Seachem Flourite Black Sand Seachem Flourite Black Sand is a premium, naturally porous clay substrate designed specifically for freshwater planted aquariums. Its dark appearance provides an attractive foundation for aquascaping while its stable, mineral-rich composition creates a long-lasting substrate bed for rooted aquatic plants. Unlike many active planted substrates, Flourite Black Sand is not chemically coated or treated and will not alter aquarium pH. It maintains its physical structure over time and does not need to be periodically replaced, making it an excellent choice for long-term planted aquarium setups. Designed for Planted Aquariums Flourite Black Sand is manufactured from specially fracted, porous clay material. Its structure provides a suitable substrate environment for aquatic plant roots while offering a natural appearance that works well with plants, rocks, driftwood, and other aquascaping materials. It can be used as the entire substrate bed without the need for a separate base layer, laterite, or gravel modifier. Stable & Long Lasting Unlike soil-based substrates that gradually soften and break down, Flourite Black Sand maintains its physical integrity when submerged. This means the substrate can remain in the aquarium for the life of the system and does not require routine replacement. Does Not Alter pH Flourite Black Sand is not chemically coated or treated and is designed to remain chemically stable in freshwater aquariums. It will not intentionally raise or lower aquarium pH, making it suitable for a wide variety of freshwater aquarium environments where stable water chemistry is desired. Porous Clay Composition The porous structure provides a large surface area within the substrate bed and allows nutrients from aquarium fertilizers, fish waste, and other sources to become available within the root zone. For heavily planted aquariums or demanding root-feeding plants, liquid fertilizers and/or root tabs can still be used to provide additional nutrients as needed. Use Alone or Mix with Other Substrates Flourite Black Sand is most effective when used by itself as the primary planted aquarium substrate, but it can also be mixed with compatible freshwater gravels or substrates to achieve a particular appearance or texture. No laterite or additional gravel modifier is required. Ideal For Freshwater planted aquariums Natural aquascapes Community freshwater aquariums Rooted aquatic plants Low-tech planted tanks High-tech planted tanks Aquariums using root tabs or liquid fertilizers Aquariums where a permanent, stable substrate is preferred Features Premium substrate for freshwater planted aquariums Natural porous clay composition Dark coloration provides excellent contrast with aquatic plants Stable substrate that maintains its physical structure Does not chemically alter aquarium pH Not chemically coated or treated Can be used as the complete substrate bed Can be mixed with other freshwater gravels No laterite or gravel modifiers required Compatible with liquid fertilizers and root tabs Does not need to be periodically replaced Suitable for long-term aquarium use Setup & Rinsing Flourite Black Sand is pre-washed, but because it is a natural mineral product, fine dust can develop during packaging and shipping. Rinse thoroughly before adding it to the aquarium to remove excess dust. When initially filling the aquarium, add water slowly to minimize disturbance of the substrate. Placing a bowl or plate on top of the substrate and directing the incoming water onto it can greatly reduce cloudiness. Some initial cloudiness is normal and can be removed through mechanical filtration using fine filter floss or similar media. Plant Fertilization Flourite Black Sand provides a permanent, porous mineral substrate but should not be confused with a nutrient-loaded active aquasoil. Plant nutrient requirements will vary depending on plant species, lighting, CO₂, fish load, and aquarium conditions. Root tabs and liquid fertilizers can be used with Flourite Black Sand when additional plant nutrition is required. Product Specifications Type: Porous clay planted aquarium substrateColor: BlackAquarium Type: FreshwaterPrimary Use: Planted aquariums and aquascapingpH Effect: Neutral – does not alter aquarium pHReplacement: Not required under normal aquarium useManufacturer: Seachem Seachem Flourite Black Sand provides a permanent, natural-looking substrate for freshwater planted aquariums without the pH changes or eventual breakdown associated with many active soil substrates.