Flourite® Black is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Its appearance is best suited to planted aquaria, but may be used in any freshwater aquarium environment. Flourite® Black is most effective when used alone as an integral substrate bed, but it may be mixed with other gravels. Gravel modifiers such as laterite are not necessary. Flourite® Black is not chemically coated or treated and will not alter the pH of the water. Flourite® Black is good for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.