{"title":"Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe foundation of every great aquarium. Choose from active planted substrates, fine sands, and natural gravels — all sourced and selected for freshwater aquariums. Whether you're setting up a lush planted scape or a clean community tank, we have the right substrate for your build.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"aquarium-plant-substrate-active-soil","title":"Aquarium Plant Substrate (Active Soil)","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAquarium Plant Substrate is a premium active soil specifically formulated for planted freshwater aquariums. Its nutrient rich, porous granules provide an ideal rooting medium for aquatic plants supplying essential minerals and trace elements directly to plant roots while naturally lowering and buffering pH to the slightly acidic range preferred by most plants and soft water fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThe soft, rounded granules are gentle on the barbels of bottom dwelling fish like Corydoras and loaches, and their porous structure fosters a thriving colony of beneficial bacteria for biological filtration. Suitable for low-tech and high-tech planted setups, and compatible with CO₂ injection and liquid fertilization.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Aquatic Garage","offers":[{"title":"3 Litre","offer_id":49694588240095,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 Litre","offer_id":49694588272863,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"9 Litre","offer_id":49694588305631,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/8515\/5039\/files\/substrate-2.png?v=1788580654"},{"product_id":"fine-white-sand-pool-filter-sand","title":"Fine White Sand (Pool Filter Sand)","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eFine White Sand, sometimes labeled Pool Filter Sand in the hobby, is a smooth, 0.4–0.8mm fine-grade substrate that won't damage the barbels of bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras and Kuhli Loaches a real concern with coarser gravels. Its pale, clean coloring also brightens the overall look of a tank and works with most aquascape styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eBeing inert, it has no effect on water chemistry, and at a recommended depth of 3–5cm it compacts firmly enough to avoid trapped gas pockets. The neutral tone lets fish coloration and plant greenery stand out, and it remains one of the more affordable, well-established substrate choices in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Aquatic Garage","offers":[{"title":"5kg","offer_id":49694594826463,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10kg","offer_id":49694594859231,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20kg","offer_id":49694594891999,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/8515\/5039\/files\/sand-natural-4.png?v=1788584740"},{"product_id":"black-diamond-sand","title":"Black Diamond Sand","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eBlack Diamond Sand is a fine, 0.5–1mm grade substrate in a deep black finish that gives fish colors, plant greens, and hardscape tones a high-contrast backdrop to stand out against. It's a common pick for aquascapers after a sleeker, more dramatic look than lighter substrates provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis substrate is inert, so it won't alter pH or hardness, and it's suitable across planted tanks, shrimp tanks, and general freshwater setups. Its fine, smooth grain is gentle on bottom-dwelling fish, and at a recommended depth of 3–5cm it gives a natural look reminiscent of volcanic riverbeds or blackwater biotopes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Aquatic Garage","offers":[{"title":"5kg","offer_id":49694608031967,"sku":null,"price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10kg","offer_id":49694608064735,"sku":null,"price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20kg","offer_id":49694608097503,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/8515\/5039\/files\/v1-single-bag-upright.png?v=1788656331"},{"product_id":"natural-aquarium-gravel","title":"Natural Aquarium Gravel","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eNatural Aquarium Gravel is a mixed-tone substrate in beige, gray, and brown that gives tanks a classic riverbed look and pairs easily with driftwood and rock hardscape. It's a dependable choice across community tanks, planted setups, and general freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAt a medium 2–5mm grain size, this gravel is inert and won't affect water chemistry, allows good water flow through the substrate bed, and is easy to maintain over time. Recommended at a depth of 4–6cm, it's a practical, budget-friendly option for beginner setups where a natural, low-maintenance substrate matters more than a specialty look.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Aquatic Garage","offers":[{"title":"5kg","offer_id":49694614651103,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10kg","offer_id":49694614683871,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20kg","offer_id":49694614716639,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/8515\/5039\/files\/bucket-1.png?v=1788569414"}],"url":"https:\/\/theaquaticgarage.com\/collections\/substrate.oembed","provider":"The Aquatic Garage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}