Substrates | What is substrate and what different types are there?

Pond substrate is the basis for any kind of pond because it serves as an attachment site for pond plants and all kinds of important pond bacteria. Substrate thus keeps the water clear and healthy, this makes the porous rock indispensable for a balanced pond.

All about pond substrate

• What is pond substrate?
• What types of pond substrate are there?
• What makes pond substrate so important?
• How much substrate for my pond?
• The importance of pond substrate for healthy pond plants

What is pond substrate?

For a healthy and balanced pond, the use of pond substrate is crucial. In fact, this bottom layer forms the foundation of your pond and is indispensable for a healthy ecosystem. Pond substrate consists of coarse, porous grains of stone, which are added to the bottom first after the pond is constructed. Different types of substrates are available, including substrates made of lava split or lava rocks, which look slightly different but have the same function. Pond substrate provides an ideal habitat for beneficial pond bacteria that help break down organic matter and contribute to the biological filtration of the pond. By using pond substrate, you can enjoy a clear and healthy natural pond. A layer of pond substrate at the bottom of the pond has another important benefit. Namely, it allows plant roots of pond plants to firmly establish themselves so that they remain healthy and can continue to grow.

What types of pond substrate are there?

There are different types of substrates, the best known types of substrate are lava rock, zeolite and baked clay substrate.

Substrate of lava rock

Lava rock substrate is a popular type of pond substrate made from porous stones of volcanic rock. It has a rough texture and lightweight structure, making it easy to move and suitable for various types of aquatic plant ponds. An important advantage of lava rock is its good water flow and aeration. The substrate provides good drainage of waste products and excess nutrients, improving water quality in the pond. In addition, the porous structure of lava rock provides an ideal habitat for beneficial bacteria that help break down organic matter and contribute to the biological filtration of the pond. Another advantage of lava rock is that it is relatively lightweight and therefore easy to handle and move. It can also be used as a decorative element in the pond, as it has a natural look that goes well with different types of garden designs.

Substrate of zeolite

Zeolite substrate is a type of pond substrate made from naturally formed minerals. Zeolite has a unique structure that allows it to absorb and retain organic matter and nutrients from the water. As a result, the substrate can help reduce algae and improve water quality in the pond. An important advantage of zeolite as a pond substrate is its high absorption capacity. The substrate can absorb large amounts of nutrients and waste products from the water, keeping the water clear and reducing the opportunity for algae to grow. In addition, zeolite has a long-lasting effect and does not need to be replaced as often as other types of substrate.

Baked clay substrate

Baked clay substrate is a type of pond substrate made from clay fired at high temperatures. The result is a porous substrate with a rough structure that provides good water flow and aeration. A key advantage of fired clay as a pond substrate is its porous structure, which provides good aeration and water flow in the pond. This allows the substrate to provide an ideal habitat for beneficial bacteria that contribute to the biological filtration of the pond. The substrate is also relatively heavy and therefore stays well in place. Another advantage of fired clay is that the substrate does not contain any nutrients that can lead to algae growth. As a result, it can contribute to a clear and healthy aquatic plant pond. Also, the substrate offers plant roots a good anchorage, allowing the aquatic plants to grow well.

What makes pond substrate so important?

Pond substrate is important because it forms the basis of biological filtration in the pond without pond pumps or pond filters. It is a porous layer applied to the bottom of the pond that acts as a kind of housing for beneficial bacteria that contribute to the biological balance in the pond. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down organic matter and converting ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. This process ensures that the water in the pond remains healthy and clear and that the fish and aquatic plants that live in it thrive. In addition, pond substrate provides a solid foundation for the plants in the pond, allowing their roots to anchor well and allow them to grow better. The substrate also ensures good water flow and aeration in the pond, which is essential for stable water values. Finally, pond substrate can also serve as a filter medium for trapping suspended particles and organic material in the water. In doing so, the substrate acts as a kind of mechanical filter, which can help improve water quality in the pond. In short, pond substrate is an important part of the pond because it contributes to the biological balance and water quality of the pond and gives the various types of aquatic plants, pond fish and other pond animals the proper foundation to grow and live well.

How much substrate for my pond?

It is important to place a generous layer of substrate on the bottom of the pond because this is the attachment site for aquatic plants and for healthy pond bacteria. We therefore recommend a layer of about 8 to 10 centimeters thick on the bottom. This means that about 1 to 1.5 bags of pond substrate of 20 liters is needed per square meter.

The importance of pond substrate for healthy pond plants

Pond substrate is essential for healthy pond plants because it provides the attachment site for their roots in the pond. Pond plants need a solid substrate to anchor their roots in and to absorb the nutrients and minerals from the water they need to grow. Substrate provides this solid substrate and also keeps the roots of pond plants from rotting in the water. By anchoring their roots in the substrate, pond plants can develop properly and experience healthy growth. Without pond substrate, pond plants will not grow as well and the balance in the pond is more likely to be disturbed.