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The Ultum Aquarium Substrate for Aquascaping Enthusiasts
Creating a stunning aquascape requires more than just creativity; it demands a foundation that supports healthy plant growth while maintaining a balanced aquatic environment. Enter Controsoil by Ultum Nature Systems, a premium aquarium substrate designed specifically for aquascaping hobbyists.
This unique aquarium soil is a natural blend of soil and volcanic ash, meticulously crafted to provide the ideal conditions for both your aquatic and potted plants.
pH & kH Buffering
Provides excellent pH and kH buffering capabilities. It naturally buffers water to a slightly acidic pH for an optimal environment for fish and shrimp
Designed For Planted Aquariums
Controsoil is the ideal choice for planted aquariums, maintaining balance for shrimp and fish, and creating a beautiful aquatic environment
Low Ammonia Release
Transform your aquarium into a thriving ecosystem with Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil, the go-to aquarium substrate for live plants.
Optimal for Healthy Aquascape
One of the standout features of Controsoil is that it requires no rinsing before use. This significantly reduces the hassle.
The Versatility of Controsoil
From Start to Finish
Versatility in Size and Color
Controsoil is available in black and brown hues, allowing you to choose a substrate for plants that complements your aquascaping vision. Additionally, it comes in three different grain sizes—extra fine (1mm), fine (3mm), and normal (5mm)—to cater to various plant types and aquarium sizes.
Andrew E.
2025-08-06 14:19:12
I’ve used a lot of substrates and this one was by far the cleanest. Required significantly less rinsing to get clean enough to put in my newest tank. Plant growth has been good and the overall appearance just shows what a good quality substrate this stuff really is. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good planted tank substrate.
Unknown
2025-07-13 11:13:43
Amazing substrate! Can’t go wrong with it! The substrate when rinsing it off is very dirty and messy so keep that in mine! It will also make your tank very cloudy but it clears up within around 4 hours (if you have your filter going, in this case I have a sponge filter) or overnight without a filter. The next morning the water was crystal clear, I’ll probably update within a couple of months to see if my plants are doing any better than the gravel they were in but I have high hopes for this soil.This soil does great for bottom feeders! I have cory catfish and a betta in a 10 gallon tank and my cory’s now love to lift their behinds up to dig into the soil because it’s so soft and light weight. I’d highly recommend this for any bottom feeders that aren’t rough with the soil because the pellets CAN break and turn into little crumbles of dust or dirt.UPDATE: Still a really good substrate! I added Ludwigia Repens to my tank and they grew so fast along with the hornwort which I added a couple of weeks ago. My betta fish loves resting on it and weaving through the overgrown plants BUT the only thing is that the darkest shade that it comes in is two or three shades light so black is brown and brown is tan. I got the black/brown and it’s a dirty brown-tan color. It’s perfectly fine because I’ll be topping it off with Fluval but this is a better bang for your buck if you wanted Fluval but wanted a big bag.Update 2023:It’s still going strong and continues to help my aquatic plants thrive! I did realize that you need to wash the soil out a lot and wait a good amount of time for the black to really set in. After a few months the color changed from brown/tan to black with spots of brown throughout. It’s been a minute since I’ve bought this soil and the price has gone down drastically (by $30) so I’ll definitely be buying myself another back to touch up on the old soil.
Brice Boyd
2025-06-05 13:12:54
Very good product, I have had a lot of success with my plants using this and I have not had any issues with water color or anything like that.
SlimChiLion
2025-05-17 10:23:02
This is great substrate for planted aquariums. I love that it is low ammonia because beneficial bacteria don’t need a lot to ramp up. I combine this with the APT S Starter Bacteria underneath and it cycles the tank in two to three weeks without fail. The small ammonia release from this substrate is perfect for the bacteria and results in zero ammonia and zero nitrite with low nitrate in a very short period of time. This isn’t nutrient rich like Amazonia but you can crush up root tabs and sprinkle them on top of the APT S before you pour in the Contrasoil for a boost. I usually do this and dark start the aquarium per the APT S instructions and the results are great. Low algae and great plant growth.Because this is partially made from volcanic ash it really soaks up things and keeps your tank clean as well. It’s strange but it does absorb a lot of impurities like advertised. This soil with Purigen makes a crystal clear aquarium. It’s definitely best for clarity.All in all, a great product. Thanks UNS!
Bender B. Rodriguez
2025-04-22 14:22:20
Probably too expensive to do the whole substrate but I like it as a topper. Went with the medium grain I think. Probably the larger grain would be the better choice for something other than using it as a topper.Said no rinse so I didn't. I was using as a spot filler sand cap cover so I wasn't terribly concerned as I was only putting in a little. Definitely clouded the tank and left decent powder coat on plants but settled quickly despite being in a no filter tank. Probably would drain more water doing it again.
DirtDiva
2025-03-07 21:08:40
I bought the Xfine Brown and very happy with the color. It appears darker brown, but under water and my ONF Light, the color takes on a lighter tone. This works extremely well with Dragon Stone. It is indeed very fine and so easy to work with. I did NOT rinse it. I placed my hardscape in, then planted into the substrate dry, misting the plants. When I filled the tank, there were floaters, but the moment you placed your fingers on them, they sunk. None of my microsword plants floated to the top, or other plants. The next day, the tank was completely clear, I was astonished actually. In fact, I'm ready to release my Betta as all my numbers are spot on and the temperature is perfect. I highly recommend for its fine texture, ease of planting, no rinsing and finally, it really looks amazing !
E
2024-12-19 10:31:40
This was super easy to add to the tank. There was the initial clouding but a water change and letting the filter do it's thing and after less than 30 minutes, the tank was clear. Initial impressions are great. Of note, brown is a little darker than expected, but in a good way. If you're looking for light brown, this is definitely not light brown.
NICOLE J
2024-12-04 16:22:01
Beautiful substrate! It’s better than they describe! I works perfectly!
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