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.
Calculate substrate quantity before buying materials.
At a glance
| Type | Nutrient base layer |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Rich |
| Grain | Medium |
| Brand | Tropica |
| Effect on pH | Neutral |
| Cap | Needs a sand or gravel cap |
Shown at real grain size, about 16 cm across
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.
Tropica Plant Growth Substrate: care and setup
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 |