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UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate

Substrates & Nutrition

UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate

Made in JapanpH 6.8 BufferLow Ammonia Release

UNS Controsoil is an active substrate made in Japan from a natural blend of soil and volcanic ash. Formulated for planted aquariums and freshwater shrimp, Controsoil absorbs impurities, lowers water hardness, and buffers pH to a slightly acidic 6.8 over time. Unlike nutrient-heavy aquasoils that release large amounts of ammonia at startup, Controsoil releases only a minimal amount, so it needs no rinsing, stays clear from the first fill, and cycles on an ordinary weekly water-change routine.

Granule & Size: Normal / 3L

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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

Origin Made in Japan
Composition Natural blend of soil and volcanic ash
pH buffer Slightly acidic, stabilising at about 6.8
Granule sizes Normal (approx. 5 mm) · Fine (approx. 3 mm)
Bag volumes 3 Litres · 10 Litres
Tank size guide 3 L for about 35 L (UNS 45U) · 10 L for about 75 L (UNS 60U)
Rinsing Not required
Suitability Planted aquariums, freshwater shrimp, soft-water tropical 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?

UNS recommends one 3 L bag for a tank of about 35 litres (UNS 45U) and one 10 L bag for about 75 litres (UNS 60U). For any other size, multiply length (cm) × width (cm) × depth (cm) ÷ 1000. A 60U (60 × 36 cm) with a 5 cm bed needs approx. 10.8 litres.

Made in Japan from Natural Soil & Volcanic Ash

A natural blend of soil and volcanic ash formed into uniform granules that hold their shape under water and let oxygen and water move freely around plant roots.

UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate — Made in Japan from Natural Soil & Volcanic Ash

Active pH Buffering & Water Softening

Buffers water to a slightly acidic pH, stabilising at about 6.8, and lowers total hardness, creating the chemical environment that aquatic plants, tropical fish and freshwater shrimp prefer.

UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate — Active pH Buffering & Water Softening

Normal & Fine Granule Sizes

Normal (approx. 5 mm) is the standard for larger aquariums and plants with thicker roots. Fine (approx. 3 mm) suits shorter-rooted foreground plants such as Monte Carlo, Glossostigma and Dwarf Hairgrass.

UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate — Normal & Fine Granule Sizes

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 buffering to a slightly acidic pH of about 6.8, with lower water hardness, to fuel lush plant carpets and delicate aquatic life.

Black Satin Aquascaping Tools

25 cm scissors and tweezers in a black satin finish, with sharp blades and serrated tips for effortless plant insertion and delicate trimming.

UNS Controsoil Black Planted Aquarium Substrate: frequently asked questions

Do I need to rinse UNS Controsoil?

No. Controsoil needs no rinsing and goes into the aquarium straight from the bag. It actively absorbs impurities, which is what keeps the water from clouding on the first fill.

Does UNS Controsoil release ammonia?

Only a little. Controsoil is a low ammonia release substrate: it gives off a minimal amount straight away, which starts the nitrogen cycle without added products. In UNS testing a tank cycled in under two weeks. Keep up weekly water changes while it cycles, because ammonia can spike if no water is changed.

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

No. UNS Controsoil is formulated without the heavy ammonia release of nutrient-rich aquasoils, so daily changes are not needed. A standard weekly water change is sufficient while the tank cycles.

When should I choose Normal vs Fine grain size?

Use Normal (approx. 5 mm) as the main substrate in larger aquariums and for plants with thicker roots. Use Fine (approx. 3 mm) for shorter-rooted foreground and carpeting plants, either on its own in a small tank or as a top layer in the foreground.

What pH does UNS Controsoil buffer to?

Controsoil buffers water to a slightly acidic pH and stabilises at about 6.8 over time, while lowering total water hardness. That range suits most aquatic plants, tropical fish and freshwater shrimp.

Is UNS Controsoil available in South Africa?

Yes. Jungle Aquatics stocks UNS Controsoil Black in South Africa in Normal and Fine granules, in 3 litre and 10 litre bags. Check live stock and pricing on jungleaquatics.com, then collect from the Broadacres showroom in Fourways, Johannesburg.

More from the UNS range

South African flag Officially available in South Africa

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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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