--- product_id: 530619814 title: "Galaxy Sand Bio-Substrate 5lb for Aquariums, Sand seeded with Start up bio-Active nitrifying Bacteria" brand: "aqua natural" price: "R952" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 category: "Aqua Natural" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/530619814-galaxy-sand-bio-substrate-5lb-for-aquariums-sand-seeded-start store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Instant aquarium cycling Optimized for aquatic plants Bio-active nitrifying bacteria Galaxy Sand Bio-Substrate 5lb for Aquariums, Sand seeded with Start up bio-Active nitrifying Bacteria **Brand:** aqua natural **Price:** R952 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🖤 Transform your aquarium into a thriving aquatic masterpiece! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Galaxy Sand Bio-Substrate 5lb for Aquariums, Sand seeded with Start up bio-Active nitrifying Bacteria by aqua natural - **How much does it cost?** R952 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/530619814-galaxy-sand-bio-substrate-5lb-for-aquariums-sand-seeded-start) ## Best For - aqua natural enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted aqua natural brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Effortless Setup:** Pre-wet substrate means no rinsing needed—easy to add directly to your established tank. - • **Crystal Clear Water:** Patented bacteria blend rapidly converts harmful ammonia, clearing cloudy water fast. - • **Plant-Boosting Base:** Fine, sparkly black sand texture enhances root growth and aquatic plant health. - • **Natural & Sustainable:** 100% natural, triple-washed, kiln-dried substrate for a pristine, eco-friendly setup. - • **Instant Aquarium Cycling:** Kickstart your tank’s nitrogen cycle from day one with live nitrifying bacteria. ## Overview Aqua Natural Galaxy Sand Bio-Substrate is a premium 5lb aquarium sand seeded with live nitrifying bacteria that instantly cycles your tank. Sustainably sourced and triple-washed, this fine black sand supports aquatic plants and rapidly converts harmful ammonia to nitrates, promoting crystal-clear water and a healthy ecosystem. ## Description All Aqua Natural gravel or substrates are 100% natural, sustainably sourced, triple washed and kiln dried. Our meticulously graded gravels and sands are the perfect natural substrates for any aquarium including planted tanks. Our high quality products create natural beauty combined with large surface areas for beneficial bacteria colonies and easy cleaning. Contains bio activated live nitrifying bacteria to either use as a primary substrate or mix with substrate for a healthy aquarium. Contains a patented blend of live nitrosomas and nitrobacter bacteria which break down and convert harmful ammonia, into nitrates. Review: Great substrate! - I’ve really enjoyed this substrate. I mixed it with my old substrate (which was a mix of sand + small gravel substance) when I upgraded tanks and I like the look of this one a lot. It’s more of a fine sand texture and a really beautiful sparkly black. My plants and ADFs seem to love it. It’s already a bit wet in the bag (they recommend not rinsing it) so it was easy to place into my tank that already had water in it. I love that it has beneficial bacteria to help the tank cycle too. It did make my water a bit cloudy for about ~2 days but this cleared up on its own with time. Review: Superior product - CLEARED my aquarium water within days - My aquarium has 12 goldfish ( fancy ) and a few pleco's. I have a very nice filter, but I could not get the water to clear up. Read about this product and within a few days, this substrate made a massive change - clearing up the cloudy-ness and now it is crystal clear. Buying a second because I LOVE the look of solid black substrate. ## Features - Seeded with bio-active live nitrifying bacteria - Cycles aquarium instantly - Contains bio activated live nitrifying bacteria - Great for aquatic plants ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,355 Reviews | ## Images ![Galaxy Sand Bio-Substrate 5lb for Aquariums, Sand seeded with Start up bio-Active nitrifying Bacteria - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ooYoqDL6S.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Size** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great substrate! *by T***D on December 25, 2025* I’ve really enjoyed this substrate. I mixed it with my old substrate (which was a mix of sand + small gravel substance) when I upgraded tanks and I like the look of this one a lot. It’s more of a fine sand texture and a really beautiful sparkly black. My plants and ADFs seem to love it. It’s already a bit wet in the bag (they recommend not rinsing it) so it was easy to place into my tank that already had water in it. I love that it has beneficial bacteria to help the tank cycle too. It did make my water a bit cloudy for about ~2 days but this cleared up on its own with time. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Superior product - CLEARED my aquarium water within days *by J***S on October 4, 2025* My aquarium has 12 goldfish ( fancy ) and a few pleco's. I have a very nice filter, but I could not get the water to clear up. Read about this product and within a few days, this substrate made a massive change - clearing up the cloudy-ness and now it is crystal clear. Buying a second because I LOVE the look of solid black substrate. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loveee! *by S***N on December 5, 2025* I have used this in every single tank I own, betta, corydora, pleco, shrimp and loaches. They all love it! It helps the cycle process and helps keep plants nice and healthy. Kudos for the glittery specks that look beautiful under the lights ## Frequently Bought Together - Aqua Natural Galaxy Sand Bio-Substrate 5lb for Aquariums, Sand seeded with Start up bio-Active nitrifying Bacteria - Aqueon Plant and Shrimp Aquarium Substrate 5 Pounds,Brown - Aqua Natural Sugar White Sand 10lb Substrate for aquascaping, Aquariums, vivariums and terrariums --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/530619814-galaxy-sand-bio-substrate-5lb-for-aquariums-sand-seeded-start](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/530619814-galaxy-sand-bio-substrate-5lb-for-aquariums-sand-seeded-start) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-04-24*