CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River 5 lb Aquarium Substrate
CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River is a natural, smooth aquarium gravel designed to create a clean riverbed look in freshwater aquariums. Its light, neutral tones brighten the aquarium while helping tropical fish, shrimp, snails, plants, rocks, and driftwood stand out beautifully.
This smooth gravel substrate is gentle on bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates, making it a great choice for corydoras, loaches, shrimp, snails, nano tanks, planted aquariums, and aquascaped freshwater setups. The 5 lb bag is ideal for small aquariums, nano tanks, decorative accent areas, or adding a natural riverbed layer to an existing setup.
Key Features
- Natural Riverbed Look: Light-colored gravel creates a clean, natural freshwater aquarium appearance.
- Smooth & Gentle Texture: Safe for corydoras, loaches, shrimp, snails, and other bottom-dwelling species.
- Great for Nano Tanks: The 5 lb bag is ideal for small aquariums, betta tanks, shrimp tanks, and accent areas.
- Plant Friendly: Provides a stable base for live plants and aquascaping layouts.
- pH Neutral: Designed not to alter aquarium water chemistry when used as directed.
- Pre-Washed: Helps make aquarium setup faster and easier.
Product Details
- Brand: CaribSea
- Collection: Super Naturals
- Product: Crystal River Aquarium Substrate
- Size: 5 lb bag
- Color: Light natural riverbed tones
- Grain Size: Approximately 1–3 mm smooth gravel
- Water Chemistry: pH neutral
- Best For: Nano tanks, small freshwater aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp tanks, and aquascapes
Best For
- Nano aquariums
- Small freshwater tanks
- Betta tanks
- Shrimp tanks
- Snail tanks
- Corydoras aquariums
- Loach aquariums
- Planted aquariums
- Natural riverbed aquascapes
Coverage Guide
As a general guide, plan on approximately 1 pound of substrate per gallon for a shallow 1-inch substrate bed. A 5 lb bag is best for nano aquariums, small tanks, decorative accent sections, or a thin natural layer.
Actual coverage can vary depending on tank dimensions, desired substrate depth, hardscape placement, and aquascaping style.
Setup Tips
Although Crystal River is pre-washed, it is still a good idea to rinse the substrate before adding it to the aquarium to help reduce initial cloudiness. Add water slowly over a plate, bowl, or plastic bag to avoid disturbing the gravel bed.
For planted aquariums, use root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer for heavy root-feeding plants.
Why Choose CaribSea Crystal River?
CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River is a great choice for aquarists who want a bright, natural-looking gravel substrate with a smooth texture. The light riverbed tones create a clean look while keeping the aquarium natural and easy to aquascape.
Its smaller 5 lb size makes it especially useful for nano tanks, shrimp tanks, betta aquariums, planted bowls, and accent areas in larger aquarium layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CaribSea Crystal River safe for catfish and loaches?
Yes. The smooth gravel is gentle on barbels, fins, and bottom-dwelling fish such as corydoras and loaches.
Will Crystal River change my pH?
No. CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River is pH neutral and designed not to alter aquarium water chemistry when used as directed.
How much substrate do I need?
A general rule is about 1 pound of substrate per gallon for a shallow 1-inch bed. The 5 lb bag is best for nano tanks, small aquariums, or decorative accent sections.
Can Crystal River be used in planted tanks?
Yes. It provides a stable base for live plants and aquascaping. For heavy root-feeding plants, use root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer.
Is this substrate safe for shrimp and snails?
Yes. Crystal River is aquarium-safe and suitable for shrimp and snail tanks when used properly.
Should I rinse Crystal River before use?
Yes. Even though it is pre-washed, rinsing before use can help reduce initial cloudiness in the aquarium.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Shop CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River 5 lb Aquarium Substrate online or in-store at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This light natural aquarium gravel is a great choice for nano tanks, planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, corydoras setups, loach aquariums, and freshwater aquascapes.
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