Aquaforest AF Lava Soil 5L

Aquaforest AF Lava Soil

Aquaforest AF Lava Soil is a natural volcanic lava-based planted aquarium substrate, enriched with essential minerals for freshwater plants. It suits aquarists setting up a new planted freshwater tank who want a porous, mineral-rich base that helps roots establish and gives beneficial bacteria plenty of surface to colonise.

Key Benefits

• Natural soil based on volcanic lava, enriched with essential minerals for freshwater plants
• High porosity supports the multiplication of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms, which in turn supports the aquarium's biological filter
• The structure of the substrate allows easy rooting of aquatic plants
• Promotes better water circulation through the substrate, improving the distribution and absorption of nutrients
• Helps prevent the formation of dangerous anaerobic bacteria zones
• Pre-rinsed, so it is ready to use when you set up the tank

How to Use

• Place a layer of AF Lava Soil roughly 7 cm deep across the bottom of the tank.
• Add water to a level of approx. 10 cm.
• Plant your aquatic plants.
• Finish filling the aquarium with water.

Dosage

Recommended application depth: approximately 7 cm of AF Lava Soil across the tank floor.

Additional Notes

• The substrate is thoroughly rinsed, but a slight water haziness may appear straight after filling the aquarium. This is natural, causes no side effects and clears after about 12 hours.
• Because of its high mineral content, it is recommended to limit the dosage of micronutrient fertilisers for the first half year after the tank is set up. This avoids a build-up of minerals.

Suitable For

• Freshwater planted aquariums
• New tank set-ups where plants will be rooted straight into the substrate

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should I lay AF Lava Soil?
Aim for a layer of approximately 7 cm across the bottom of the tank, then fill with water to about 10 cm before planting.

Do I need to rinse it before use?
No. The substrate is supplied pre-rinsed and thoroughly rinsed, so you can add it straight to the tank.

Why is my water hazy after setting up?
A slight haziness can appear right after the aquarium is filled. It is natural, has no side effects and disappears after about 12 hours.

Will it help my plants root?
Yes. The structure of the soil allows aquatic plants to root easily, while its porosity improves water circulation and the distribution and absorption of nutrients around the roots.

Do I still need to add micronutrient fertiliser?
The soil is enriched with essential minerals, so it is recommended to limit micronutrient fertiliser dosing for the first half year after set-up to avoid mineral accumulation.

How does it support my filtration?
Its high porosity supports the multiplication of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms, which supports the aquarium's biological filter. The open structure also helps prevent anaerobic zones from forming in the substrate.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

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• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
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