{"product_id":"caribsea-super-naturals-crystal-river-5-lb","title":"CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River 5 lb Aquarium Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Riverbed Look:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light-colored gravel creates a clean, natural freshwater aquarium appearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmooth \u0026amp; Gentle Texture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Safe for corydoras, loaches, shrimp, snails, and other bottom-dwelling species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreat for Nano Tanks:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 5 lb bag is ideal for small aquariums, betta tanks, shrimp tanks, and accent areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a stable base for live plants and aquascaping layouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Neutral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed not to alter aquarium water chemistry when used as directed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-Washed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helps make aquarium setup faster and easier.\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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Super Naturals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystal River Aquarium Substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 lb bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light natural riverbed tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrain Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1–3 mm smooth gravel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Chemistry:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH neutral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nano tanks, small freshwater aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp tanks, and aquascapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall freshwater tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetta tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnail tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoach aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural riverbed aquascapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCoverage Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a general guide, plan on approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1 pound of substrate per gallon\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActual coverage can vary depending on tank dimensions, desired substrate depth, hardscape placement, and aquascaping style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSetup Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor planted aquariums, use root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer for heavy root-feeding plants.\u003c\/p\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, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts smaller 5 lb size makes it especially useful for nano tanks, shrimp tanks, betta aquariums, planted bowls, and accent areas in larger aquarium layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs CaribSea Crystal River safe for catfish and loaches?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The smooth gravel is gentle on barbels, fins, and bottom-dwelling fish such as corydoras and loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill Crystal River change my pH?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River is pH neutral and designed not to alter aquarium water chemistry when used as directed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much substrate do I need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan Crystal River be used in planted tanks?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It provides a stable base for live plants and aquascaping. For heavy root-feeding plants, use root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs this substrate safe for shrimp and snails?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Crystal River is aquarium-safe and suitable for shrimp and snail tanks when used properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShould I rinse Crystal River before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Even though it is pre-washed, rinsing before use can help reduce initial cloudiness in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShop \u003cstrong\u003eCaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River 5 lb Aquarium Substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52029178118357,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/3789.jpg?v=1782131737","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/caribsea-super-naturals-crystal-river-5-lb","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}