CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate - Black

A complete, ready-to-plant substrate for lush aquariums. CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted is a mineralogically rich volcanic substrate made for live planted tanks. It delivers more than 25 essential minerals and elements, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that rooted plants crave, and it ships packed in a live-bacteria solution to jump-start your biological filter. There are no artificial dyes or coatings, and no need to layer or add laterite, just plant and grow. This is the black variant. Pair it with live plants.

Why Eco-Complete

• Mineralogically complete with 25+ elements plants need, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium
• Includes live heterotrophic bacteria to establish biological filtration quickly
• Natural volcanic substrate with no artificial dyes, paints, or coatings
• A complete substrate on its own, with no need to layer or cap
• Encourages strong root growth and vibrant plant color

How to Use

• Add a layer 2 to 3 inches deep so roots have room to spread
• It is ready to use, so do not rinse it, rinsing washes away the beneficial bacteria
• Pour it in gently, then add water slowly onto a plate or bag to keep it from clouding
• Plant heavy root feeders directly into the substrate

Specifications

Pair It With

• Live aquarium plants to root straight into the substrate
• The Red variant if you prefer a different look
• Browse more freshwater supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rinse it first?
No. Eco-Complete ships in a live-bacteria solution, and rinsing would wash that bacteria away. Add it straight from the bag.

Do I need to add anything else?
It is a complete substrate on its own. Heavy root feeders still benefit from occasional liquid fertilizer or root tabs.

Black or red?
Both are the same formula, so it comes down to the look you want. This is the black variant.

How much do I need?
Aim for 2 to 3 inches of depth. A 20 lb bag covers a standard tank footprint at planting depth.