Safe-T-Sorb
Also sold as Safe T Sorb · STS · oil-dri · oil dry · floor dry · calcined clay · SafeTSorb · EP Minerals 7941 · Safe-T-Sorb (EP Minerals #7941)
Safe-T-Sorb from EP Minerals is an inert clay or lava gravel. It holds no nutrients of its own, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
At a glance
| Type | Inert clay or lava gravel |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | None (inert) |
| Grain | Medium |
| Brand | EP Minerals (generic oil absorbent) |
| Effect on pH | Neutral |
| Ammonia when new | None |
| Shrimp | Suits Neocaridina |
Before it goes in
- Safe-T-Sorb is an inert clay or lava gravel.
- It is inert: it holds no nutrients of its own. Root feeders such as Cryptocoryne wendtii and Dwarf Hairgrass Mini need root tabs under them.
- It is pH-neutral: whatever comes out of your tap is what the tank sits at.
- It releases no ammonia, so livestock can go in as soon as the tank is cycled.
- It is rough on fish that sift the substrate. Something finer suits German Blue Ram and Julii Cory better.
- It suits Neocaridina, which want harder water than Caridina do.
What kind of substrate is it?
Inert clay or lava gravel, medium grain, holding no nutrients of its own.
Does it change pH?
No — it is inert and leaves your tap water where it is.
Does it leach ammonia?
No, so you are not waiting on it to stop before stocking.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — Safe-T-Sorb is a complete substrate on its own.
What it goes with
- Plants that do not care that it is inert, because they feed from the water: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Frogbit.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| Safe-T-Sorb | Turface MVP | Seachem Flourite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Inert clay or lava gravel | Inert clay or lava gravel | Inert clay or lava gravel |
| Nutrients | None | None | Some |
| pH | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Grain | Medium | 0.9–3.4 mm | 3–8 mm |
| Leaches ammonia | No | No | No |