Dymax Base Soil is best for aquarium plants and a must have for a high tech planted tank. Plants that feed predominantly through their roots will thrive when they are planted in this soil. The sizes of the soil granules are generally enough for water to be able to flow through so it adds a lot more surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on. Dymax Base Soil typically lowers the PH of the water and makes the water softer. This creates an ideal range of parameters for most tropical fish and shrimp. Moreover it provides necessary trace elements for plant growth as well as enhancing root development. Does not cloud the water and soil granules maintain their shape and density underwater.