Description:

** This item is classed as a large, bulky or a heavy item – additional delivery costs apply. Total delivery will be calculated at checkout.

Premium natural sand for the planted aquarium
Good for the life of the aquarium

Although it is pre-washed, because Flourite Sand is a natural product, it may become dusty in transit and require rinsing before use to remove any residual dust.

When adding water to aquarium, fill slowly to avoid disturbing Flourite Sand substrate bed. Place a bowl in the aquarium and add water directly to the bowl, allowing water to overflow softly on to the gravel bed. Initial cloudiness is normal. To remove cloudiness, use mechanical filtration (such as filter floss).

Seachem Flourite Sand is a popular substrate designed specifically for planted aquariums.

Natural clay gravel/sand: It’s a specially fractured, stable, porous clay-based substrate, not a chemically coated or treated product.
For planted aquariums: While it can be used in any freshwater aquarium, its properties make it particularly well-suited for supporting live aquatic plants.

Long-lasting: Seachem states that Flourite Sand is “good for the life of the aquarium” and does not need to be replaced.
Does not alter pH: It is inert and will not chemically affect the pH of your aquarium water.
Porous structure: The porous nature of the clay allows for good root development and can help with nutrient exchange for plants.
Nutrient holding capacity: While it’s generally considered “inert” in terms of providing direct macronutrients, it excels at absorbing and holding nutrients from the water column or root tabs, then releasing them to plant roots over time. This makes it a good “battery” for fertilisers. It does contain iron and other trace elements like magnesium and potassium.
No laterite needed: Unlike some other substrates, it doesn’t require additional gravel modifiers like laterite.
Aesthetically pleasing: Many users find its natural appearance attractive in planted tanks.
Works with undergravel filters: It can be used with undergravel filters without breaking down.

Things to Consider:

Durable and long-term: You won’t need to replace it.
Stable water parameters: Won’t impact your water’s pH.
Excellent for root feeding: Ideal for plants that primarily absorb nutrients through their roots, especially when combined with root tabs or liquid fertilizers.
Good for beginners: It’s relatively forgiving and doesn’t cause initial ammonia spikes that some active substrates do.

Initial cloudiness: It’s a natural product and can be quite dusty from transit. It requires thorough rinsing before use to minimize initial cloudiness in the aquarium, which can still occur when first filling the tank. Mechanical filtration and water clarifiers can help.
Not a direct source of macronutrients: While it holds nutrients, it doesn’t provide a significant amount of macronutrients on its own, especially for demanding plants. You’ll likely need to supplement with liquid fertilizers and/or root tabs.

Rinsing: It’s crucial to rinse Flourite Sand thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium, even though it’s pre-washed. This helps remove dust that can cause cloudiness. Some suggest rinsing in small batches.
Adding to the aquarium: Add the sand slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the bed. Placing a bowl in the aquarium and pouring water into it can help minimize disturbance.
Initial cloudiness: Expect some initial cloudiness, which should clear with mechanical filtration (filter floss) and possibly a water clarifier.