{"title":"Pond Substrates","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eShop pond substrates in New Zealand from Simply Fish. Our range includes aquatic planting mixes, sands and natural substrates for planted ponds, water lilies, aquatic plants and decorative pond areas.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoosing the right pond substrate depends on how it will be used. Aquatic planting mixes are designed for potting pond plants such as water lilies and lotus, while sand and gravel can be used for covering planted pots or creating natural-looking areas around a pond.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"daltons-aquatic-mix-15l","title":"Daltons Aquatic Mix 15L","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Aquatic Mix 15L – Premium Potting Mix for Pond Plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGive your pond plants the stable, nutrient-rich growing medium they need with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Aquatic Mix 15L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Specially formulated for planting and repotting water lilies, lotus and other aquatic plants, this premium mix is designed for use in pots and containers placed underwater in ornamental ponds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade from a processed blend of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emineral-rich loamy clay and sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Daltons Aquatic Mix provides a supportive growing medium that helps aquatic plants establish strong roots and thrive. Its free-draining composition is based on the experience of commercial water-plant growers and is designed specifically for submerged pond pots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal for water lilies, lotus and other potted aquatic plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral-rich clay and sand blend\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports healthy root establishment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for pots and containers placed underwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree-draining formulation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for ornamental ponds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConvenient 15-litre bag\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFill the aquatic planting pot approximately halfway with Daltons Aquatic Mix.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePosition the plant in the centre of the pot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd more mix and press it down firmly around the plant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCover the surface with a layer of gravel to help keep the mix contained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoak the completed pot in a bucket of water for approximately 30 minutes before placing it into the pond.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Daltons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43368072839245,"sku":null,"price":18.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/media_daltons_product_PremiumAquaticMix.jpg_1280.jpg?v=1785991752"},{"product_id":"daltons-washed-sand-no-1-15l","title":"Daltons Washed Sand (No.1) 15L","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Washed Sand (No.1) 15L – Natural Aquarium Sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreate a clean, natural-looking aquarium with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Washed Sand (No.1) 15L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Sourced from the ancient Waikato River bed in Matamata, this natural sand is thoroughly washed and screened to provide an even, consistent substrate for freshwater aquariums, planted tanks and aquascapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts neutral sandy colour complements plants, driftwood, rocks and natural aquarium décor without overpowering your fish. The generous 15-litre bag also makes it a cost-effective choice for larger tanks or aquariums requiring a deeper substrate bed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Choose Daltons Washed Sand?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural sand sourced from the ancient Waikato River bed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWashed and screened for consistent quality\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean and free from contaminants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEven particle grading creates a uniform appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural colour suits a wide range of aquascaping styles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAffordable option for medium and large aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for freshwater aquariums and planted displays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerous 15-litre bag\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Preparation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough the sand has already been washed during manufacturing, we strongly recommend \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erinsing it thoroughly with clean water before adding it to your aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Continue rinsing until the water runs mostly clear to minimise initial cloudiness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd the sand to the empty aquarium and shape it to your preferred depth before slowly filling the tank. Placing a plate or plastic bag over the substrate while filling can help prevent the sand from being disturbed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs This Sand Right for My Aquarium?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Washed Sand is a great choice for aquarists wanting an economical, natural-looking aquarium substrate. It works particularly well in planted aquariums, community tanks, biotope displays and aquascapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sand itself does not supply nutrients to aquarium plants. Root-feeding plants may benefit from aquarium root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate placed beneath the sand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause Daltons No.1 Sand has angular particles, a smoother specialist aquarium sand may be preferable for particularly delicate bottom-dwelling or sand-sifting species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Coverage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne 15-litre bag will cover approximately:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 90 × 30cm aquarium to around 5cm deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 120 × 30cm aquarium to around 4cm deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoverage will vary depending on substrate shaping, hardscape and the desired depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBag Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 15L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Natural sandy brown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rinse thoroughly before aquarium use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Daltons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43368085061709,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/media_daltons_product_WashedSand_No.1_15LvisFLAT.jpg_1280.jpg?v=1785993117"},{"product_id":"daltons-propagation-sand-no-2-15l","title":"Daltons Propagation Sand (No.2) 15L","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Propagation Sand (No.2) 15L – Natural Aquarium Substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreate an affordable, natural-looking base for your freshwater aquarium with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Propagation Sand (No.2) 15L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This coarse, approximately 3mm sand is washed and screened, making it a practical substrate for planted aquariums, community tanks and natural-style aquascapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContaining naturally occurring silica and feldspars, its varied earthy colouring pairs well with aquarium plants, driftwood and rocks. The coarser grain size also allows better water movement through the substrate than very fine sand, helping reduce compaction when maintained correctly. Daltons describes the product as clean, contaminant-free and free from weed seeds and pathogens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Choose Daltons Propagation Sand?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAffordable substrate for freshwater aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 3mm coarse grain size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural colour complements plants and hardscape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWashed and screened during production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean and free from weed seeds and pathogens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for planted tanks and general aquascaping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan be used alone or as a capping layer over a nutrient substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerous 15-litre bag for medium and large aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparing the Sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough the sand is washed during production, it should still be \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erinsed thoroughly before aquarium use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace a small amount into a bucket, add clean water and stir the sand firmly. Pour away the cloudy water and repeat until the water runs mostly clear. This will help minimise dust and cloudiness when filling the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlowly fill the tank by pouring water onto a plate, plastic bag or piece of décor to avoid disturbing the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for Planted Aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons Propagation Sand can provide a stable base for aquarium plants, particularly when combined with root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate beneath it. Its coarse texture makes planting easier than extremely fine sand and provides good anchorage for many rooted aquarium plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sand itself is not sold as a complete aquarium plant fertiliser, so heavy root-feeding plants may require additional nutrients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Consideration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaltons describes this product as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehard, sharp sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. While it is commonly used by New Zealand aquarium keepers, a smoother, rounded aquarium sand may be a better option for delicate bottom-dwelling or sand-sifting species that spend extended periods in direct contact with the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Coverage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne 15-litre bag will cover approximately:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 90 × 30cm aquarium to around 5cm deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 120 × 30cm aquarium to around 4cm deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActual coverage will vary depending on substrate depth, slopes and the amount of hardscape used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBag Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 15L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Grade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComposition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Naturally occurring silica and feldspars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rinse thoroughly before use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Daltons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43368089616461,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/media_daltons_product_PropagationSand_No.2_15Lvisflat.jpg_1280.jpg?v=1785993457"}],"url":"https:\/\/simplyfish.store\/collections\/pond-substrates.oembed","provider":"Simply Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}