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UNS Controbase Long-Term Substrate Booster

Substrates & Nutrition

UNS Controbase Long-Term Substrate Booster

Porous Pumice BaseRoot Zone AerationSlow-Release Nutrition

UNS Controbase is a highly porous, nutrient-rich substrate supplement for planted aquariums, placed on the bottom glass beneath your primary active soil. Made from pumice stone infused with slow-release nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and trace elements, it supports heavy root-feeding plants and helps regulate excess nutrients. Its 6–8 mm granules keep water and oxygen moving through the deepest layer of the substrate, encouraging beneficial bacteria and healthy roots.

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Live pricing and stock on jungleaquatics.com — purchase through Jungle Aquatics and collect from the Broadacres showroom in Fourways.

Technical specifications

Volume 2 Litres
Base material Natural porous pumice stone
Granule size Approx. 6 – 8 mm
Nutrient enrichment Slow-release nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus & trace elements
Tank size guide One 2 L bag for aquariums up to about 75 L (UNS 60U)
Placement Directly on bottom glass beneath Controsoil

Cover Controbase with at least 3–4 cm of Controsoil to prevent nutrients from leaching directly into the water column.

Why should I use Controbase under my regular aquasoil?

Controbase is a slow-release nutrient reserve for heavy root feeders, and its 6–8 mm pumice granules stop the soil above from compacting, so water and oxygen keep reaching the roots. One 2 L bag covers a tank of up to about 75 litres.

Porous Volcanic Pumice Structure

The large 6–8 mm pumice granules maintain water flow and oxygenation through the deepest substrate layers, encouraging beneficial bacteria and preventing compacted dead zones.

UNS Controbase Long-Term Substrate Booster — Porous Volcanic Pumice Structure

Slow-Release Nutrient Reserve

Infused with slow-release nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and trace elements that stay in the root bed, feeding demanding root feeders like Cryptocorynes, Echinodorus and stem plants.

UNS Controbase Long-Term Substrate Booster — Slow-Release Nutrient Reserve

UNS Controbase Long-Term Substrate Booster: frequently asked questions

How much Controbase should I use per aquarium?

UNS recommends one 2 litre bag of Controbase for aquariums of about 75 litres or less, such as the UNS 60U. For larger tanks, use additional bags and concentrate them in the planted areas.

What is UNS Controbase made of?

Controbase is made from pumice stone in 6–8 mm granules, infused with slow-release nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and trace elements. The pumice is highly porous, which gives beneficial bacteria a large surface to colonise.

Can I use Controbase on its own as a substrate?

No. Controbase is a base layer, not a complete substrate. Spread it on the bottom glass and cover it with at least 3–4 cm of UNS Controsoil, so the nutrients stay in the root zone instead of leaching into the water.

Is UNS Controbase available in South Africa?

Yes. Jungle Aquatics stocks UNS Controbase in 2 litre bags in South Africa. Check live stock and pricing on jungleaquatics.com, then collect from the Broadacres showroom in Fourways, Johannesburg.

More from the UNS range

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South Africa's premier aquatic and exotic pet destination since 2007 — with the Ultum Nature Systems range on display and available for collection in Fourways, plus expert scape consultations at the counter.

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