1
Q
purpose of substrates
A
- aesthetics
- nitrogen cycle (biological filtration)
- allows fish to perform natural behaviours
2
Q
preferred substrates
A
- bottom dwelling fish → sandy / fine grit
3
Q
sand as substrate
A
- most natural substrate
- uneaten food / faeces doesn’t get stuck as there are no gaps
4
Q
gravel as substrate
A
- between 2-5mm
- can be made of different materials
- small gaps → food + faeces can’t fall too far
- gravel vac can remove waste
5
Q
soil as substrate
A
- regular soil is not used → substrate soil doesn’t mix with tank water
- can be used for live plants
6
Q
pebbles as substrate
A
- can be made of different materials
- large gaps between layered pebbles → uneaten food + faeces can build up
7
Q
when not to use substrate
A
- grow-out tanks (hatch + raise fry)
- hospital tanks
- quarantine tanks
