Review on 🐠 Estes' Gravel Products AES06606 Marine Sand Black for Aquarium, 5-Pound: Premium substrate for thriving aquatic environments by Janet Baker

I'm new to the hobby and I take that into account and my rating is to help beginners avoid my mistakes. Live plants are not required, this is a good substrate option. However, if you REALLY want a planted aquarium, there are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Do not use with plants that need to be rooted in the substrate. This sand (like most sands) compacts under water pressure and does not allow root structures to grip.2. It is very difficult to clean properly as most gravel packs do not prevent sand from entering your gravel cleaner tube. I had to rebuild the valve on my hose after it sucked in too much sand and became clogged.