Dymax Base Soil Planted Tank Substrate, 3 L

Nutrient Substrate for Small to Mid-Size Planted Tank Builds

The Dymax Base Soil 3L is a granular planted tank substrate that delivers natural nutrients and trace elements directly to plant roots. Unlike inert gravel and sand, Base Soil is an active substrate, releasing nutrients into the root zone to support stem plants, rosette plants, and other root feeders without depending entirely on water column fertilization. The 3L bag is the mid-size option in the Dymax Base Soil range and covers most small to mid-size tank builds in a single purchase.

The granule structure allows water to pass through the substrate bed rather than compacting, which encourages beneficial bacteria to establish throughout the soil layer. Dymax states the granules hold their shape and density underwater without breaking down, so the substrate stays stable and will not cloud the water over time.

Key Features:

• Nutrient-active granular substrate formulated for freshwater planted aquariums
• Contains natural nutrients and trace elements to feed root-feeding plants at the root zone
• Stabilizes pH to a range suitable for most tropical freshwater fish and shrimp
• Granule structure allows water flow through the substrate, supporting beneficial bacteria colonization
• Granules hold 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 root feeders

Ideal For:

• Small to mid-size planted tanks in the 10 to 20 gallon range running a soil-forward aquascape with root-feeding plants
• Hobbyists building a new planted tank who want a full nutrient substrate without the volume commitment of a 9L bag
• Nature aquarium and Dutch style builds where dense planting requires consistent root-zone nutrition throughout the substrate

Pro Tips:

• Cap the Base Soil with a thin layer of sand or fine gravel if you are keeping shrimp. A thin inert cap keeps the soil undisturbed while still allowing roots to reach the nutrient layer below, and prevents shrimp from digging and clouding the water.
• Slope the substrate higher at the back of the tank than at the front. A sloped base creates visual depth in an aquascape and allows you to plant taller stem plants at the rear while keeping foreground plants low. Use approximately 1 inch at the front and 3 to 4 inches at the back.
• Do not vacuum the substrate during water changes. Soil substrates need to stay in place. Siphoning into the base soil pulls nutrients out early and breaks up the bacterial bed developing in the granule layer.

Online exclusive: this item is ordered in for you and is usually ready within a few business days. Choose in-store pickup, local delivery or shipping at checkout.