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Best Substrates for Saltwater Tanks

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  April 29th, 2020

Make your saltwater tank look its glorious best. Decorate your aquarium with the best substrates for saltwater tanks and let it shine!

Saltwater fish are some of the most colorful in the world. For saltwater hobbyists, an aquarium is an opportunity to put those fish on display – to make them look their best so you can enjoy them day in and day out. While your fish may be the centerpieces of your tank, there are other decorations to consider as well, including substrate. Read on to learn how to pick the best substrate for your saltwater tank and to see our top 10 picks.

Best Aquarium Substrates for Saltwater Tanks

The substrate you choose for your saltwater tank is ultimately up to you, but you should consider the different options so you can make an educated choice. Here are our top 10 picks for the best substrates for a saltwater aquarium:

CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand

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If you’re looking to create a natural-looking saltwater tank but you don’t want to risk changing your water chemistry, try this natural aquarium sand from CaribSea. It is pH neutral and doesn’t contain any dyes, plus it is fine-grained which makes it safe for bottom-dwelling fish.

CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink Sand

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Create a unique appearance in your tank with this live aragonite sand that comes in an attractive pink color. This aragonite substrate is ideal for all types of marine aquariums and it contains millions of beneficial marine bacteria.

CaribSea Ocean Direct Substrate

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This substrate comes in 40-pound bags and you can easily purchase a pack of 2, 3, 4, or 5 bags depending on the size of your tank. It is live sand from the Caribbean Ocean, so it would be the perfect choice for a tropical reef tank.

Nature’s Ocean Bio-Active Live Aragonite Reef Sand

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If you’re planning on maintaining a reef tank, you’ll need live sand designed specifically for reef environments. This bio-active live sand immediately removes ammonia and nitrite while helping maintain proper pH in your tank.

CaribSea Crushed Coral for Aquariums

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This crushed coral substrate is an all-natural option in saltwater aquarium substrate. It comes in a 10-pound bag and is ideal for marine or reef tanks because it helps maintain the ideal pH without the use of extra chemicals.

Imagitarium Black Aquarium Sand

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If you’re looking for a simple saltwater substrate that won’t affect your water chemistry, try this black aquarium sand. It is very attractive in an aquarium and it promotes the growth of healthy bacteria that will help maintain ideal tank conditions.

CaribSea Florida Crushed Coral Substrate

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This all-natural crushed coral is the only one on the market that contains aragonite that has 25x the buffering power. Choose from dolomite or oyster shell and use it in your under-gravel filter system or reverse flow bed for the best results.

CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand Substrate

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This 100% aragonite sand supports stable pH levels in your aquarium, helping you recreate a natural reef environment. It is made in the USA so you can rest assured that it is safe, and it has a special grain size which helps reduce built-up detritus at the bottom of your tank.

CaribSea Coraline Aquarium Gravel

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This aquarium gravel is uniquely designed to support the healthy growth of corals in a marine or reef aquarium. It buffers your tank water for the life of your tank, so you never have to replace it, and it helps maintain the pH at 8.2 without the need for extra chemicals. Plus, it helps curb nuisance algae growth in your aquarium.

Nature’s Ocean Aragonite Gravel for Aquarium

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This aragonite gravel is 100% natural from the ocean floor. It is perfect for saltwater aquariums because it increases carbonate hardness and provides marine trace elements. It is heat-sterilized for safety and is ideal for culturing live sand.

Tips for Choosing Saltwater Tank Substrate

When it comes to setting up your saltwater tank for the first time, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’re probably already picturing the different fish you’ll have in your tank and you may have even picked out some tank decorations. Before you get too far, however, remember that you need to build your tank from the bottom up and that means starting with the right substrate.

Here are some simple tips to choose the right substrate for your saltwater aquarium:

  • Think about the overall effect you want to create with your tank – decide if you want something that looks natural or not and choose accordingly.
  • Consider the size, shape, and color of your substrate – fine-grained sand is a popular choice, but you can also go with gravel or stones, depending what kind of fish you intend to keep.
  • Choose a finer substrate for fish and invertebrates that like to burrow – anything to large or coarse could end up injuring your tank inhabitants.
  • Don’t be afraid to go bold with color – colored substrate (or even something black rather than white) can transform the whole look of your tank.
  • Consider a natural substrate like natural ocean mediums (calcium sand, for example) so it will mimic the natural environment in the ocean for your fish.
  • Don’t shop by price alone – you should definitely stay within your budget but compare the benefits and drawbacks of different options and not just the price difference.

Cultivating and maintaining a saltwater tank is a unique challenge in comparison to freshwater tanks because there are so many elements to keep track of. To make your task easier, start off by choosing the best substrate suited to your particular tank. The right substrate makes all the difference, especially when it comes to maintaining optimal water chemistry. If you’re not sure which brand to trust, try one of our recommendations listed above!

WOW
Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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The sight of an itchy dog often raises concerns among pet parents. From parasites, like fleas and ticks, to uncomfortable skin issues and irritation, the explanation is rarely a positive one. In some cases, even finding a cause is an uphill battle. One condition you may have read about or heard your veterinarian mention is pyoderma. But what is pyoderma, and what does this mean for your best friend? In this article, we will dive deep into the world of dog skin issues, uncovering not only the warning signs and possible causes of pyoderma in dogs but also the steps you can take to offer some much-needed relief from the itch and irritation. Let’s get started… What is Pyoderma? Pyoderma is a term used to refer to a bacterial skin infection, with the word literally translating to “pus (pyo) in the skin (derma).” It is one of the most common dog skin conditions. Luckily, it is also often easy to treat once it has been diagnosed. Most dogs recover fully with the proper medication. The condition is classified into one of three types based on its location in or on the skin. They include: Surface Pyoderma: infections on top of the skin’s surfaceSuperficial Pyoderma: infections in the outermost layer of the skin, including in the hair follicles (which may be referred to as superficial bacterial folliculitis)Deep Pyoderma: infections in the deeper layers of the skinThe condition itself isn’t always visible, making it sometimes difficult to spot. This is why it is so important for dog parents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of skin irritation and seek veterinary help. They can do the tests necessary to look beyond what is visible to the naked eye. What Causes Pyoderma in Dogs? Every healthy dog has bacteria on the surface of their skin. When a dog’s skin becomes irritated for any reason, they respond by scratching at the spot. This creates openings in the layers of the skin where the bacteria can move deeper, creating the perfect environment for them to grow and thrive. There are several potential triggers for the initial irritation, including: Environmental or seasonal allergies Food allergies Flea allergy dermatitis Chronic exposure to moisture (like skin folds)Seborrhea Impaired blood flow to the skin Endocrine disorders (Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease) It can also start when the skin is damaged due to an injury. Even a minor injury could cause just enough of an opening into the skin’s layers to begin the cycle. Is Dog Pyoderma Contagious to Humans? As this is a bacterial infection, it isn’t a risk of transmission like an airborne virus would be. Some strains of the bacteria can occasionally lead to an infection in humans or other dogs. However, the risk is incredibly low unless you have a compromised immune system. You can minimize the risk of transmission by focusing on keeping your home clean as your dog fights the infection. This includes regularly cleaning their food and water dishes as well as any bedding your dog sleeps on regularly. If you have an open wound, keep it covered when spending time with your infected dog.

Human-Cat Amputee Duo Teams Up To Help Others Through Animal Therapy

Juanita Mengel from Amanda, Ohio, and her five-year-old dilute tortoiseshell cat Lola-Pearl, make a unique therapy team. The 67-year-old Mengel is missing a leg, and her fluffy feline is missing a left hind leg. This special duo is one of an estimated 200 therapy cat teams registered in the US through Pet Partners. This nonprofit organization puts together owners and their pets as volunteer teams. They aim to provide animal-assisted therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. “A therapy animal is an animal who’s been assessed based on their ability to meet new people and not just tolerate the interaction but actively enjoy it,” said Taylor Chastain Griffin, the national director of animal-assisted interventions advancement at Pet Partners. This organization registered nine different species of animals as therapy animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, horses, mini pigs, alpacas, and lamas. Therapy cats are less common than therapy dogs, and people are often surprised to see cats in this role. However, Griffin studies the impact of therapy cats and emphasizes the importance of cats in therapy teams. There’s a lot of research on other therapy animals, especially dogs, so there is often a ‘shock factor’ associated with therapy cats because many people don’t know these felines exist. “They go into a setting and people are like ‘Whoa, there’s a cat on a leash. What’s happening?’” said Griffin. According to her, cats inspire people to connect to them in a way that’s not seen with other kinds of therapy animals. Juanita Mengel knew that her cat Lola-Pear would be an excellent therapy animal a month after she adopted her. The feline’s therapeutic potential became clear after Mengel took her to an amputee conference. “She was so good with people I just knew she would be a good therapy cat,” said Mengel. “People really were attracted to her, too.”During a recent limb loss support group, Mengel pushed Lola-Pearl around in a cat stroller labeled “Therapy Cat’, so participants could pet the cat as she woke from a nap. When she wasn’t sitting in a stroller, Lola-Pearl could be found brushing against participants’ legs or cuddling in their laps, bringing a smile to the face of every person she decided was worthy of her company. “She’s very intuitive of people,” said Mengel.Although Lola-Pearl is very special, she isn’t the only cat Mengel owns. Mengel, who lost her leg after years of surgeries following a near-fatal car accident, is a mom to seven cats, most of whom have disabilities. “They find you, you don’t find them,” she added.Lola-Pearl was only a few weeks old when she was found with her back legs completely twisted together. The kitten was unable to walk and was brought to Mengel’s friend at a shelter in Missouri. Unfortunately, the vets there couldn’t help the feline. The shelter located a specialist in Iowa who was able to splint Lola-Pearl’s legs in order to save them. However, it was clear that the left hind leg was beyond saving and the vets decided to amputate. Mengel adopted Lola-Pearl after she recovered from the surgery and they formed the unique therapy team. After everything Mengel has been through, she is extremely grateful for Lola-Pearl and appreciates all the good work they do together. “It’s a really rewarding experience,” she said. “I get just as much out of it as the people that I visit.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

You might think it’s gross, but your pooch certainly doesn’t – canines are known to lick themselves as a way of grooming. While your dog might lick their body thoroughly to keep it clean, sometimes, their self-grooming can be abnormal. If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick and Chew Their Paws?While some licking of their paws after they get dirty can be perfectly normal, constant licking or chewing of the paws is certainly not usual behavior. There could be several reasons behind this, and it could indicate that your attention and even intervention are needed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.Allergies:  Allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and contact allergies (for example, from cleaning products or lawn chemicals), can lead to itching and discomfort in dogs. Paw licking and chewing can be a response to this itching. If you suspect that an allergy might be in question, don’t hesitate to visit your vet.Skin irritation or infection: If your dog's paws are red, swollen, or have an unpleasant odor, it may indicate a  skin infection or irritation. Bacterial or fungal infections, as well as foreign objects like splinters or thorns, can lead to serious issues down the road. Again, if you notice any of the above, it’s time to visit the vet.Dry or cracked paw pads: Dry or cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Licking and chewing may be their way of trying to soothe the discomfort. This happens to many dogs, and can be caused by their environment, the surface on which they walk, and many other things. Luckily, you can prevent this with paw wax that will create a barrier between the pads and the walking surface, or treat existing issues with paw butter that soothes and repairs the pads. This particular  2-in-1 paw butter and wax is a favorite of mine because it is made from all-natural ingredients and heals cracked paws in no time – while simultaneously preventing future irritation and dryness. 

Urine Tests Could Now Provide Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs

Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it affects all creatures around the world, including our cherished pets. Learning that your  dog has cancer can be such a devastating thing, but sadly, it is so common nowadays. John Robertson, research professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech says in his interview for  WTOP News  that “one in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer,” and that “by the time they’re middle-aged, 50% of dogs will die of cancer after the age of 10 years.”Professor Robertson is part of a vast research team that has developed an innovative new noninvasive rapid test that utilizes a dog’s urine and allows potential early detection of cancer. “Usually, when a dog gets diagnosed with cancer, it’s usually quite advanced, with visible signs — we’re trying to detect cancer before these physical symptoms appear,” said fellow researcher Ryan Senger, associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “Cancer is going to change overall metabolism inside the body, and it’s going to change the way the kidneys function, which can be observed in the urine screening process,” Senger added.Through samples of dog urine, the research team discovered that cancerous subjects amongst the observed molecules had a unique “fingerprint” that could be used to indicate the presence of cancer. “We would like to be able to have dogs screened earlier, before cancer develops, throughout their lifetime, perhaps a once-a-year urine specimen,” said Robertson. “That tells us what the molecular fingerprint of the urine is, so if it changes and falls into that realm of fingerprints that define cancer, we’d be able to pay more attention to figure out what’s going on with the dog.”Robertson also added that there are 12 breeds of purebred dogs that have a much higher incidence of cancer. “We’re going to focus on being able to institute early, regular screening that’s going to help pick up earlier when they’re developing cancer, in the hopes that we can get better outcomes.”However, veterinary care is typically subsidized by the owner, Robertson emphasized, which is opposite to medical care, which is often paid for by insurance. “So, we intend to make our tests readily available at a price point that everyone can afford to regularly have their dog examined and screened.”, the professor added. Robertson said that urine screening is currently being researched, to determine whether it could be applied to humans as well, potentially bringing great changes to the discovery of cancer cells. The team’s findings were published in  Frontiers in Veterinary Science and make us very optimistic for the future of preventive veterinary medicine – an inexpensive, accurate way to screen for a potentially fatal illness could be life-changing for so many pets and their owners. Not to mention the implications if such a test could be adapted to be used on humans, as well! 

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