Some aquarium substrates, due to their porous structure, can be, among other things, an excellent habitat for safe bacteria that support the development of fauna and flora in a given tank. Others, due to their high calcium content, can change the pH of the water and have a very negative effect on some species of fish, posing a deadly threat to them. Still other substrates act as filters, but as a result they can release elements into the water that are not recommended for fish. For this reason, when choosing an aquarium substrate, be sure to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the fish and plants living inside the tank and their requirements for water pH.
Remember that regardless of the species of fish or plant, sea sand and stones containing even minimal amounts of metal should not be used in aquariums. Both of these variants pose a deadly threat to fish, which are very sensitive to water quality and toxic compounds contained in it. Shops with questionable reputations may also stock unnatural and dyed substrates. In their case, the threat is even greater.
Dolomite substrate is fully natural and enjoys great interest among buyers. However, it cannot be used everywhere. Dolomite contains a very large amount of calcium, which completely changes the characteristics of water and its properties. Therefore, it will only be used in some aquariums with selected species of fish that require alkaline and hard water to develop. They cannot be used in plant aquariums. On the other hand, they are perfect for species from Lake Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria, among others. In such tanks, this type of substrate stabilizes water parameters and improves its vital characteristics. Dolomite gravel produced by Aquael is also characterized by sensational purity - in its content we will not find any pollutants dangerous to the health and life of fish. Many manufacturers of lesser fame do not attach sufficient importance to the purity of their products, as a result of which their substrates can release a large amount of toxic compounds with uncertain effects into the water.
It is worth knowing that in most cases, aquarium substrates are sterile, which means you will not find enough minerals in them. Many beginner aquarists do not know about this, so they do not use the potential of their tank. A good practice is to use a substrate, i.e. additional fertilizer, which is also a base for the dolomite substrate. Such a substrate contains a lot of nutrients - they improve the development process of plants by improving their rooting, and also provide them with proper conditions for photosynthesis. Many of them can even reduce the risk of algae growth.
Dolomite substrate is characterized by many available colors, including black and gray, but the most popular are still beige and white, which are the most universal choice of all. This color highlights aesthetically arranged aquariums, providing a perfect background for all aquarium animals. It comes in the form of small granules, so they fit perfectly with all types of aquarium decorations.
