Using Natural Soil Vs Gravel

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In Planted Aquarium, Natural Soil at the bottom where aquatic plants are planted is called the substrate. The substrate has three major purposes. One is to support aquatic plants and provide nutrients. Another is to enable microorganisms to multiply and stabilize the environment of an aquarium. The third is to render a natural feel to a layout. The activity of microorganisms is especially important since organic matter, such as fish waste and uneaten food that falls into the substrate, is decomposed by the microorganisms that are fully established in the substrate. In addition, the roots of aquatic plants and the microorganisms in the substrate have a type of symbiotic relationship. Aquatic plants can grow healthfully only when microorganisms help them absorb nutrients through roots. When aquatic plants grow densely by absorbing nutrients that are broken down from organic matter, the uptake of nutrients from the leaf surfaces and the release of oxygen through photosynthesis become vigorous as well, and the environment in the aquarium stabilizes. Therefore, the present substrate system was developed for Nature Aquarium for the purpose of growing beneficial microorganisms in the substrate to encourage the healthy growth of the roots of aquatic plants. The concept of natural ecosystem is utilized in the planted Aquarium substrate, which is based on the mutual relationship of soil environment, microorganisms, aquatic plants and fish.

Where gravel is concern it have the same function where natural soil have but do not have any nutrient or trace elements value in it.When gravel is use for planted tank set up Base Fertilizer (Mixture of Trace Elements and Nutrients) is use for bottom layer before gravel is place over it.