Dymax Base Soil Planted Tank Substrate, 1 L

Nutrient Substrate for Nano Planted Tanks and Spot Planting

The Dymax Base Soil 1L is a granular planted tank substrate that delivers natural nutrients and trace elements directly to plant roots. Unlike inert gravels and sands, Base Soil is an active substrate, meaning it supports root-feeding plants by releasing nutrients into the substrate layer rather than relying on water column dosing alone. The 1L bag is the smallest available size in the Dymax Base Soil range, suited for small builds or targeted planting zones.

The granules are sized to allow water to flow between them, which creates surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies to establish in the substrate bed. Dymax states the granules maintain their shape and density underwater without breaking down and clouding the water, which matters most on initial fill when a collapsing substrate can take days to clear.

Key Features:

• Nutrient-active granular substrate formulated specifically for freshwater planted aquariums
• Contains natural nutrients and trace elements to support root-feeding plants
• Stabilizes pH to a range suitable for most tropical freshwater fish and shrimp
• Granule structure allows water flow through the substrate bed, supporting beneficial bacteria colonization
• Granules hold their shape and density underwater without breaking down or clouding
• Does not cloud the water on initial fill
• Designed to enhance root development for stem plants, rosette plants, and other root feeders

Ideal For:

• Nano planted tanks of 5 gallons or less where a 3L or 9L bag would result in significant leftover soil
• Aquascapers adding a soil section to a specific planting zone within an existing layout without redoing the whole substrate
• First-time soil substrate users who want to test the product in a small tank before committing to a larger build

Pro Tips:

• Cap the Base Soil with a thin layer of sand or fine gravel if you are keeping shrimp. Shrimp will dig into bare soil, which can stir up fine particles and cloud the water. A thin inert cap layer keeps the soil stable while still allowing roots to penetrate into the nutrient layer below.
• Do not vacuum the substrate during water changes. Soil substrates need to remain undisturbed to function properly. Aggressive siphoning pulls nutrients out of the substrate prematurely and can disrupt the bacterial colonies living in the granule bed.
• Expect a brief cycling period before planting heavily. A new soil substrate will affect water chemistry as it settles in. Test your parameters over the first two weeks and adjust stocking accordingly before introducing sensitive shrimp or fish.

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