Tropica Plant Growth Substrate
Also sold as Tropica Substrate · Tropica Plant Substrate · Tropica Growth Substrate
Tropica Plant Growth Substrate is a nutrient base layer. It holds plenty of nutrients, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
At a glance
| Type | Nutrient base layer |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Rich |
| Grain | Medium |
| Brand | Tropica |
| Effect on pH | Neutral |
| Cap | Needs a sand or gravel cap |
Before it goes in
- Tropica Plant Growth Substrate is a base layer. It goes under a sand or gravel cap — used on its own it clouds the water and washes out.
- It is nutrient-rich: root feeders grow in it without root tabs.
- It is pH-neutral: whatever comes out of your tap is what the tank sits at.
- It is rough on fish that sift the substrate. Something finer suits German Blue Ram and Julii Cory better.
What kind of substrate is it?
Nutrient base layer, medium grain, holding plenty of nutrients.
Does it change pH?
No — it is inert and leaves your tap water where it is.
Can I use it on its own?
No. It is a base layer and needs a sand or gravel cap over it.
What it goes with
- Root feeders that get the most out of it: Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' and Alternanthera reineckii.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| Tropica Plant Growth Substrate | ADA Power Sand Advance | JBL AquaBasis Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Nutrient base layer | Nutrient base layer | Nutrient base layer |
| Nutrients | Rich | Rich | Rich |
| pH | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Grain | Medium | Medium | Medium |