Tropica Substrate (iron rich base substrate)

Description

A concentrate base fertiliser, used under gravel when planning the aquarium.
It contains high level of micro and macro nutrients that is release over a period of time.
Ensures healthy and long-term growth
Is neutral and does not affect the KH or pH value of the water
The substrate absorbs nutrients and makes them available for plant roots

How To Use The Product

Plant Growth Substrate is laid in a 1 cm thick layer on the bottom of the aquarium, when the aquarium is built.
The table below provides recommended Plant Growth Substrate amounts for a number of standard aquarium sizes.

Tropica Plant Substrate is made of natural concentrate of laterite clay and sphagnum, laid at the bottom of the gravel layer when you build your aquarium. Clay and sphagnum slowly release nutrients to water plant roots and binds nutrition in the water in the bottom layer.
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Tropica Substrate: An Iron-Rich Base Layer for Planted Tanks

This is a base fertiliser you lay down once, under your main gravel or aquasoil, when you first build the tank. It seeds the lower layer with iron and a reserve of micro and macro nutrients that roots tap into over months, which is exactly what heavy root-feeders like swords and crypts want long after the water column has been depleted. Because it is neutral, it will not swing your KH or pH, so it pairs cleanly with most cap substrates.

For local hobbyists planning a long-term scape, the appeal is that it front-loads nutrients into the substrate so you rely less on constant column dosing in the early months. Spread it as a thin layer, then cap it properly so it stays buried and does not cloud the water when you replant. Getting the depth right matters in shallow HDB-friendly tanks where every centimetre of substrate counts toward your aquascape contours.

Plan your layers with our active versus inert substrate guide, and top up later using our root tabs guide. For balanced feeding overall, see our iron dosing guide. Browse the full range of substrates.