UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate

Substrates & Nutrition

UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate

Made in JapanpH 6.5–6.8 BufferZero Ammonia Surge

UNS Controsoil is an advanced active substrate manufactured in Japan from natural high-grade volcanic ash and organic mineral compounds. Specially formulated for planted aquariums and freshwater shrimp, Controsoil naturally absorbs impurities, softens water, and buffers pH into the slightly acidic sweet spot of 6.5 to 6.8. Unlike conventional aquasoils that release massive initial ammonia spikes, Controsoil delivers balanced, long-term nutrition without clouding water or requiring exhausting daily water changes during startup.

Granule & Size: Normal / 3L

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Technical specifications

Origin	Manufactured in Japan
Target pH buffer	6.5 – 6.8
Target KH	0 – 2 dKH
Granule sizes	Normal (approx. 3 mm) · Fine (approx. 1 mm)
Bag volumes	3 Litres · 10 Litres
Suitability	Planted aquariums, Caridina & Neocaridina shrimp, softwater fish

Do not rinse prior to use. Fill the aquarium slowly over a plastic bag or plate to avoid disturbing the substrate bed.

How many litres of Controsoil do I need for my tank?

To achieve an average 5 cm substrate depth, multiply Tank Length (cm) × Width (cm) × 5 ÷ 1000. For example, a 60U (60 × 36 cm) requires approx. 10.8 Litres (one 10L bag or three 3L bags).

Manufactured in Japan from Natural Volcanic Soil

Crafted under strict Japanese temperature-controlled baking processes to produce uniform, crush-resistant granules that resist turning into mud over years of submersion.

Active pH Buffering & Water Softening

Naturally lowers KH and stabilises pH between 6.5 and 6.8, creating the ideal chemical environment for delicate aquatic plants (Rotala, Ludwigia, Eriocaulon) and Caridina shrimp.

Normal & Fine Granule Granulometries

Available in Normal (approx. 3 mm) for the base substrate structure and Fine (approx. 1 mm) for precision foreground carpeting plants like Monte Carlo, Glossostigma, and Dwarf Hairgrass.

Uncompromising Craftsmanship

Built for the Dedicated Aquascaper

Every Ultum Nature Systems creation combines minimalist aesthetic discipline with field-tested biological performance.

Diamant Ultra-Clear Glass

91% light transmission with laser-cut 45° beveled corners and ultra-clean German silicone bonding.

Cascading Waterfall Filtration

Foresta paludariums feature integrated multi-stage chamber filtration and ultrasonic misting hidden behind the planting wall.

Volcanic Soil Chemistry

Active pH 6.5 buffering and nutrient exchange capacity that fuels lush plant carpets and delicate aquatic life.

Matte Black Surgical Steel

High-grade coated stainless steel tools with precision alignment for effortless plant insertion and delicate trimming.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to do 50% water changes every day in the first two weeks?

No. UNS Controsoil is specifically formulated without extreme unbound ammonia surges. A standard weekly or bi-weekly water change schedule of 30–50% is sufficient for cycling.

When should I choose Normal vs Fine grain size?

Use Normal (3 mm) as the primary substrate across the entire aquarium for optimal water circulation through the roots. Use Fine (1 mm) as a 1–2 cm top layer in foreground zones to make small carpeting plants easy to plant without floating.

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

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