Dymax Base Soil Planted Tank Substrate

Nutrient Substrate for Planted Tanks and Spot Planting

The Dymax Base Soil 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 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:

• Planted freshwater aquariums that need a nutrient-rich base layer
• Plants that feed mostly through their roots and need trace elements and strong root development
• Tropical fish and shrimp tanks where steady pH and clear water matter

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.