CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate, Black, 20-lb bag

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About This Item

Details

  • Ready-to-use with volcanic basalt rich in minerals and essential elements to support plant growth and health.
  • Bi-modal grading separates into a fine bottom layer for root development, and a coarse top layer to enhance root oxygen uptake.
  • Dual-biotic formula contains heterotrophic bacteria to convert fish waste into plant food, and mycorrhizal symbionts for strong root development.
  • Biologically complete with beneficial microorganisms that help cycle new aquariums faster; it comes packed in Liquid Amazon™ water conditioner.
  • Natural deep black color encourages vibrant fish colors and reduces stress, with no artificial dyes, paints or chemicals.

Ingredients

Instructions

Learn More About CaribSea From Our Team of Experts

Questions & Answers

30 Customer Questions


how long can I store in original bags I am not planning on setting up my tank until spring but this is to good a price to pass up also how much will I need for a least a 2" bed in a 55 gal tank

Answer by ChewyNov 10, 2018
Eco complete has no shelf date on the product itself because it is good for many months into years if stored at room temperature. The bacteria in it are spored and do not become active unless they are exposed to a food source. To fill a tank 1 inch thick with substrate, it is roughly equivalent to 1 pound of substrate per gallon. To fill a tank 2 inches thick with substrate, it is roughly equivalent to 2 pounds of substrate per gallon.

Is there a difference between the red and black version? I don't want to harm my fish by choosing the wrong one.

Answer by ChewyAug 05, 2019
The only difference is the color. Please note, this may elevate pH above neutral and may not be suitable for Discus sp., P. alta and sensitive freshwater shrimp.

Is this used as a base layer with other substrate layered on top of it?

Answer by ChewyDec 20, 2018
This substrate is biologically complete, with beneficial microorganisms that help cycle new aquariums faster. However, it may also serve as a bottom layer with your choice of non-carbonate substrate.

I have a 180 gallon tank. I plan to use tap water and treat it with a water conditioner to remove chlorine and heavy metals. Should I put the substrate in after the water has been treated?

Answer by ChewyFeb 05, 2019
For new aquarium setups it's recommended to pour in the substrate and then fill the aquarium with de-chlorinated tap water.

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
131 Ratings

79 Customer Reviews



Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Katelyn on Nov 28, 2025

Better than fluval stratum!

I've used a lot of bio-active substrate because I love planted tanks. This is by far the best I've used. Without root tabs or fertilizer, my plants absolutely took

I've used a lot of bio-active substrate because I love planted tanks. This is by far the best I've used. Without root tabs or fertilizer, my plants absolutely took off. I have had absolutely 0 issues with this and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for substrate for a planted tank.


Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By Greg on Oct 31, 2025

Not bad but plants tend to float out sometimes if you do any maintenance

Live plants tend to float out of this substrate whenever you're doing any type of maintenance in the aquarium. Not bad stuff but thats one thing that is kinda i

Live plants tend to float out of this substrate whenever you're doing any type of maintenance in the aquarium. Not bad stuff but thats one thing that is kinda irritating.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Jennifer on Aug 25, 2025

Great substrate

I have been using this substrate for a while now. I like the look of it, and my live aquatic plants are doing so much better in it than the sand I originally had

I have been using this substrate for a while now. I like the look of it, and my live aquatic plants are doing so much better in it than the sand I originally had. It hides the sediment that sinks down pretty well to. It has a cleaner look than my sand had after a while.


Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By Carol on Sep 26, 2025

Wet and damaged boxes

Ship them with no more than two 20 lb bags per box and place cardboard or other material to keep the bags apart. boxes

Ship them with no more than two 20 lb bags per box and place cardboard or other material to keep the bags apart. boxes


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Angela on Sep 7, 2025

Highly recommended

Plants are thriving ! This substrate has made it easy to clean and less frequently !!! Have it in 3 of my tanks

Plants are thriving ! This substrate has made it easy to clean and less frequently !!! Have it in 3 of my tanks


Rated 1 out of 5 stars
By julia on Jun 27, 2025

arrived opened and leaking- both times!

could not use. both times it shipped out the bag was opened and water leaking everywhere . big mess Im not going to order a third time.

could not use. both times it shipped out the bag was opened and water leaking everywhere . big mess Im not going to order a third time.


Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By Jennifer on Jun 3, 2025

Good price

I would love to give the substrate a better review, but unfortunately, during the shipping some of the bags leaked and the boxes arrived wet!

I would love to give the substrate a better review, but unfortunately, during the shipping some of the bags leaked and the boxes arrived wet!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Nancy on May 29, 2025

Love the substrate

Needs to be shipped in a heavier box. Shipping box arrived in bad condition. One of the bags ruptured and fluid leaked out.

Needs to be shipped in a heavier box. Shipping box arrived in bad condition. One of the bags ruptured and fluid leaked out.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Rickie on Jul 9, 2025

Good Substrate for Plants

I have used Eco-Complete for several years in different tanks. Works great

I have used Eco-Complete for several years in different tanks. Works great


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By John on May 13, 2025

Looks great

Used this substrate before and it worked well for crypts and a change from the other tanks I have with sand

Used this substrate before and it worked well for crypts and a change from the other tanks I have with sand