Brightwell FlorinVolcanit

Also sold as FlorinVolcanit · Rio Escuro · Brightwell Aqua Soil · Florin Volcanit · Brightwell FlorinVolcanit Rio Escuro

Synonyms Brightwell soil

Brightwell FlorinVolcanit from Brightwell Aquatics is an aquasoil with a 1–3 mm grain. It holds some nutrients and pushes pH down, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.

At a glance

TypeAquasoil
NutrientsSome
Grain1–3 mm
BrandBrightwell Aquatics
Effect on pHLowers pH and KH
ShrimpSuits Caridina

Before it goes in

  • Brightwell FlorinVolcanit is an aquasoil, 1–3 mm grain.
  • It is lightly fertilised: root feeders grow in it without root tabs.
  • It pulls pH and KH down, which suits soft-water shrimp and most plants. It also works against hardscape that raises hardness — Seiryu Stone and Elephant Skin Stone — so the two partly cancel out.
  • It is rough on fish that sift the substrate. Something finer suits German Blue Ram and Julii Cory better.
  • It suits Caridina — the soft, acidic water they need is what it buffers towards.

What kind of substrate is it?

Aquasoil with a 1–3 mm grain, holding some nutrients.

Does it change pH?

Yes, it pulls pH and KH down and holds them there until it is exhausted.

Can I use it on its own?

Yes — Brightwell FlorinVolcanit is a complete substrate on its own.

Will carpeting plants root in it?

Yes. The grain is fine enough for runners to grip.

What it goes with

Often compared with

Brightwell FlorinVolcanitADA AfricanaADA Malaya
TypeAquasoilAquasoilAquasoil
NutrientsSomeSomeSome
pHLowersLowersLowers
Grain1–3 mmMediumMedium

More substrates

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026