Pure Water Pebbles Bio-Activ Live African Cichlid Aquarium Substrate, Rift Lake, 20-lb bag

Skip image gallery
Slide 1 of 4
$17.56 First Time Autoship Price
this order
Save 35% (up to $20) today when you set up Autoship. 
$27.02 Autoship Price
future orders
  • Get deliveries on your schedule
  • Skip, change, or cancel anytime
$27.02 Chewy Price
($1.36 /lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card + Free Shipping with code: WELCOME
In Stock
FREE 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

No interest if paid in full in 6 months on PayPal purchases of $149+. .

About This Item

Details

  • 100% natural substrate is collected using a unique process that preserves all bacteria in their natural live state.
  • Live heterrotophic, autotrophic and chemolithotrophic bacteria provide proper inorganic balance.
  • Instant cycling eliminates nitrogenous waste including ammonia and nitrite and restores natural organic balance to provide a safe environment.
  • Also helps reduce harmful nitrate, maintain proper pH and enhance buffering capacity, along with providing essential inorganic elements.
  • White or black granules measure 1.2-1.7 mm, and rift lake granules measure 6-8 mm; also includes trace elements and critical nutrients needed to maintain ideal tank water quality.

Instructions

Frequently bought together

Questions & Answers

25 Customer Questions

does it raise the hardness of water like other cichlids substrates

Answer by Chewy • Apr 28, 2024
The substrate will not harden the water, it immediately removes nitrogenous waste (Ammonia, Nitrite and helps remove Nitrate).

I bought 4 bags of this 6++ months ago. Is it still safe to use I don’t see an expiration date on it

Answer by Chewy • May 13, 2019
There will be no expiration on this freshwater substrate. It may be used for an extended period of time if stored properly, in room temperature (below 150 degrees), out of direct sunlight.

I’m trying to keep my PH low (5-6), but consistent. The description states that it helps maintain PH. Does that mean it increases PH to basic or just keeps it consistent?

Answer by Chewy • Jun 11, 2018
This substrate maintains proper pH at a healthy level and enhance buffering capacity, along with providing essential inorganic elements.

Should you rinse before using in tank?

Answer by Chewy • Aug 18, 2025
It is recommended to thoroughly rinse any substrate before adding it to your tank.
Reviews
Write a Review
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
49 Ratings
Terms & Conditions

38 Customer Reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Staci on Oct 22, 2025

Cycled Rocks

We loved the idea that the rocks contained beneficial bacteria already and loved the color, black and white..

We loved the idea that the rocks contained beneficial bacteria already and loved the color, black and white..

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Darryl on Dec 27, 2025

Pebbles

These pebbles are great, the fish love it.

These pebbles are great, the fish love it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Michael on Jan 7, 2026

I really like that it has some real sea shells with the rocks

Well worth the money

Well worth the money

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Lori on Oct 19, 2025

Wow

This stuff is awesome!

This stuff is awesome!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Gaby on Apr 5, 2025

Great product

It looks very nice with the shells among the black pebbles. Keeps the water clean and my fish seem to be much happier.

It looks very nice with the shells among the black pebbles. Keeps the water clean and my fish seem to be much happier.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By Omar on Nov 11, 2024

Nice cichlid substrate

Nice value. Plenty of substrate for small tanks or a breeding set up. Good size pebbles and nice colors. Comes wet w bio active water.

Nice value. Plenty of substrate for small tanks or a breeding set up. Good size pebbles and nice colors. Comes wet w bio active water.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By reynaldo on Apr 4, 2025

Time

I love the rockets

I love the rockets

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By Ronald on Jun 28, 2024

Aquarium

Rock was good but the 10 cups of water that was in one bag was excessive. Should have been 2 cups.

Rock was good but the 10 cups of water that was in one bag was excessive. Should have been 2 cups.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Jaron on Feb 2, 2025

Great stuff.

Great Stuff.

Great Stuff.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By William on Mar 2, 2024

Happy Cichlids

This substrate is outstanding, the Cichlids love it and I love it I highly recommend using this product You won’t be disappointed

This substrate is outstanding, the Cichlids love it and I love it I highly recommend using this product You won’t be disappointed