Nautilus Tan Riverbed is inspired by the Great Rift Lakes of Africa — a warm, richly textured blend of earthy-colored sands, gravels, and a curated mix of natural shells that recreates the authentic character of African lake shorelines and shallow estuarine environments with genuine natural realism.

The warm tan and rust-orange hues of the substrate deepen beautifully when wet, intensifying the earthy character and bringing out the varied colors and textures of the shell fragments and gravels within the blend. Each handful contains a mix of whole and crushed shells, fine sand grains, and small stone fragments — creating a complex, layered substrate that looks genuinely collected from nature. This makes it ideal for African cichlid biotopes, alkaline lake setups, and any aquascape or paludarium seeking a warm, sun-baked shoreline aesthetic.

Nautilus Tan Riverbed may raise pH and hardness, which is ideal for the alkaline-preferring species native to Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi, and Lake Victoria biotopes.

Key Points

• Color: Warm tan to rust-orange sand with mixed shells — deepens and intensifies when wet
• Composition: A natural blend of earthy sands, small gravels, and mixed natural shells
• Size Mix: 0.1–3 cm, offering a complex and naturally layered texture
• Matching: Ideal for African cichlid biotopes and alkaline lake shoreline scapes
• Results: Creates a warm, authentic lake shoreline impression with genuine natural character
• Ready to Use: Pre-washed — minimal rinsing required
• Safety: Safe for all inhabitants — fish, shrimp, and more
• Water Hardness: Will raise pH and kH — ideal for alkaline biotopes and African cichlid species
• Versatile: Perfect for aquariums, paludariums, and terrariums; can be used standalone or mixed with other substrates
• Packaging: Available in 2 kg bags

Usage

• Pre-washed: Ready to use, though additional rinsing can be done to ensure cleanliness
• Riverbed Placement: Spread the substrate evenly along the bottom of your empty tank or terrarium; pour gently from a low height to avoid scratching the aquarium glass
• Standalone or Mixed: Use on its own for a natural base, or combine with other WIO sands and gravels for a custom substrate look
• Decorate & Plant: Arrange rocks, driftwood, and plants to create a harmonious and captivating environment
• Filling the Tank: Pour water carefully, avoiding direct flow onto the substrate — Pro Tip: pour over a plate or décor to minimize disturbance
• Final Touch: Use a net to skim any floating particles, then turn on the filter and watch the remaining cloudiness disappear within a few hours, leaving a clear, natural finish
• Easy Maintenance: With every water change, gently vacuum the substrate to remove any accumulated debris or algae

Available from Cuboid Nature Aquarium — Authorized Retailer for WIO.