SKU: 65186265301
aquarium plant fertilizer substrate

aquarium plant fertilizer substrate Dustin's Dirt Packs. (Aquarium Substrate, Our own Premier Substrate Mix) – DustinsFishtanks

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Description

aquarium plant fertilizer substrate Dustin's Dirt Packs. (Aquarium Substrate, Our own Premier Substrate Mix) – DustinsFishtanksSTOP WE DRY THIS OUT IN THE SUN ON DRY DAYS. YOU MIGHT NOT GET YOUR DIRT FOR UP TO 5 DAYS AFTER YOU ORDER. NOTE: We ship Plant orders first. These ship later in the week as they aren't alive. AGAIN These go out later and might be delayed. WE ALSO MAKE THESE IN HOUSE SO THEY MIGHT BE BACKED UP. This is unlike anything you have ever tried before and there is NOTHING else in the Aquarium market like it. This is "The Next Level" of your planted aquarium.

 

STOP- WE DRY THIS OUT IN THE SUN ON DRY DAYS.  YOU MIGHT NOT GET YOUR DIRT FOR UP TO 5 DAYS AFTER YOU ORDER.

NOTE: We ship Plant orders first. These ship later in the week as they aren't alive.

AGAIN These go out later and might be delayed. WE ALSO MAKE THESE IN HOUSE SO THEY MIGHT BE BACKED UP....

This is unlike anything you have ever tried before and there is NOTHING else in the Aquarium market like it.   This is "The Next Level" of your planted aquarium....literally.

This is the dirt layer....Welcome to the Dirt Side.

A quick story here.  Dirted Tank's have always been my signature setup.  This is my Zone. I have done custom client installation, 900 gallon aquariums at the public Newport Aquarium and yes...MANY of my own "Dustin's Fishtanks" with Dirt.

So Way back in 2013 I wrote THE original "Dustin's Dirted Tank Guide"  This is a 64 Page FULL Color digital (or Hard Copy) guide of EXACTLY HOW to create your own aquarium substrate just like it do.   And yes- you can still grab of copy of that guide today and do it yourself.  

We can "teach you to fish"  You can grab exactly how I (Dustin) setup ALL of my display tanks.

OR    "We can catch you a fish"   ...provide you our own dirt recipe.

Here is how it works.   A simple understanding of a basic principle will dramatically improve your aquarium.

and that basic principle is this.  "PLANTS ABSORB 4 to 400 times MORE NUTRIENTS through their ROOTS, than through their stems and leaves."

STOP.  That's a big statement.  We need to unpack that a bit.   Have you ever seen someone do that trick where they pull a noodle through their nose and it comes out of their mouth?  Yes- Theoretically you could "eat through your nose"  but wouldn't it be more effective if you ate where you were meant to eat?

The same can be said about aquarium plants.  YES- They CAN and DO eat through their leaves, but that doesn't mean it is their preferred method.

There is obviously some species variation here, but AGAIN. "Plants absorb 4 to 400 times more nutrients through their roots than through their stems and leaves.

So- Would you like to feed your plants where they eat?  I thought so.     Here is how it works.    

I have taken the time and the long bumpy road to learn how to create the Aquarium Substrate layer.  The NEXT Layer, the forgotten layer, the dirt layer.

NOTE: Notice I am saying "LAYER" here. We will still need to COVER this layer...more on that in a bit.

Ok- So you have to understand that the "Dirt" we use has to go through a process.  We have to make it so the dirt does NOT destroy your aquarium.   We do the work for you.   I personally have prepared EVERY Dustin's Dirt Pack.  It's kind of fun too, I get to help get our customers get a better aquarium from the ground up.

You don't need to source all of the ingredients. You don't need to be standing around  at Home Depot trying to figure out which kind of dirt to buy. You don't need to figure out how to add clay to the mix or how to increase the calcium levels.  You don't need to worry about how to put it all together. NOPE.

We (ok me, Dustin) have done the work for you....most of it.  We have done the BOTTOM Layer of your aquarium substrate. YOU need to do the TOP Layer.

Here is what you need to do.

The "Dustin Dirt Packs" come in TWO size.   Small (for a 10 gallon) and LARGE (for the footprint of a 20 high or you could stretch it to a 20Long)

Here is my recommendation for the most common aquarium sizes. This is based on the FOOTPRINT of these aquariums

  • 5 gallon =  1 small dirt pack (You will have a slightly above average thickness of dirt
  • 10 gallon= 1 small dirt pack
  • 15 gallon= 1 Large dirt pack
  • 20 gallon (High) = 1 Large dirt pack
  • 20 gallon (Long) = 1 Large and 1 Small
  • 29 gallon =1 Large and 1 Small
  • 30 gallon (Long) = 2 Large Dirt Packs
  • 38 (40 Tall) = 1 Large and 1 Small 
  • 40 (LONG) = 2 Large
  • 55 gallon = 2 Large 
  • 75 gallon = 3 Large
  • 90 gallon= 3 large
  • 125 gallon (6 footer) = 5 Large

Select the appropriate size of Dustin Dirt pack for YOUR aquarium.   We will ship it out to you with instruction of exactly HOW TO DO THIS. 

NOTE: This is NOT an ALL IN ONE Product.   You will need to PURCHASE (Or REUSE) Aquarium gravel in equal proportions to the amount of "Dustin Dirt Packs" that you purchase.

I can't make this more simple.     If you are looking at the bag of a Dustin Dirt Pack, you are going to need AS MUCH GRAVEL as the size of the bag (or More)

SO. For example. If you select ONE Small "DDP" You will need the equivalent size amount of gravel"

If you grab ONE LARGE DDP, you will need gravel enough for the same amount as ONE LARGE DDP or more.    

 If you are doing a 125 Gallon aquarium and you grab 5 Large DDPs. YOU WILL NEED 5 (Or more) bags of gravel of the equivalent size.

Got it?  This is NOT a "Dump it in and it's ready product.  If you pour a bag of this in your aquarium, make a mess and kill your fish. don't come crying to me. WE WARNED YOU.

The DDPs work best with a bare bottom empty tank it. (I do NOT recommend trying to add dirt to an existing tank with fish already in the tank. Think if you were the fish?). Get a tub, siphon the tank water into a tub and add the fish temporarily into the tub. (They will be fine- how do you think they go to the pet store anyway- worse conditions than this!)

Place the DDP to the bottom of the bare aquarium.

***Cover the dirt with Equal portions or more of gravel*** I recommend an inch or more of gravel on top of the DDP dirt mix. When in doubt add MORE gravel. Note: Don’t cap the dirt with the following- play sand, ECO-complete or anything too fine. 2-6 mm gravel works best.

Fill the aquarium just past a slow drip so as not to disturb the DDP layer. If the water is cloudy do a water change later in the day. Plant heavy and enjoy!

(I recommend adding fish after 24 hours just to be safe if the tank was cycled just to be safe)

Watch your tank grow like you have never seen!

Grab a DDP today! Welcome to the Dirt Side!

NOTE: This product might not ship instantly as we have to dry it out in the sun for best use prior to going into your aquarium. We literally make this stuff.

Dustin's Dirt Packs. (The DDP)

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
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Exchange/Return Notes
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  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
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SKU: 65186265301

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Debby B
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
good training treats
Flavor Name: Duck & Veggies, Size: 5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
i repeatedly buy all flavors of this brands training treats..my doodle has liked all of them
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Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2025
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Peter Klimov
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
My dog loves this treats
Flavor Name: Duck & Veggies, Size: 5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Great treat my dog loves them and she is pretty picky eater
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Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2025
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Verified Purchase
TailoredBohemian
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Awesome quality balls -- my dog loves them!
Color: F) 3-Pack (2.5" Balls)
Love this 3 ball set and variety and quality. These are the 2.5" size, similar to a tennis ball size give or take. The fun citron yellow one is the thickest + heaviest, very bouncy, and tough. The blue is still tough but not as thick or bouncy, a bit more flexible. And the clearish one is the lightest/flexible and is glow in the dark [although we haven't tried that part yet]. I have a 7month old 40lb girl who is becoming like a power chewer on some things -- but hasn't done that with these. She can play, mouth them, chew them, not even one knick or anything. Yes! The citron and blue one we leave out all the time in her little toy box. They have holes in the middle and have used them to hold thinner bully sticks and other treats. The blue one is fun to put smaller treats inside that she can work out like a puzzle. Obviously they are fun for fetch! We leave the other up and only get out when we can play with her because label said it is not a chew toy so we didn't want to take chances. Overall super fun and cool and good quality, human and dog approved LoL. ***We ordered the 2 set of 4" balls, blue and purple [they are same consistency of the blue ball] and love these too! Very fun and good at using with treats the sticks too, plus these don't get lost under sofas and furniture like the smaller ones, a big plus.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2025
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lcca exchange
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Glow and play - pups favorite!
Color: A) 2-Pack (2.5" Balls)
I can't say enough good things about this glowing fetch ball! It's perfect for outdoor play at night—my dog loves chasing it in the dark, and the bright glow keeps the fun going even after sunset. What really impresses me is the quality; this ball has withstood my pup's enthusiastic chewing (and believe me, he can demolish a regular ball in seconds). It’s durable and built to last, making it a fantastic investment for any dog owner. If you're looking for a fun nighttime activity, this glowing fetch ball is a must-have!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2026
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Addie
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
My Dogs Favorite for throwing
Color: D) 2-Pack Lattice (3.25" Balls), Color: D) 2-Pack Lattice (3.25" Balls)
We brought our new adoptee home end of July, and I quickly had to find him replacements for his tennis balls because those balls are inherently abrasive and our yard has sand which gets in the fuzz and makes them extra abrasive and they were already causing tooth wear (our previous shepherd chewed tennis balls like gum for a week after his adoption, wore his teeth tips enough I noticed and I took them from him too but this guy didn't like the hand me down replacement, it was too big for his preference so I had to hunt down different ones for the current dog). I tried the glow in the dark Chuk It ones, but he doesn't like to carry them, or the smaller regular chukits... My current dog prefers these web style ones. I like glow in the dark stuff and it makes them easier to find in the evening or over night (if you have night adjusted eyes and not a lot of lights in the yard these are VERY glowy at night). Now I know he likes them I am thinking winter is coming and I may lose the glow color in the Michigan snow, so I'm here to order some in some in non snow camouflage because I want to be able to play in the winter without as much groping for hiding balls (literally he will chase and then snub any other balls in the yard I throw except the huge jolly ball but that isn't a fetch type ball, its a thrash toy. these are the only ones he will actually return for me to swap and throw indefinitely). I included video and a picture of them at the local beach. They float with enough above the water for maybe a few ants to use them as a flotation device, but take a bit of time to come to the surface when they splash down. I think brighter colors will help make them easier to find in the water as well as the snow. I think my dog likes them because the webbing design makes it easier to grip, even when slobbery his teeth can get a hold in the gaps (so can fingers haha) without slipping too badly. They also compress almost flat and boing back into shape and seem to be durable over at least 6 weeks of summer living in the yard, so far so good. They don't have a huge amount of mass so they don't whip super far but if you get a technique down you can get very reasonable distance on throws. He doesn't gnaw on them, so I can't speak to resistance to actual shearing attempts with teeth, just grab and chomp for fun, then holding in his mouth. My dog weighs about 68 lbs (we are trying to gain a bit), he is a German Shepherd, and this size fits him well (can't remember which size I got but usually Amazon shows what size the reviewer got near the title of the review. They're big enough I'm not worried he will accidentally swallow or choke on them, small enough his mouth fits them comfortably, his grip is secure because of the gaps, and he loves them. I suggest get two at least unless your pooch is super good about dropping it and letting you pick it up. With two, I can whip a ball, find the one he just dropped, and by the time he is back, I have the other one in hand. He knows I won't throw it unless he drops the one he just returned (I will wait for him to remember this), and this makes it way easier to play thow and bring it almost back (he often drops it at speed when he is nearly back to me so it rolls past me) without playing chase me for the toy... and makes reinforcing Drop It as an safe thing to do, like he isn't going to lose out if he drops the fun ball in his mouth, I have the second ball to mark (say YES!!! when he drops it) and immediately reward by throwing the ball I already had... he loves them enough that he thinks other balls are stupid so I don't want to throw a less cool ball to exchange for the cool ones haha Anyway hope this was helpful, Im off to order some of these balls in brighter colors for lake and snow visibility.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2024

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