UNS Controsoil Brown
Product Overview
Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Brown is a volcanic ash-based aquarium soil from Japan designed to support healthy planted tanks. Selecting the right substrate is foundational not only for aquatic plants to flourish, but also for maintaining optimal water parameters for sensitive livestock like dwarf shrimp and tropical fish. While other substrates might leach excessive ammonia (NH3) and trigger the dreaded "new tank syndrome", resulting in cloudy water and aggressive initial algae spikes, Controsoil keeps initial ammonia release minimal while buffering alkaline water to a slightly acidic pH below 7.0.
This natural parameter control simplifies early tank maintenance and creates a stable aquatic ecosystem right out of the bag without daily water changes as the tank establishes itself. Offered in Extra Fine (~1mm), Fine (~3mm), and Normal (~5mm) granule sizes, it provides the ideal foundation for anchoring delicate foreground carpeting species or building a high-impact aquascape for heavy root-feeding plants.
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Key Features & Benefits
- Natural soil and volcanic ash composition absorbs impurities and maintains water clarity from initial setup.
- Natural parameter control buffers alkaline water below 7.0 pH and lowers total hardness for soft-water species.
- Controlled low ammonia release prevents initial algae blooms while simplifying early aquarium establishment.
- Durable granule structure resists breakdown over time to prevent compaction and encourage deep root growth.
Usage & Application Guidelines
- Do not rinse this aquarium soil before placing it into your tank.
- Distribute the granules to achieve a depth of two to three inches sloping toward the back glass to support root systems and build visual perspective.
- Fill the aquarium gently by pouring water over a plate or plastic wrap to keep the substrate layer undisturbed.
- Monitor pH and KH levels while cycling your aquarium, ensuring ammonia and nitrites read zero before introducing livestock.
Quick Facts & Specifications
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Granule Size Comparison
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Extra Fine (~1mm) |
Ideal Application & Plants: Foreground carpet plants (HC Cuba, Monte Carlo) & nano tanks (<10 gal) Key Advantage: Easiest anchoring for delicate root systems; prevents plant floating |
| Fine (~3mm) |
Ideal Application & Plants: Small-to-medium stem plants, Crypts & mid-size tanks (10–20 gal) Key Advantage: Versatile all-around granule size for general aquascaping |
| Normal (~5mm) |
Ideal Application & Plants: Large stem plants, Swords & larger aquariums (20+ gal) Key Advantage: Maximizes water circulation and oxygenation around deeper roots |
Substrate Volume & Tank Sizing Guide
| Bag Size | Recommended Tank Setup | Estimated Bed Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Liter | ~2 Gallons / 8 Liters (e.g., UNS 20C Cube) | ~2 inch depth in nano setups |
| 3 Liters | ~9 Gallons / 34 Liters (e.g., UNS 45U) | ~2 to 2.5 inch bed depth |
| 10 Liters | ~20 Gallons / 75 Liters (e.g., UNS 60U) | ~2 to 3 inch sloping bed depth |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to rinse this aquarium substrate before adding it to my tank?
No, you should never rinse aquarium soil before adding it to your setup. Rinsing breaks down the delicate volcanic granules, washes away beneficial structural elements, and creates unnecessary cloudiness in the water column.
2. How much substrate do I need for my aquarium size?
To calculate the required volume in liters, multiply the length of your aquarium by the width and desired substrate depth in inches, then divide the total by 60. For example, a standard tank measuring 24 inches long by 12 inches wide with a 2-inch bed requires approximately 9.6 liters of soil.
3. How does this substrate affect my water parameters?
UNS Controsoil Brown gently buffers alkaline water to a slightly acidic pH below 7.0 while lowering overall water hardness. This creates an optimal soft-water environment for aquatic plants, freshwater dwarf shrimp, and tropical fish.
4. Can I combine Controsoil with aquarium sand in the same aquascape?
Yes, combining aquarium soil with decorative aquarium sand is a popular technique for high-contrast aquascaping layouts. You can place soil in the rear or planting zones for root growth and cosmetic sand in the foreground or pathway areas for visual contrast.