{"title":"Freshwater planting substrates \u0026 media","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"master-soil-next-hg-powder-2-5-3mm","title":"Master Soil Next HG Powder 2.5-3mm","description":"\u003ch3\u003eProduct overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaster Soil Next HG Powder is an active planted-tank substrate in 2.5–3 mm granules (8 L bag). Many soils dump a cloud of ammonia at start-up. Without a supportive bed, roots stall, tannins keep the water yellow, and parameters swing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in Japan with multi-stage surface sintering, it buffers toward soft tropical water and holds humic and fulvic acids in the granule. It is formulated to limit that first ammonia spike so the water stays clearer from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ion exchange lowers and holds pH, GH, and KH in a soft-water range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow ammonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made to avoid the large start-up ammonia spike common with older soils, so livestock can go in sooner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePorous granules:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sintered structure for nitrifying bacteria and fewer anaerobic pockets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant nutrients:\u003c\/strong\u003e Humic and fulvic acids for roots and leaf colour over the life of the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Absorbs fine particles and yellow driftwood tannins, often within hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Granules resist turning to mud or compacting, so the layout lasts longer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWater and system compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater only. Not for marine reefs or high-pH African cichlid tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLivestock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dwarf shrimp (including \u003cem\u003eCaridina\u003c\/em\u003e), tropical soft-water fish, and root-feeding plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrain:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5–3 mm powder grade for nano tanks, or as a smooth top layer over coarser soil for foreground carpets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCoverage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not rinse. Aim for a 5–8 cm bed. Typical amounts:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eTank\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eApprox. volume\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eSubstrate needed\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e45 cm nano\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e~35 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e6–8 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e60 cm standard\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e~57 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e8–11 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e90 cm large\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e~157 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e24–32 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation and care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlways follow dosage \u0026amp; directions on product packaging.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not rinse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water on the soil outside the tank can break the sintered granules. Pour dry from the bag into the empty aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFill slowly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cover the bed with a plastic bag or bubble wrap and trickle water on so you do not blast holes in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo extra buffers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not add pH-lowering chemicals, active resins, or other buffers. They can crash parameters on top of the soil’s own buffering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFirst week:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial water changes to skim any harmless surface film or fine dust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Master Soil (JUN Group)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRange:\u003c\/strong\u003e Next High Grade (HG)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrain:\u003c\/strong\u003e Powder, 2.5–3.0 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBag:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made in Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Master Soil","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":56333967425841,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8L","offer_id":56333967458609,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0922\/6066\/3601\/files\/master_soil.png?v=1789717754"},{"product_id":"master-soil-normal","title":"Master Soil Normal","description":"\u003cp\u003eMaster Soil Normal  is an advanced, nutrient-rich volcanic soil substrate imported from Japan, specifically formulated to promote rapid root establishment and long-term lush growth in planted aquariums and shrimp tanks. Engineered to naturally buffer water chemistry, it buffers pH down to approximately 6.0–6.5 and reduces General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH), creating ideal, soft-water conditions for freshwater livestock, tropical plants, and delicate dwarf shrimp species. Unlike traditional aquasoils that cause massive nutrient spikes upon setup, Master Soil is designed to release controlled, low ammonia levels during initial cycling, allowing for safer and faster livestock introduction. Its durable, porous granules trap particulate matter to clarify water without breaking down or mudding over time, making this compact bag the perfect volume for Nano aquariums, smaller aquascapes, or localised planting zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUsage \u0026amp; Setup Guide:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDosage \u0026amp; Coverage:\u003c\/b\u003e Ideal for small or nano tanks under 30 cm in length, or as a targeted top layer for localized plant growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/b\u003e Do \u003cb\u003enot\u003c\/b\u003e wash or rinse before use. Pour directly into the dry tank and fill water slowly over a barrier (e.g., plastic wrap or a plate) to avoid stirring up granules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Buffer Parameters:\u003c\/b\u003e Naturally buffers pH to \u003cb\u003e6.0–6.5\u003c\/b\u003e and lowers GH\/KH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReplacement\/Longevity:\u003c\/b\u003e Maintains structural granule integrity and active buffering capacity for up to \u003cb\u003e12–18 months\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Williamstown Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":56422542999857,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8L","offer_id":56422543032625,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"aquario-neo-no-co2-plant-soil","title":"Aquario - Neo No CO2 Plant Soil","description":"\u003cp\u003eAquario Neo No CO2 Plant Soil is a premium, specialized volcanic active soil engineered specifically for low-tech planted aquariums that do not utilize pressurised CO2 injection. Formulated in South Korea, this substrate provides balanced nutrient release that matches the slower absorption rate of low-tech setups, preventing nutrient overload and drastically reducing initial algae outbreaks. Featuring a porous inner core, it activates beneficial nitrifying bacteria upon contact with water, acting as a secondary biological filter while absorbing organic pollutants to ensure exceptional water clarity. The soil gently buffers pH down to approximately 6.0–6.8 and lowers KH, creating ideal soft-water parameters that maximize root nutrition, root anchorage, and overall plant health. Safe for all tropical community fish, Caridina, and Neocaridina shrimp species, it requires no rinsing prior to setup, offering an easy, low-maintenance foundation for lush, sustainable plant growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUsage \u0026amp; Setup Guide:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/b\u003e Do \u003cb\u003enot\u003c\/b\u003e wash or rinse before use. Pour directly into the dry aquarium and slope higher toward the rear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Filling:\u003c\/b\u003e Lay a plastic packaging sheet or plate over the soil bed and pour water slowly to prevent disturbing the granules and minimizing cloudiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/b\u003e Naturally buffers pH to a slightly acidic \u003cb\u003e6.0–6.8\u003c\/b\u003e and reduces water hardness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Perform regular 30% water changes during the initial 2 weeks of cycling; no initial heavy flushing is required due to the low-ammonia release design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Williamstown Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":56422545588529,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8L","offer_id":56422545621297,"sku":null,"price":72.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/www.williamstownaquarium.com.au\/collections\/freshwater-planting-substrates.oembed","provider":"Williamstown Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}