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Inside the Aquarium: Substrate

Learn more about Substrate
Substrate, or Live sand, is natural reef coral sand that is collected live from the ocean, or non-living coral sand that is cultured to make it live. What makes it live is the microscopic biological bacteria that grows on it, and the many tiny crustaceans and other micro and macro-organisms that reside in it.

Where is it found?
All over the world.

Substrate is found all over the world's oceans.

Fun Fact
Live Sand serves as a base for biological filtration in a saltwater aquarium, while the organisms help consume organic matter in the sand bed. Some of the organisms provide a natural food source for many aquarium inhabitants as well.