{"product_id":"caribsea-super-naturals-crystal-river-20-lb","title":"CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River 20 lb Aquarium Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bright, natural-looking freshwater aquarium substrate with soft white and cream tones. Its clean riverbed-inspired appearance helps enhance the color of tropical fish, shrimp, snails, live plants, rocks, driftwood, and aquarium decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis smooth fine gravel and coarse sand blend is designed for freshwater aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp tanks, livebearer aquariums, community tanks, cichlid setups, and natural aquascapes. Crystal River is pH neutral and designed not to alter aquarium water chemistry when used as directed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBright Natural Look:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft white and cream tones create a clean riverbed-style aquarium base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhances Fish \u0026amp; Plant Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light substrate helps colorful fish, shrimp, and live plants stand out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmooth Texture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for many bottom-dwelling fish, shrimp, and snails when used properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Neutral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed not to alter aquarium pH, hardness, or water chemistry when used as directed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a stable base for rooted plants and planted aquarium layouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Aesthetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mimics shallow streams and bright riverbeds for realistic aquascapes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e20 lb Bag:\u003c\/strong\u003e Practical size for medium aquariums, planted layouts, and larger aquascape sections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e CaribSea Super Naturals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystal River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 lb bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine gravel \/ coarse sand blend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft white and cream natural tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Chemistry:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH neutral; designed not to alter water chemistry when used as directed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp tanks, community tanks, livebearers, cichlids, and aquascapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreshwater community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLivebearer tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras and loach-friendly layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnail tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCichlid aquariums with compatible water needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginner and experienced aquarium keepers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea Crystal River provides a stable substrate base for rooted aquarium plants. While it does not contain added plant nutrients, its grain size can help plants anchor in freshwater aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor heavy root-feeding plants such as swords, crypts, and vallisneria, pair this substrate with root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCoverage Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 20 lb bag is useful for medium aquariums, planted layouts, shallow substrate beds, accent areas, or layering in larger aquascapes. Actual coverage depends on tank footprint, desired substrate depth, hardscape placement, and aquascaping style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor larger aquariums, deeper beds, or heavily planted layouts, multiple bags may be needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSetup Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse before use to help remove loose dust and reduce initial cloudiness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd substrate before filling the aquarium with water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour water slowly over a plate, bowl, or plastic bag to avoid disturbing the substrate bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse root tabs for heavy root-feeding plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVacuum lightly during maintenance to avoid disturbing plant roots or aquascape layers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose CaribSea Crystal River?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River is a great choice for aquarists who want a bright, clean substrate that still looks natural. The soft white and cream blend creates a fresh riverbed appearance while helping fish and plants remain highly visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 20 lb size is especially useful for community aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp habitats, livebearer tanks, cichlid aquariums, and medium freshwater aquarium builds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Crystal River change pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Crystal River is pH neutral and is designed not to alter aquarium pH, hardness, or water chemistry when used as directed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Crystal River good for corydoras?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The smooth grains are suitable for many corydoras, loaches, shrimp, and other bottom-dwelling freshwater species when used properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Crystal River need to be rinsed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A quick rinse before adding it to the aquarium is recommended to help remove loose dust and improve initial water clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan plants grow in Crystal River substrate?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Crystal River provides a stable base for rooted plants. For heavy root-feeding plants, use root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Crystal River safe for shrimp and snails?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Crystal River is suitable for freshwater shrimp, snails, fish, and live plants when used properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much substrate do I need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amount needed depends on your aquarium footprint and desired substrate depth. A 20 lb bag is useful for many medium aquariums, but larger tanks or deeper substrate beds may require multiple bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShop \u003cstrong\u003eCaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River 20 lb Aquarium Substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e online or in-store at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This soft white and cream freshwater substrate is a great choice for community aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp habitats, corydoras-friendly layouts, livebearers, cichlids, and bright natural aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52509433004245,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/3757.jpg?v=1764618997","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/caribsea-super-naturals-crystal-river-20-lb","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}