substrate help

[Lamby]

Hi all

have  a new filter and i have been looking for filter media.  Have coarse and fine sponges and also noodles.  Have been used to using "substrate" as a filter medium.  There doesn't seem to be anything called "substrate" in the online stores tho i know they stock it in local aquaria.

is it called by another name?
Has it gone out of fashion?
what are some good alternatives given the media i am already using?

Keeping Africans......if that's relevant

Thanks

Col

[casperbgk]

i just go down to the supermarket and buy the cheepest sponge they have, also theos shower scrunchy things are great when they unfold...just soak them in water for a bit first

[CQ_Pete]

Just make sure the sponge ISN'T antibacterial, as you need bacteria to break down the ammonia.