Colombo Flora Base is a complete substrate which doesn't require topping. This means it is designed to be used on its own in a planted aquarium and contains all the nutrients it needs to start your planted aquarium.

Designed and made in Japan, it's exported to the UK because of its quality and affordability. Manufactured in the same manner as other complete substrates, the soil is baked and rolled into small pellets that make planting easy. The pellets are sized 3-4mm approximately which is an ideal size not just for anchoring down plants but also for allowing for circulation of oxygen and nutrients below the substrate. This makes it very different from a gravel for example that won't allow that type of water movement. In the smaller 2.5L bags, the pellet size is around 1mm making it ideal for smaller aquariums or using to add to the foreground for example.

Flora Base will change your water pH to approximately 6.5 which means it's ideal for plants - they love an acidic type of water and this is exactly what this substrate does. It also means no matter what your tap water pH is (hard or soft) you don't need to use any chemicals for altering your pH. As a result some hobbyists use this substrate for discus.

The shape and texture of Flora Base allows debris to be trapped within and your water will remain clearer for longer. It also is suitable for keeping freshwater shrimp which also love acidic waters. Due to its porous nature it will store excess nutrients in that water making it available for plants and their roots.

When using this substrate for the first time, we recommend you empty your tank of water first before placing the substrate in. This will allow for super clear water from the beginning. When you do fill up, do so slowly to avoid disturbing it. Another tip is when planting, you should always use the method of 'dry planting'. What this means is:

1. place your substrate into your empty aquarium first
2. then add any rocks and wood - take your time positioning them as they will be key for your aquascape
3. add 2" of water so that your substrate is damp and sticky
4. using a pair of tweesers, insert your plants carefully (remembering to split each pot into about 6 plants)
5. take your time - it's not a race!
6. because the substrate is tacky, you can move plants about as much as you need without disturbing it
7. use a Flora Base 2.5L bag for placing around the base of rocks/wood. This is a powder type and offers a smoother more natural looking transition as the granules are very small (about 1mm diameter)
8. when you are happy slowly fill with water

If you follow the above directions you'll have a great looking aquascape.

We recommend 10L of Flora Base per 60L of water and this product is available in black or brown.