Today, I’m going to share my thoughts on the CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium substrate. This review will quickly cover what you should expect if you choose this substrate for your tank setup and what my thoughts are about it.
We’ll start by quickly checking out some Pros and Cons, and then we’ll go a bit more in depth so I recommend reading until the end.
Please note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article.
After all, there’s not that much to talk about when it comes to substrate for aquariums, but you will see the Carib Sea’s Eco Complete is really a good choice!
Carib Sea Eco-Complete Substrate: Pros and Cons
Let’s quickly go through the best things about this substrate that is perfect for freshwater aquariums and terrariums and the not so impressive things about it.
What I Liked
- Complete substrate for freshwater planted aquariums: This substrate provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth, which is crucial for maintaining a thriving planted tank.
- Promotes healthy plant root growth: It contains live beneficial bacteria that convert fish waste into plant food. Healthy plant roots will develop also because of the unique design of the substrate.
- Contains major and minor trace elements: The substrate is enriched with essential trace elements that nourish the aquarium plants, ensuring they receive all the necessary nutrients for vibrant growth. And this refreshes over time with the aforementioned bacteria.
- Easy to use: I found it very convenient to set up in my aquarium. I simply added it to the tank without the need for rinsing, and within an hour, the substrate settled and the tank became crystal clear. Big bonus!
- Good price: Considering the quality and benefits it offers, the CaribSea Eco-Complete substrate is reasonably priced, making it a great investment for aquarists.
Potential Cons
- Substrate size: Some pebbles are a bit larger, potentially making it a bit more difficult to properly vacuum detritus. This also requires a bit of extra time for plants to fully secure their roots into place.
- For smaller tanks: This is perfect for smaller tanks, up to 20 gallons. If you have a larger aquarium, you might need to purchase more packs. I recommend to consider the regular 1 pound of substrate for each gallon of your tank for ideal results.
Carib Sea Eco-Complete: Quick Verdict
The CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium substrate is a great choice for any planted aquarium out there. It is one of the best substrates I have ever tried, particularly created to keep your plants healthy long term.
It provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth, encourages healthy root development, and is easy to use. And the fact that you don’t have to rinse it (really, trust me on this and do not rinse it!) reduces the mess you’ll make when installing it.
All in all, a substrate I am really happy with and one that I recommend, especially if you like darker substrate like I do. You can click the link below to find out more:
If you want even more options, make sure to check out my article listing the best substrate for planted aquariums. For a Jarrarium, I recommend looking at my article about the best substrate for Jarrariums, as this one might not be the best choice.
In depth look at the Carib Sea Eco-Complete Substrate
I have to admit that there’s really not much I can say more about this amazing budget substrate for aquariums. But if you want to go a bit more in depth with all that it offers, here are my thoughts.
Complete substrate for freshwater planted aquariums
The CaribSea Eco-Complete Substrate is designed specifically for freshwater planted aquariums, providing a complete substrate solution.
This means that it has all the necessary components to support the growth and nourishment of aquarium plants. With this substrate, you won’t need to add any other fertilizers or supplements to promote plant growth.
The substrate is formulated with major and minor trace elements that are essential for the health of aquarium plants.
These elements provide the necessary nutrients for the plants to thrive, ensuring they receive everything they need for optimal growth and development.
Contains active beneficial bacteria
The substrate contains heterotropic bacteria which will quickly turn fish waste into nutrients for your plants, helping you keep the balance in your tank’s water under control.
This bacteria also ensures that the substrate will remain nourishing for your plants on the long term, without the need of adding additional fertilizer.
I am using it in a low tech planted aquarium (quite heavily planted, too) for a couple of years already and there was no need to add extra fertilizer. So it’s really good.
Substrate encourages healthy plant root growth
CaribSea Eco-Complete substrate is specifically designed to promote healthy plant root growth. The substrate particles have a porous structure that allows roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate.
By providing a supportive environment for root growth, the substrate ensures that your plants can establish a strong and extensive root system. This leads to better nutrient absorption and overall plant health.
While it is true that some of the pebbles can be a bit larger in size, plants will still establish solid roots eventually and you’ll have no problem with them getting out, but I still recommend using larger plants instead of smaller ones with smaller roots.
Pro Tip: When planting your aquarium, gently press the roots of your plants into the substrate to ensure good contact and stability.
No rinsing needed!
The CaribSea Eco-Complete substrate is designed to be user-friendly, making the installation and maintenance process hassle-free. Simply spread the substrate evenly across the bottom of your aquarium and fill it with water as you normally would.
This is a big bonus, as usually substrate needs to be rinsed a few to several times before placing into your aquarium. This one doesn’t (and I believe that rinsing it might also remove some of the beneficial bacteria and nutrients). Just place it in and you’re all set!
Pro Tip: Use an aquarium vacuum cleaner to remove any excess debris and ensure the substrate remains clean and free from excess organic material. Regular maintenance will help create a healthier environment for your plants and aquatic life.
Enhances the overall aesthetics of your aquarium
In addition to its functional benefits, the CaribSea Eco-Complete substrate enhances the overall aesthetics of your aquarium.
The black color of the substrate creates a striking contrast against the vibrant green of the plants, creating a visually appealing and natural-looking environment.
The substrate also provides a stable and secure base for your plants, preventing them from uprooting and floating around in the water. This not only improves the visual appeal but also promotes a more organized and tidy aquarium setup.
My Score: 91.0 / 100
CaribSea Eco-Complete Substrate: Is It Any Good?
I am using the CaribSea Eco-Complete Substrate for my 30-gallon tank for a couple of years now without a problem. I must say, it has exceeded my expectations.
The substrate provides a complete package for my plants, looks good and I have no complaints about it whatsoever – even the sometimes slightly larger pebbles are not really an issue longer term.
What I appreciate the most about this product is its ease of use. I simply threw it into the tank without rinsing it, and within an hour, the substrate settled and the tank became clear.
Overall, I highly recommend the CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium substrate. This product is definitely worth considering. So make sure to click here to check it out.
And if you want to read more of my reviews, make sure to read about the heater that I swear by nowadays, the Tetra HT Submersible heater. A great combo, working flawlessly with this substrate and probably any substrate out there.