--- product_id: 530619814 title: "Bio-Substrate, Galaxy Sand, 5lb (Wet) | Sand seeded with start up bio-active nitrifying bacteria" brand: "aqua natural" price: "$76.88" currency: USD in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Aqua Natural" url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/530619814-bio-substrate-galaxy-sand-5lb-wet-sand-seeded-with-start store_origin: US region: United States of America --- # Sparkling galaxy black sand Optimized for aquatic plants Bio-active nitrifying bacteria Bio-Substrate, Galaxy Sand, 5lb (Wet) | Sand seeded with start up bio-active nitrifying bacteria **Brand:** aqua natural **Price:** $76.88 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🌌 Transform your aquarium into a thriving galaxy of life and color! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Bio-Substrate, Galaxy Sand, 5lb (Wet) | Sand seeded with start up bio-active nitrifying bacteria by aqua natural - **How much does it cost?** $76.88 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/530619814-bio-substrate-galaxy-sand-5lb-wet-sand-seeded-with-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 - • **Natural & Sustainable:** 100% natural, triple-washed, kiln-dried substrate that’s eco-friendly and safe. - • **Plant-Perfect Texture:** Fine, sparkly sand that supports lush aquatic plant growth and vibrant tank aesthetics. - • **Ready-to-Use Wet Sand:** Pre-wet substrate means no rinsing needed—just pour and enjoy a hassle-free setup. - • **Low Maintenance Sparkle:** Large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies ensures easy cleaning and water clarity. - • **Instant Aquarium Cycling:** Kickstart your tank’s nitrogen cycle with live nitrifying bacteria right out of the bag. ## Overview Aqua Natural Bio-Substrate Galaxy Sand is a premium 5lb aquarium substrate seeded with a patented blend of live nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomas and Nitrobacter) that instantly cycles your tank by converting harmful ammonia into nitrates. Sustainably sourced, triple-washed, and kiln-dried, this fine, sparkly black sand enhances aquatic plant growth and supports beneficial bacteria colonies for a healthy, low-maintenance aquatic environment. ## 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: Just as advertised - Looks exactly like the photo, dark and shiny. Not too fine so it doesn't make dust. I love the look. ## 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 | 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,471 Reviews | ## Images ![Bio-Substrate, Galaxy Sand, 5lb (Wet) | 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just as advertised *by M***T on May 24, 2026* Looks exactly like the photo, dark and shiny. Not too fine so it doesn't make dust. I love the look. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Looks great. *by D***7 on June 9, 2026* Nice substrate. Looks great in the aquarium. ## 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.us/products/530619814-bio-substrate-galaxy-sand-5lb-wet-sand-seeded-with-start](https://www.desertcart.us/products/530619814-bio-substrate-galaxy-sand-5lb-wet-sand-seeded-with-start) --- *Product available on Desertcart United States of America* *Store origin: US* *Last updated: 2026-07-12*