UNS Controsoil Black

UNS Controsoil Black

UNS Controsoil Black is a planted aquarium substrate from Ultum Nature Systems, designed for freshwater aquariums where aquatic plants, tropical fish and shrimp benefit from balanced, slightly acidic water conditions. Made for aquarists of all experience levels, this natural soil-based substrate provides a supportive foundation for rooted aquatic plants while helping to absorb impurities from the start.

UNS Controsoil is a natural blend of soil and volcanic ash. Unlike aquarium soils with high nutrient levels that may contribute to ammonia spikes, Controsoil focuses primarily on impurity absorption and water balance, releasing only minimal amounts of ammonia into the water column. Its granule composition is designed to support oxygen exchange around plant roots, helping create a suitable planted aquarium environment.

Key Benefits

• No rinsing required before use.
• Actively absorbs impurities to help inhibit cloudy aquarium water.
• Designed for low ammonia release compared with high-nutrient planted aquarium soils.
• Promotes and accelerates beneficial bacteria growth in a newly set-up freshwater aquarium.
• Buffers water towards a slightly acidic pH and lowers total water hardness, creating a better environment for aquatic plant nutrient consumption.
• Granule structure supports oxygen exchange for aquatic plant roots.
• Suitable for freshwater tropical fish and shrimp that prefer slightly acidic aquarium water.
• Available in different granule sizes to suit aquarist preference and different aquatic plant choices.

How to Use

• Use UNS Controsoil Black as the planted aquarium substrate in a freshwater setup.
• Rinsing is not required before placing the substrate in the aquarium.
• Select a granule type according to the aquarium layout and the rooting habits of the plants being grown.
• Carry out weekly water changes. Weekly water changes are encouraged to decrease total dissolved solids (TDS) and are highly recommended to help prevent ammonia spikes.
• Monitor ammonia and nitrate during the aquarium cycling process before considering livestock additions.

Suitable For

• Freshwater planted aquariums.
• Aquarists at all skill levels, from first planted tanks to larger-scale aquascapes.
• Tropical freshwater fish and freshwater shrimp that prefer slightly acidic aquarium water.
• Foreground aquatic plants when using the FINE granule option.
• Larger-scale aquariums and aquatic plants with thicker roots when using the NORMAL granule option.

Specifications

• Brand: UNS / Ultum Nature Systems.
• Colour: Black.
• Composition: Natural blend of soil and volcanic ash.
• Water buffering: Buffers water to a slightly acidic pH and lowers total water hardness.
• pH performance: In controlled testing, Controsoil stabilised pH levels to 6.8 pH over time.
• Granule options: FINE is ideal for shorter-root aquatic plants such as foreground plants; NORMAL is the standard option for larger-scale aquariums and aquatic plants with thicker roots.
• Controlled testing: Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil and a competing freshwater planted aquarium soil were tested side by side by a published, independent third party in a controlled environment over two weeks.
• Test conditions: RODI water was used, and no water changes were performed during the full test period to maintain continuity and avoid data inaccuracy that could affect the final results.
• TDS: Total dissolved solids measure the combined organic and inorganic substances in aquarium water other than pure H2O molecules, primarily including minerals, salts and organic matter. This measurement can be used to assess a water source’s general quality and purity.
• Ammonia and nitrate: Ammonia can provide a jumpstart in a newly set-up aquarium without third-party chemicals or additional products. As ammonia decreases, nitrate levels increase; once this process begins, livestock additions may be considered. This process is commonly called cycling a tank.
• Cycling observation: Based on the controlled tests, an aquarium may be cycled in less than two weeks when using Controsoil.
• Important ammonia note: During the two-week test, ammonia levels spiked after the sixth day because no water changes were performed. Ammonia spikes can be potentially lethal to aquarium livestock, which is why weekly water changes are always highly recommended.
• Stable pH conditions can positively affect the longevity of a planted aquarium and its livestock.

Available Sizes

• 3 Liter
• 10 Liter

Compatibility

• 3 Liter: Recommended for a 9 Gallon (34 liters) tank, including the Ultum Nature Systems 45U Standard Tank.
• 10 Liter: Recommended for a 20 Gallon (75 liters) tank, including the Ultum Nature Systems 60U Standard Tank.
• Designed for freshwater aquarium use with aquatic plants, tropical fish and freshwater shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rinse UNS Controsoil Black before adding it to my aquarium?
No. UNS Controsoil Black does not require rinsing before use.

Is UNS Controsoil Black suitable for shrimp and tropical fish?
Yes. It is suitable for freshwater inhabitants such as tropical fish and shrimp that prefer slightly acidic aquarium water.

Which granule option is best for foreground plants?
The FINE granule option is ideal for shorter-root aquatic plants, including foreground plants.

What is the NORMAL granule option intended for?
NORMAL is the standard granule option for larger-scale aquariums and aquatic plants with thicker roots.

Can Controsoil affect ammonia while a new aquarium is cycling?
Controsoil begins the cycling process by releasing minimal amounts of ammonia. In controlled testing without water changes, ammonia spiked after day six, so weekly water changes are highly recommended.

Which Controsoil volume should I choose for my tank?
The 3 Liter option is recommended for a 9 Gallon (34 liters) tank, while the 10 Liter option is recommended for a 20 Gallon (75 liters) tank.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

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