substrates

Question 1

purpose of substrates

Answer 1

• aesthetics
• nitrogen cycle (biological filtration)
• allows fish to perform natural behaviours

Question 2

preferred substrates

Answer 2

• bottom dwelling fish → sandy / fine grit

Question 3

sand as substrate

Answer 3

• most natural substrate
• uneaten food / faeces doesn’t get stuck as there are no gaps

Question 4

gravel as substrate

Answer 4

• between 2-5mm
• can be made of different materials
• small gaps → food + faeces can’t fall too far
• gravel vac can remove waste

Question 5

soil as substrate

Answer 5

• regular soil is not used → substrate soil doesn’t mix with tank water
• can be used for live plants

Question 6

pebbles as substrate

Answer 6

• can be made of different materials
• large gaps between layered pebbles → uneaten food + faeces can build up

Question 7

when not to use substrate

Answer 7

• grow-out tanks (hatch + raise fry)
• hospital tanks
• quarantine tanks