Name That Substrate....

[PrairieSunflower]

I'm quite annoyed with the substrate in my betta tank, it is too light and not working great with my plants.  I saw some substrate in a display tank at the LFS but... they don't sell it or know what it is!  Someone here will know, do I will describe it.  It was black and almost like little beads.  It looked so nice and the plants were so well anchored in it.  I want to order some but no idea where from.  And when I do find it... (as not sure what it is made of), does it need lots of rinsing like sand or gravel does?

 

[Alasse]

like this stuff?
http/www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-Substrate-Ceramic-Pebbles-for-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-0-33lbs-eco-for-Plants-/330617801010?pt=Decorations&hash=item4cfa5b4932

 

[Mamashack]

If it's anything like this I got mine from PAH for £4.50 for 2.5 kg - there was an 8kg bag for £15

 

[Alasse]

Possibilities:
 
Aqua Soil - Amazonia
 
Ista Water Plant Soil
 
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum Substrate

 

[PrairieSunflower]

like this stuff?
http/www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-Substrate-Ceramic-Pebbles-for-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-0-33lbs-eco-for-Plants-/330617801010?pt=Decorations&hash=item4cfa5b4932

 
Yes, it did look a lot like those ceramic pebbles.  I'm just not sure if they were ceramic or not.  The had a sort of appearance of being "soft"... if such a thing exists in appearance.
 
 

If it's anything like this I got mine from PAH for £4.50 for 2.5 kg - there was an 8kg bag for £15

 
I can't quite tell from the picture if it is similar, but the bead like things were bigger.

Possibilities:
 
Aqua Soil - Amazonia
 
Ista Water Plant Soil
 
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum Substrate

 
The pictures I get looking at the first, Aqua soil, look a lot more like the display tank at the shop.  I will have to look around, I think I am most likely to be able to find the Fluval brand here.

Do you know, are these good to use?  I'm just thinking they must be as I see such beautiful setups with them!

 

[Alasse]

The Aqua Soil and the Fluval one i have seen stunning tanks with these substrates....the Ista i think is a fairly new one to the market, but i am sure it will do the same or similar job