This Wednesday Pro Tip comes to us courtesy of Giuseppe! It’s using pumice substrate base layer and it makes a lot of sense.
If your aquascape calls for a thick substrate and you’re wallet is starting to hurt because it’s going to cost a lot to use 100% expensive substrate, think about using a pumice substrate base layer to build it up. Then cover this layer with the substrate of choice.
Pumice is a type of extrusive volcanic rock, produced when lava with a very high content of water and gases (together these are called volatiles) is extruded (or thrown out of) a volcano. As the gas bubbles escape from the lava, it becomes frothy.
Using a pumice substrate base layer is a great idea because:
- Saving money because it’s cheap and easy to get.
- It creates a great environment for the microbes that are necessary in the substrate.
It doesn’t have to be pumice. You can also use ceramic rings like the ones you put in filters. Really almost anything that’s inert will work.
If you’re going to use a pumice substrate base layer, please remember to wash it thoroughly before adding it to the aquarium. It typically contains dust that you want to remove. Also, don’t make it too thick because it will cause the top substrate layer to deform over time. Either use less or mix with the substrate to get a thick, strong layer.
Thanks, Guiseppe!
Have you used this technique of a pumice substrate base layer before? Let us know in the comments. How’d it work out for you? What else have you used that worked?
If you have a tip that you want to share with your fellow hobbyists, pay it forward and send it to us at feedback@scapefu.com. We’ll share it with the world!
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