Yes, clay balls can be used in an aquarium.
Suitability of Clay Balls for Aquariums
According to information available, such as from a Quora post, it is confirmed that you can use clay balls in an aquarium. This indicates that they are considered a suitable material for aquatic environments, likely for specific purposes within the tank setup.
Methods for Adding Clay Balls
The referenced information suggests that there are different ways of doing it. This implies flexibility in how clay balls can be incorporated into an aquarium. The specific method chosen might depend on the desired outcome, such as targeting nutrients to plant roots or using them as part of the substrate layer.
One simple way mentioned is to:
- get a pipe.
While the reference does not detail the exact process, this likely refers to using a pipe to guide the clay balls down into the substrate, particularly useful for adding nutrients near the roots of established aquatic plants without disturbing the entire tank bottom.
Why Use Clay Balls?
Clay materials, including clay balls or other forms of fired clay, are often used in planted aquariums. They are valued for their ability to:
- Provide essential minerals and nutrients (iron, potassium, etc.) that are beneficial for the growth of live aquatic plants.
- Improve the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the substrate, allowing the substrate to hold onto nutrients from the water column or added fertilizers and release them to plant roots as needed.
- Enhance substrate structure and aeration.
By confirming that clay balls can be used, it supports their role in supporting healthy plant growth in a freshwater aquarium environment. When using clay balls, it's generally recommended to cap them with a layer of gravel or sand to prevent them from clouding the water.
