CaribSea FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate contains iron, magnesium, calcium and other elements to promote plant growth. The substrate helps maintain a natural, biological balance without raising the pH of the water.

Overall rating:

4.3

(9 reviews) 9

9 of 9(100%)customers recommend this product.

Reviews for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Review 1 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

5 / 5 9 reviews

One of the best brands carried in store...

April 15, 2013

by DefStatic

fromMaine

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year

Pros: Natural looking, contains SOME minerals good for plants

Cons: Normally expensive

FYI: This does not REQUIRE rinsing, in fact I think over rinsing this will remove some nutrients. If you do rinse, minimal rinsing is needed. If you do not rinse, do expect increased murkiness when moving the gravel.

I dumped two bags of this in my newly started 30gal. Filled with water. Yes, there was a fairly extreme murkiness to the water. The bags each come with a "bio-magnet" additive. That is skimming the top with a fine strainer and normal full filtration, my tank was clear within 5 to 6 hours. Only haze now is normal new tank haze.

Highly recommend at sale prices, my local store matched the online price. Not so sure I would recommend at normal price, as it is double the sale price. And it will eventually become normal gravel that will require some sort of fertilization.

+1point

1of 1voted this as helpful.

Review 2 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

5 / 5 9 reviews

great for plants

April 2, 2013

by JeffreyT

fromCarrollton, TX

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

This helps keep plants green and healthy. I use API Leaf Zone also.
Call your local store, mine says they will match the online price if you print it and bring it in.

+1point

1of 1voted this as helpful.

Review 3 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

5 / 5 9 reviews

March 23, 2013

by Anonymous

fromtarentum,pa

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?3

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

its good and all but the store has the prices jacked up to like 20 dollars a bag so buy these online if your getting this

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Review 4 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

4 / 5 9 reviews

RINSE

February 19, 2013

by YOLO

Top 100 contributor
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Top 100 contributor

fromFarmington, MI

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

This is by far the best substrate I have ever seen, but you STILL NEED TO RINSE IT. Other than that, it is high in iron, so even though I haven't used any root fertilizer for over a year, the plants are still growing great.

+3points

3of 3voted this as helpful.

Review 5 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

4 / 5 9 reviews

Works Great After Rinsing

February 5, 2013

by Goodie

fromBoston. MA

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?2

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

I use this substrate in my 5g planted tank with a male betta in it along with two anibus and a java fern. The Substrate alone is very natural looking and holds the root system of all the plants in place (only came out once was my fault) I also use API's Leaf Zone and the combination has allowed all my plants to be healthy and very green. Both Anibus have grown new leaves since the placement and all look healthy. There was cloudiness that was why I gave it a 4 not a 5 the cloudiness has dissipated and I love the look and the results.

+1point

1of 1voted this as helpful.

Review 6 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

4 / 5 9 reviews

Needs several rinsing, but looks good

January 10, 2013

by alvintran

fromRenton, WA

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

Even though the bag says it is pre-rinsed and washed before shipping, and only needed light rinsing, I found that incredibly incorrect since after rinsing for several times, the water from the bucket containing the substrate was still cloudy and dirty. But note that the solution that is advertised to clear up your water fast actually works! So because of that, I'd recommend it to those who have interests in a planted aquariums. Haven't tried planting any demanding plants yet, but I suppose it'd get the job done!

+2points

2of 2voted this as helpful.

Review 7 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

4 / 5 9 reviews

Fair for the price

January 7, 2013

by Peckle

fromSan Jose

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year

I've been using ADA($36) and CaribSea Eco Complete($18) for substrate. This is definitely the cheapest of all. It does require extra rinsing just like the other reviewers said, but that's normal for any substrate. ADA is definitely the cleanest follow by Eco Complete. I only just start using them and so far, it's fine for my small aquarium tank.

+2points

2of 2voted this as helpful.

Review 8 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

4 / 5 9 reviews

Looks Great, Best Price

March 25, 2012

by Dino454

fromLexington,SC

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?3

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

I have seen this type of product sold for almost twice as much in other stores. For the money, this stuff is great. It was not as "pre-rinsed" as they claimed, but it needs to be rinsed anyway. I still kick up sediment when I plant new plants, but I suspect that will go away as I vacuum the tank. I mixed 2 fifteen pound bags to 1 twentyfive pound bag of river rock for my 55gal tank. That gave it a great look and it seems to hold the plants better.

+3points

3of 3voted this as helpful.

Review 9 for CaribSea(r) FloraMax Planted Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating

4 / 5 9 reviews

Looks great - takes a little more prep before use

March 5, 2012

by Trojanlrey

fromOrange County, CA

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

Reviewer Images

So much more natural looking that regular tank gravel. The flatter profile gives it some slide which allows insertion of plants to take just a mild push. But easy in means easy out. There's not a whole lot of bite to grab and hold plants. Any strong current or fish chase can dislodge newly planted growth. The label says prewashed so minimal rinse. My photo shows how cloudy and brown it is after even the 12th rinse attempt. Light rinse not well defined. Plan extra prep time.

+16points

16of 16voted this as helpful.