SL-Aqua Soil
Product Overview
SL-Aqua Nature Soil is a porous volcanic clay aquarium soil from Japan made to support soft-water dwarf shrimp. Setting up a tank for sensitive Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee, or Shadow shrimp often triggers stress over shifting parameters or parameter crashes that put delicate colonies at risk. Formulated from premium raw materials and sintered into porous granules, this buffering substrate actively lowers pH and KH levels when paired with RO water while steadily releasing essential trace minerals to boost shrimplet survival, exoskeleton strength, and aquatic plant growth. Available in Large, Normal, and Powder grain sizes, it builds a stable, crystal-clear foundation for any dedicated breeding tank or high-contrast aquascape.
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Key Features & Benefits
- Sintered porous clay structure absorbs impurities to maintain exceptional water clarity over long periods.
- Buffers pH and KH parameters to create the ideal soft-water environment for sensitive Bee shrimp species when using RO water.
- Supplies essential organic acids and minerals to promote strong shell formation and overall livestock health.
- Durable granule composition maintains structural integrity to prevent compaction and ensure optimal root zone oxygen exchange.
Usage & Application Guidelines
- Do not rinse this aquarium soil before placing it in your aquarium.
- Distribute the granules to achieve a bed depth of two to three inches, sloping toward the rear glass to create visual depth and room for plant roots.
- Fill the aquarium gently over a plate or plastic wrap to prevent clouding or disturbing the substrate layout.
- Monitor pH and KH levels during the cycling phase, ensuring zero ammonia and nitrites before introducing sensitive Caridina shrimp or fish.
Quick Facts & Specifications
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Granule Size Comparison
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Small "Powder" Granule (1.0–2.0 mm) |
Ideal Application & Plants: Foreground mosses, delicate carpet plants & nano breeding tanks Key Advantage: Easiest foraging surface for newborn shrimplets; prevents fine stem floating |
| Medium "Normal" Granule (1.5–3.5 mm) |
Ideal Application & Plants: Small-to-medium stem plants, Crypts & mid-size tanks (10–20 gal) Key Advantage: Versatile all-around granule size for general planted aquascaping |
| Large Granule (3.0–5.0 mm) |
Ideal Application & Plants: Large stem plants, Swords & larger aquariums (20+ gal) Key Advantage: Maximizes water circulation and oxygenation around deeper roots |
Substrate Volume & Tank Sizing Guide
| Bag Size | Recommended Tank Setup | Estimated Bed Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Liters | ~9 Gallons / 34 Liters (e.g., UNS 45U) | ~2 to 2.5 inch bed depth |
| 8 Liters | ~15 to 20 Gallons (e.g., UNS 60U or 20 Gallon Long) | ~2 to 3 inch sloping bed depth |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to rinse this aquarium substrate before adding it to my tank?
No, you should never rinse aquarium soil before installing it in your aquarium. Washing breaks down the sintered clay structure, washes away vital trace minerals, and creates unnecessary cloudiness in the water column.
2. How much substrate do I need for my aquarium size?
To calculate the required volume in liters, multiply the length of your aquarium by the width and desired substrate depth in inches, then divide the total by 60. For example, a standard tank measuring 24 inches long by 12 inches wide with a 2-inch bed requires approximately 9.6 liters of soil.
3. How does this substrate affect my water parameters?
SL-Aqua Nature Soil gently lowers and stabilizes pH and KH levels, especially when paired with Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. This establishes an optimal soft-water environment preferred by Caridina bee shrimp species and soft-water aquatic plants.