Dymax Base Soil Planted Tank Substrate, 9 L

Nutrient Substrate for Larger Planted Tank Builds and Aquascapes

The Dymax Base Soil 9L is a granular planted tank substrate that provides natural nutrients and trace elements to the root zone of freshwater plants. It is an active substrate, not an inert one, meaning it supports root feeders directly through the soil rather than requiring full reliance on water column fertilization. At 9 liters, it is the largest bag in the Dymax Base Soil range and the practical choice for larger tank builds, heavily planted aquascapes, or hobbyists setting up more than one tank from a single purchase.

The granule structure allows water to circulate through the substrate bed rather than compacting over time, which supports a healthy bacterial colony in the soil layer. Dymax states the granules maintain their shape and density underwater without breaking down, keeping the water clear over the long term and preserving the substrate structure through regular maintenance.

Key Features:

• Nutrient-active granular substrate formulated for freshwater planted aquariums
• Contains natural nutrients and trace elements to feed root-feeding plants directly at the root zone
• Stabilizes pH to a range suitable for most tropical freshwater fish and shrimp
• Granule structure supports water flow and beneficial bacteria colonization through the substrate bed
• Granules hold shape and density underwater without breaking down or clouding
• Does not cloud the water on initial fill
• Most cost-efficient bag size in the Dymax Base Soil range on a per-liter basis

Ideal For:

• Larger planted tank builds of 30 gallons or more where a full-depth nutrient substrate requires significant volume
• Aquascape hobbyists building sloped or contoured layouts that consume more substrate volume than a flat-bottom setup
• Hobbyists setting up multiple tanks at once who prefer sourcing a single large bag over buying several smaller ones

Pro Tips:

• Plan your substrate depth before you pour. Large aquascapes often use a sloped substrate that runs from 1 to 2 inches at the front glass to 4 or more inches at the rear. With 9 liters you have enough volume to work with, but mapping it out before you start prevents waste and ensures you do not run short at the back.
• Fill the tank slowly to protect the substrate bed. At 9 liters, disturbing the granule bed during fill takes longer to settle than in a nano tank. Pour water onto a plate or onto a piece of plastic bag sitting on the substrate surface to diffuse the flow.
• Add root tabs at the 6-month mark rather than day one. A fresh soil substrate has enough available nutrients for the first several months. Introducing root tabs too early in a well-stocked soil bed can lead to excess nutrients that feed algae before your plants are established enough to compete.

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