Why is healthy plant growth so important for the aquarium?

Aquarium plants are not only decorative, offering aquarium inhabitants natural hiding places and shelter but they also influence the biochemical processes positively, thus ensuring an optimum biological balance in the aquarium.

Plants:

• Create the vital oxygen for fish and microorganisms during the daytime.
• Help to biologically clean the water, breaking down pollutants.
• Inhibit the growth of algae, out competing it for nutrients.

For these reasons, it is vitally important that you give your plants a good substrate to grow in.

Tetra Active Substrate:

Large surface area and porous structure of the water-neutral clay granules offer various advantages compared to traditional gravel and ensure optimum rooting and strong plant growth.

• Natural looking substrate which provides a plant-friendly soil climate.
• Stimulates the colonisation of beneficial soil bacteria.
• Reduces organic water pollution.
• Does not compact.
• Plants can root easier, quicker, and not rot in the clay pores.
• Water can circulate 50% better in the roots better than traditional gravel.

Usage:

• Can be used as the main substrate instead of traditional gravel or sand.
• For intensive planting, place a 4cm layer on the top of 2-4cm of Tetra Complete Substrate (recommended) or your chosen plant substrate.

Planting tips:

• Use in combination with a Tetra CO₂ Optimat Set for a carbon source. This makes a world of difference in nearly all planted aquariums.
• Tetra PlantaMin liquid plant food is recommended if you have plants which need to absorb their nutrients through their leaves.
• Tetra Crypto tablets or Initial Sticks can also be used if you have plants such as Crytocoryne’s or Amazon Swords which need to absorb their nutrients through their roots.

Suitability:

• Tropical and coldwater biotopes.
• Aquascaping. 
• Suitable for aquariums up to 30 litres.