aragamax-select-30lb-13-63kg\"\u003eAragaMax Select\u003c\/a\u003e as a dry sand for anyone who does not need the bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSetting it up\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut the sand in first, into an empty tank. CaribSea is specific about the order: sand, then water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevel the bed, then place rockwork on the bare glass wherever you can, so nothing topples if a fish excavates underneath it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd water onto a plate or an upturned bowl resting on the sand, so the stream does not crater the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart the filtration and expect cloudiness. Fine grades cloud more than coarse ones on the way in, and it settles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e marine fish-only and reef aquariums; refugium and sump beds; hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks; and tanks housing sand-sifting gobies, jawfish or burrowing wrasses that need a grain small enough to pick up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e planted freshwater aquariums, soft-water community tanks, blackwater setups and anything that needs an acidic pH. Aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness and there is no way to switch that behaviour off. It is also the wrong choice directly under a powerhead pointed at the substrate, where a coarser grade such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arag-alive-special-grade-reef\"\u003eSpecial Grade Reef\u003c\/a\u003e will hold its position better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shallow bed of around 2.5 cm can be lightly siphoned at water changes. Beds over about 5 cm are normally left undisturbed below the surface, because stirring accumulated material back into the water column is what causes trouble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no replacement schedule. Aragonite dissolves slowly, so top up with a 10 lb bag if the depth drops noticeably after a few years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/life-rock-shapes-20lb-9kg\"\u003eCaribSea Life Rock Shapes\u003c\/a\u003e - aquascaping rock designed to sit on the glass under the sand bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-seas-base-rock-40lb-18kg\"\u003eCaribSea South Seas Base Rock\u003c\/a\u003e - lower-cost structural rock for the base of a scape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/caribsea-purple-up\"\u003eCaribSea Purple-Up\u003c\/a\u003e - for encouraging coralline algae onto the rock once the tank is running.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its substrates, which is normal for a consumable. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless and are not limited by what the manufacturer does or does not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand is heavy. A 120 x 45 cm tank at 5 cm depth is 43.2 kg of product, so check the freight total before ordering a full bed rather than after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to rinse CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea's instruction is to open the bag and place the contents directly into the aquarium. Rinsing removes the live bacteria that are the entire reason for buying live sand instead of dry sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Fiji Pink fine enough for a sand-sifting goby?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At 0.5 to 1.5 mm the grain is small enough for sifting gobies, jawfish and burrowing wrasses to pick up and pass through their gills, which a 2 mm-plus grade is not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much Fiji Pink does a 60 x 30 cm tank need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 14.4 kg for a 5 cm bed, or 7.2 kg for a 2.5 cm bed. That is one 20 lb bag plus one 10 lb bag for the deeper option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use Fiji Pink in a freshwater tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly in a hard, alkaline setup such as an African cichlid tank. Aragonite raises pH and carbonate hardness, so it is wrong for planted tanks, soft-water community fish and anything from an acidic habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill Fiji Pink blow around?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can, in a high-flow SPS system or under a powerhead aimed at the substrate. At 0.5 to 1.5 mm it is more stable than a sugar-grade oolite but less stable than Special Grade Reef at 1.0 to 2.0 mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I add Fiji Pink to a tank that is already running?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but do it gradually. Rinse-free live sand will cloud an established tank for a day or two, so add it a few kilograms at a time and pour it in slowly through a length of pipe rather than tipping the bag in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"CaribSea","offers":[{"title":"10lb (4.536kg)","offer_id":55293348217123,"sku":"CS1792","price":58.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20lb (9.072kg)","offer_id":55335325401379,"sku":"CS0792","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/caribsea-arag-alive-fiji-pin-10281464660259-1-dq.webp?v=1790372667"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/NAN25_1_c1bd23ae-21c5-485b-bd64-cb0a1450ea24.png?v=1788252857","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/substrate-gravel.oembed","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}