Aquaforest AF Natural Substrate

Aquaforest AF Natural Substrate

Aquaforest AF Natural Substrate is a nutrient-rich, peat and clay-based planted aquarium substrate for freshwater tanks. It supports plant growth and helps keep the tank biologically balanced. It suits aquascapers and plant keepers who want a micronutrient-rich base layer under gravel or sand, and it is supplied as a single 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) pack.

Key Benefits

• Peat and clay-based natural substrate designed for freshwater planted aquariums
• Rich in readily available micronutrients and trace elements, which support plant growth over long periods
• High Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) absorbs and distributes excess nutrients
• Peat creates excellent conditions for root systems and supplies plants with the minerals and trace elements they need
• Clay improves the texture of the substrate, giving an aquascape base with an ideal consistency
• Peat and clay both naturally store excess nutrients, which helps maintain biological balance in the tank
• Micronutrient content is supplemented under laboratory supervision, so plants get an abundance of trace elements while the tank's chemical balance stays in check

How It Works

The natural CEC of the peat and clay absorbs excess nutrients from the water. It then makes them available to plants through the roots, or releases them back into the water once the supply is depleted. This storing and releasing action is what helps keep nutrient levels balanced in a planted tank.

How to Use

• Spread the substrate over the bottom of the tank and compact it to a layer approx. 2-2.5 cm thick.
• Cover it with about 3 cm of gravel or sand.
• Gently fill the aquarium with about 15 cm of water, then fill the tank completely.

Dosage

• 10 L of AF Natural Substrate should be sufficient for a 200 L aquarium with a 100 cm x 40 cm bottom.
• Because the substrate is rich in micronutrients, fertilisers containing micronutrients are not recommended for the first three months, unless the plants show visible signs of deficiency.

Important Notes

• The substrate can lower and stabilise the pH of the water, so a dedicated test kit or probe is recommended for monitoring.

Suitable For

• Freshwater planted aquariums
• Aquascapes that need a nutrient-rich base layer beneath a gravel or sand cap

Specifications

• Type: peat and clay-based natural substrate
• Application: freshwater planted aquariums
• Recommended layer: approx. 2-2.5 cm, capped with about 3 cm of gravel or sand
• Coverage guide: 10 L (2.6 gal) for a 200 L (53 gal) aquarium with a 100 cm x 40 cm (39" x 16") bottom
• Key property: high Cation Exchange Capacity

What's Included

• 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) of AF Natural Substrate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cap AF Natural Substrate with gravel or sand?
Yes. The instructions say to compact the substrate to a layer of approx. 2-2.5 cm and cover it with about 3 cm of gravel or sand.

Should I add a fertiliser as well?
For the first three months, fertilisers containing micronutrients are not recommended unless your plants show visible signs of deficiency. The substrate is already rich in micronutrients.

How much substrate does a 200 L tank need?
10 L of AF Natural Substrate should be sufficient for a 200 L aquarium with a 100 cm x 40 cm bottom.

Will it change my water's pH?
It can lower and stabilise the pH of the water. A dedicated test kit or probe is recommended so you can monitor your tank's readings.

How do I fill the tank after adding the substrate?
Gently add about 15 cm of water first, then fill the aquarium completely. This avoids disturbing the substrate and its gravel or sand cap.

What kind of aquarium is it designed for?
AF Natural Substrate is designed for freshwater planted aquariums.

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.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

Enjoy the convenience of collection points and lockers! 📦

No more waiting at home or at work for your delivery. Simply choose a collection locker or pickup point and collect your order when it suits you.

Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

Search a PUDO Location Near You

Collection timeframes:

• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 2 days before being returned.

Please ensure you collect your parcel within the applicable collection period. Uncollected parcels will be returned to the sender, and additional shipping charges may apply should the order need to be resent.