Functions of Substrate and Filtration System In the Nature Aquarium, the substrate serves as a place where aquatic plants take root to absorb the nutrients. Keeping this in mind, the substrate system has been evolved to provide the aquatic plants with a place for easy root growth and become a supplying source of adequate nutrients. Sea sand was used as a substrate material in the very early days of aquarium development; however it was not suitable due to its excessively hard grain and absence of nutrients. In fact, aquatic plants hardly grew on the sea sand.

To solve this problem, Power Sand containing rich nutrients and Aqua Soil having soft grains which do not hinder root growth have been developed. Along with the increase in the nutrient levels contained in and released from the substrate, the filtration system installed in the aquarium is required to have a higher filtration capacity. The filter used for the Nature Aquarium changed the nitrogen and organic acids dissolved in the water into an easily absorbable state in addition to the function of removing the impurities and contaminants in the water. What is closely connected with the functions of the substrate and the filtration system is the various microorganisms including bacteria. Power Sand, which should be spread at the very bottom of the substrate, contains rich organic nutrients.  Nevertheless, aquatic plants cannot absorb them directly from the soil.

The plants can absorb these nutrients via their roots only after the organic nutrients are broken down into inorganic forms by microorganisms.   Similarly,   Aqua   Soil-Amazonia contains abundant organic matter and nitrogen derived from natural soil, which are to be broken down within the substrate. These substances which have been dissolved in water are also broken down by the microorganisms within the filter and then absorbed by aquatic plants through their leaves. As can be seen from this, there is a close connection between the substrate and filtration system. They need to be well prepared during the initial setup of an aquarium so that they can start functioning as soon as possible