Elevate your aquarium with the Zugo Substrate Cay Aqua Soil — a premium active substrate specially formulated for shrimp keepers and planted tank enthusiasts who demand the best in water chemistry and plant nutrition. This 3L bag of fine 1-2mm granules is designed to actively lower and stabilise pH to a slightly acidic level of approximately 6.0-6.5, while simultaneously reducing carbonate hardness (KH) to 0-2°d depending on source water, creating the ideal soft, acidic environment for sensitive shrimp species and thriving aquatic plants.
Thoughtfully formulated to deliver a comprehensive range of benefits in one substrate, the Cay Aqua Soil supplies essential trace minerals along with humic and fulvic acids that support both plant root development and shrimp health. Its highly porous granule structure provides an excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies, making it an invaluable foundation for a healthy and stable shrimp bio-filtration system. Particularly well suited to soft-water shrimp species such as bee shrimp and Crystal Reds, it creates and maintains the precise water parameters these sensitive species require to thrive.
To use, place the substrate unwashed into a dry aquarium to a depth of approximately 3-5cm, then fill carefully with water to avoid disturbing the substrate. As with all active soils, it is recommended to fully cycle the tank before introducing shrimp, monitoring pH, KH, and GH closely during the first few weeks to ensure water chemistry stability. The buffering capacity of the Cay Aqua Soil will remain effective for two or more years depending on usage and source water hardness, making it a long-lasting and reliable foundation for any shrimp or planted aquarium setup.