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New bag design, same amazing soil!
Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil is an aquarium soil from Japan made of high-quality natural soil and volcanic ash. Choosing a proper substrate is vital for any successful planted aquarium. This is not only for aquarium plants to flourish but also to buffer the water to optimum levels for certain fish and shrimp.
Controsoil by UNS will keep the pH of alkaline water below 7 which is ideal for keeping Caridina shrimp and most tropical fish.
Controsoil is the perfect solution for those who want good plant growth without the headache of excessive ammonia. With other aquarium soils, it is common to experience algae spikes during the initial month or two of a new set up. This is commonly referred to as “new tank syndrome” and is characterized by brown or green algae on the glass, aquatic plants, and hardscape along with cloudy or smelly water.
This phenomenon is caused by high levels of ammonia (NH3) which many soil manufacturers add to their products. Although the ammonia helps to cycle the tank, too much can cause problems so it is necessary for users to do daily water changes during the first few weeks of use until the planted tank is established. However, many users have reported success with using Controsoil and adding shrimp or fish within 24 hours of a new set up, but we always recommend cycling the tank first and making sure ammonia and nitrites are at 0.
How much soil do I need?
Length x Width x Desired Substrate Height (in inches)
Divided by 60
= Liters of soil needed
Specifications:
Normal Granules ~ 5mm
Good for larger tanks (20 gallons or above) with larger plants.
Fine Granules ~ 3mm
Perfect for smaller planted tanks (less than 20 gallons). Controsoil can also be used as a top coat and placed on top of medium granules. Finer soil granules help small root plants, such as Hemianthus Callitrichoides, to anchor into the substrate easier. This also helps prevent pesky floating upon filling the tank.
Extra Fine Granules ~ 1mm
Perfect for smaller planted tanks (Less than 20 gallons), or to use as a topcoat to place on top of medium and fine granules. Finer soil granules help small root plants, such as Hemianthus Callitrichoides, to anchor into the substrate easier. This also helps prevent pesky floating upon filling the tank.

Overall rating: 4.8732395 / 5 from 355 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
UNS Controsoil Black is highly praised for its excellent quality, great color, and effective plant root support. Customers appreciate its fast and reliable shipping, and its ability to enhance plant growth in aquariums. The substrate is noted for its perfect granule size and its role in preventing new tank syndrome.
Summary topics
- Water Clarity (7%): Opinions vary, some reviewers found that the water cleared quickly and did not cloud up.
- Product Color (9%): Customers appreciated the great color of the UNS Controsoil brown, especially against the pink granite sand.
- Product Appearance (19%): A significant number of customers appreciated that the product looks great and has a great natural look.
- Product Satisfaction (7%): Customers loved the Controsoil, with many expressing their satisfaction and recommending it highly.
- Plant Root Support (16%): A significant number of customers pointed out that this soil holds the roots of plants better than others.
Review topics: ["color","shipping","looks","issues","quality","water","size","price","results","customer service","texture","packaged","value","outcome","support","use","soil","substrate","plants","controsoil","tank","dust","cloudiness","order","rinse","growing","aquasoil","holds","service","bag"].
Review highlights
- "Shipped fast and everything came perfectly can’t wait to start my tank with top notch equipment and plants" —
- "The fine substrate makes for easy planting and the color goes well with a variety of hardscape." —
- "The color looks great and the plants love it so far." —
Reviews
Excellent substrate
"Controsoil is a great substrate coming from a strictly gravel setup. The grain size is consistent, doesn’t float and easy to scape. I got 10L Fine for a shallow 6. 8 gallon. I do wish there was a size between 3L and 10L as the 3L wouldn’t have been enough and I still have more than half a bag extra with the 10L."
"Literally the best aqua or terrarium soil I’ve used :)"
Great product for my planted tanks
"Terrific shipping and service from Buce Plant as usual. I like how this doesn't emit much ammonia, like other aquasoils. It makes it easy to make small adjustments to my scape with fish in."
Amazing quality
"It was a bit expensive for substrate but let me tell you it was well worth it I already notice my plants doing better since I switched from a sand and gravel substrate to this. I would highly recommend."
"The best soil for aquascaping."
I only use UNS contrasoil
"I only use UNS contrasoil for my aquascapes. Plants grow really good. I've been ordering from this site for a while. Shipping is always fast and hassle free."
Controsoil arrived fast and looks amazing!
"It looks wonderful and holds its shape well! Another great product by UNS!"
Great nutrient rich substrate
"One of the best aquasoils in the market. Grows all kinds of plants, especially carpeting plants that are heavy root feeders."
I've used four other aquasoils
"I've used four other aquasoils in separate tanks and this will be the first with Controsoil. Looking forward to seeing how it differs from the field."
Very good
"Good"
Q&A
- Can Controsoil be used with an under gravel filter?
- Hi Terry, Thank you for your question. Controsoil, or any nutrient-rich aquarium soil, is generally not recommended for use with under gravel filters. These filters work by drawing water through the substrate and can disrupt the soil and clog the filter. Instead, consider using a sponge filter or hang-on-back filter. We hope this helps! Best regards, Team Buce Plant
- I have a vertical 10 gal tank that I want to plant and put dwarf frogs into, what size bag of this product should I get?
- Hi Jack, thank you for your question! We'd be happy to assist you with this. Depending on how thick you'd like your substrate to be, please feel free to use our convenient substrate calculator: Length x Width x Desired Substrate Height (in inches) Divided by 60 = Liters of substrate needed Thank you, Team Buce Plant
- I have an established 36 gal tank with gravel in it. How much of this soil will I need and would it be safe for my fish to completely get rid of the existing gravel and replace it with this product?
- Hi Natalia, thank you for your interest. Regarding how much soil is needed for your tank, please feel free to use our convenient substrate calculator: Length x Width x Desired Substrate Height (in inches) Divided by 60 = Liters of substrate needed As for the soil, you are able to replace the gravel in your tank with Controsoil. We'd recommend properly cycling your tank with the new soil added first and then adding your fish safely! If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to email us at support@buceplant.com! Thank you, Team Buce Plant
- I’ve just scaped a heavily planted 9 gallon tank (all components purchased from Buce 😁). Plants include Monte Carlo, Water Sprite, Tiger Lily and Ludwigia. At what point should one add liquid fertilizer to the system, if using the UNS Controsoil?
- Hi there, Thank you for your question! That sounds absolutely great! Typically, if you're noticing some deficiencies in your plants we would suggest starting to dose fertilizer. Usually if you notice your leaves are starting to turn yellow, spotted, or not doing well that might be an indication.
- Can you cap this product with sand?
- Hi Rob, Thank you for reaching out to us. UNS Controsoil can be capped with sand. We recommend using the extra fine granule size if you do plan to cap the soil. Best regards, Buceplant Team