Aqua Natural Bio-Substrate Galaxy Sand, 5lb (Wet)

Aqua Natural Bio-Substrate is sand that ships wet and seeded with live nitrifying bacteria. This page covers the Galaxy (black) version in a 5lb bag and the Delta (brown) version, also 5 LBS. The bacteria are nitrosomonas and nitrobacter, the two groups that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.

Why seeded substrate

A new tank has no bacteria to process fish waste. Adding a substrate that already carries them can shorten the time it takes for a biofilter to establish. Aqua Natural markets it as an instant cycle; in practice, treat it as a strong head start and still test the water before stocking fully.

How to use it

For the Delta version, Aqua Natural suggests using it at a ratio of 1:4 with matching dry Delta Sand, or as a primary substrate. A common approach is to mix one bag of bio-substrate into your main sand bed, or put it where water flows over it most.

Keep the bacteria alive

• Do not rinse it; that washes away the bacteria.
• Do not let it dry out before use.
• Add it to dechlorinated water only; chlorine kills bacteria.
• Add an ammonia source, either a few hardy fish or a product like Fritz Fishless Fuel, so the bacteria have food.

Testing

Test ammonia and nitrite daily for the first week or two with a kit such as the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. Add more fish only when both stay at zero.

Plants

Aqua Natural says it is great for aquatic plants. The sand itself is inert, so root feeders still need root tabs.

Look

Galaxy is a black sand; Delta is brown. Both are natural, sustainably sourced, triple washed and kiln dried before seeding.

Store unopened bags at room temperature, out of sun, and use them soon after purchase; live bacteria do not keep indefinitely in a sealed bag.