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Ultum Nature Systems Controbase - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
  • Ultum Nature Systems Controbase | Shop Aquarium Substrate - Glass Aqua
Ultum Nature Systems Controbase

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase

$89.99 USD
Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center
IMPORTANT: Returns are subject to approval and must be new, unused and in original packaging. Damaged returns are subject to restocking fees.

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase is a highly porous, nutrient-rich substrate designed for planted aquariums. Made from pumice stone infused with slow-releasing nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and essential trace elements, Controbase supports heavy root-feeding aquatic plants while regulating excess nutrients. Its larger 6-8mm granules improve water flow and oxygenation, fostering beneficial bacteria growth for a healthier, more balanced ecosystem and improved plant vitality.

For convenience, Ultum Nature Systems Controbase comes pre-bagged in mesh filter bags for easy removal and reusability. Bags can be stacked to create sloped substrate hills, an effective technique to create perspective when aquascaping. Depending on the respective aquarium's needs, Controbase is designed to complement UNS Controsoil and UNS Controsand.

CONTROBASE + CONTROSOIL CONTROBASE + CONTROSAND
Heavily planted aquariums that contain nutrient demanding aquatic plants. Light to moderately planted aquariums that contain less demanding aquatic plants.


Ultum Nature Systems Controbase is available in two bag sizes to accommodate a range of popular aquarium tank sizes.

SIZE TANK SIZE
2L up to 20GAL / 75L (Ultum Nature Systems 60U Aquarium)
Each 2L bag contains four (4) individual 0.5L mesh bags
8L up to 114GAL / 432L (Ultum Nature Systems 120U Aquarium)
Each 8L bag contains sixteen (16) individual 0.5L mesh bags
Ultum Nature Systems Controbase Powersand Planted Aquarium Nutrient Substrate Instructions

CONTROSOIL CONTROBASE PLANT FOOD

Ultum Nature Systems products are designed to function together systematically, creating a balanced and effective environment for planted aquariums. Controbase and Plant Food were rigorously tested for months to ensure their effectiveness within the Ultum Nature System. Plant Food, in particular, underwent three years of development with multiple formula refinements. All three products—Controsoil, Controbase, and Plant Food—were tested together in a UNS 45U to achieve optimal aquarium plant growth.

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase Powersand Planted Aquarium Nutrient Substrate

Aquarium Substrate Comparison Guide

Sand, gravel, and aquarium plant soil can all be used to grow aquatic plants. But are they the same? The short answer is no. Here’s our take on each substrate type.
Ultum Nature Systems 45U Standard Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Ultum Nature Systems Standard Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank
Before
After

3 different freshwater aquarium substrates used in a 9 gallon nature-style aquascape
Natural Cosmetic Sand

Aquarium sands are suggested for cosmetic purposes only and are usually paired with aqua soil when creating a nature-style aquarium. In some cases, hobbyists might choose natural sand as a main substrate and add nutrients back in via aquatic plant root tabs. This is enough to feed some low-tech aquarium plants. However, it isn’t sustainable long term since they dissolve and deplete quicker than plant soil. If you want a full sand look, try adding a base layer of soil first then topping it with your preferred sand. This way, you don’t miss out on the added benefits of aquarium soil and your aquatic plants get the nutrients they need. Overall, natural sand is an aquascaping staple. It’s available in many colors and also provides enrichment for bottom-dwellers who enjoy sifting through!

Optional hot tip: Use a sand flattener or brush to create a 0.5-1” gap between your soil layer and the tank panels. Then, pour your sand on top for extra clean edges. No soil peeking through here!
Ultum nature systems UNS Controsand Bora aquarium sand

Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Bora is a bright natural fine sand that works well with all freshwater aquariums
Ultum nature systems UNS 5N Nano Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Betta Fish Aquascape
Sand is great for minimalistic aquascapes that do not require plants to be rooted into soil
Ultum nature systems UNS 20C Cube Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Iwagumi Betta Fish Aquascape
It can also provide great contrast to bolder aquarium hardscape layouts
Ultum nature systems UNS 20C Cube Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Iwagumi Betta Fish Aquascape
Lighter sands add brightness to aquariums
Ultum nature systems UNS 20C Cube Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Shimp Iwagumi Aquascape
It is also great for sand sifting aquarium livestock such as Neocaridina Shrimp
Corydoras fish sifting through planted aquarium sand
Aquarium fish like Corydoras naturally love sifting sand
Aquarium Gravel

Like sand, gravel is another aquascaper’s choice. We’ve heard them used interchangeably, but they’re not the same! Gravel is a chunkier medium and can be used independently or as detail accents on top of a fine-grain sand base. Depending on your tank size, gravel may be a better option as it covers more surface area as well. Personally, we really enjoy using gravel as an accent in our aquascapes as sometimes sand alone can look too plain. A sprinkle of gravel here and there really adds that extra bit of fine detail that can elevate the entire look of a nature-inspired aquascape. Here are some of our previous tanks with gravel being used as an accent vs. a gravel-only planted tank.
Ultum nature systems UNS Controsand Santa Fe natural gravel

Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe features a mix of dark and light natural hues that are perfect for river-type aquascapes
Ultum nature systems UNS 25C Cube Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Dutch Wabi Kusa Aquascape
Gravel used purely for cosmetic purposes in a cube aquarium
Ultum nature systems UNS 45E Rimless Glass Paludarium Tank
It can also be used in paludarium aquascapes as well
Gravel like sand, can come in various earthy hues
Ultum nature systems UNS 75S Shallow Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank Paludarium Aquascape
It can also be used in much large aquariums where sand would not make the same visual impact
Ultum nature systems UNS 16C Cube Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank
Gravel is widely used as a decorative substrate in wabi kusa style aquariums
Ultum nature systems UNS Controsand Bora and Monterey aquarium sand and gravel

A mix and match of Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Bora (sand) and Monterey (gravel)
Hakkai Stone Planted Aquarium Tank Aquascape
A combination of sand and gravel accents in a planted aquarium
Ultum nature systems UNS 5N Nano Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank
Mix and match sand and gravel accents for a unique look
Ultum nature systems UNS 45U Standard Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank
Matching Controsand Vesuvius crushed lava rock with lava rock hardscape
Ultum nature systems UNS 60S Shallow Rimless Glass Aquarium Tank
We match the accent gravel with hardscape often to create a uniform look
Aquatic Plant Soil

The term aqua soil generally encompasses any substrate that contains nutrients and is designed specifically for tropical freshwater aquarium use. These aquarium plant soils usually contain micro and macronutrients or may offer features like dormant beneficial bacteria and water buffering capabilities. This is why rinsing prior to use isn’t recommended! Doing this washes away some of the good stuff that plants love. Popular aquarium plant types like Echinodorus, Cryptocoryne, various stem plants and Vallisneria species reap the best benefits from aquatic plant soil. Using them also supports the proper cycling of a new tank. 
Ultum nature systems UNS Controsoil Extra Fine Black aquarium plant soil Ultum nature systems UNS Controsoil Fine Black aquarium plant soil Ultum nature systems UNS Controsoil Normal Black aquarium plant soil
EXTRA FINE
FINE
NORMAL

You’ll notice higher quality soils usually contain natural ingredients like volcanic ash and clay, which are then high pressure baked into granules. The spherical shape prevents your soil from turning into mud over time and can be useful when creating slope hills in your aquascape. Some aquarium substrates like Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil, come in two different colors and three granule sizes. The soil’s ingredients are the same, but choosing the correct granule size is important and can be game changing. Carpeting aquarium plants like Glossostigma elatinoides, Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’, Micranthemum ‘Monte Carlo’, and Eleocharis (dwarf hairgrass) varieties are much easier to plant in extra-fine substrate types. The smaller granule also makes it easier for the plant’s roots to take hold and become established. On the flip side, large root aquarium plants like amazon swords (Echinodorus sp.) and jungle vals (Vallisneria sp.) will be easier to plant and root in larger soil granules.

Using aquarium soil, sand, and gravel while sloping it towards the back of the aquarium without mixing

There you have it! One important thing to note is that aquarium soils don’t last forever. In general planted tank conditions, most quality soils will last between 8-12 months before depletion. When you reach this point, here are some of the common options:

  1. Revitalize the soil with aquarium plant root tabs!
  2. Keep the same scape, remove some plants, top off with a fresh soil layer and replant.
  3. Use this as an opportunity to do a full rescape.
Choose your Aquarium Substrate
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Shipping, Returns and Refunds

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.