UNS Controbase - Planted Aquarium Substrate

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase - Glass Aqua

$34.99 USD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center

IMPORTANT: If your order arrives damaged, please take photos and contact us right away—we’re here to help. Due to the nature of certain products, returns are subject to approval. For full details, please visit our FAQ.

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase is a nutrient-rich foundation substrate designed to be placed beneath aquasoils such as UNS Controsoil. Made from porous pumice infused with slow-release nutrients, it provides a long-term nutrient reserve for heavy root-feeding aquatic plants while improving water circulation and oxygenation beneath the substrate bed.

Pre-bagged mesh bags make Controbase easy to position, remove, and stack when creating dynamic aquascaping slopes and hardscape layouts. An essential substrate companion to UNS Controsoil and UNS Controsand.

Best For
- Heavy root-feeding aquatic plants
- Nutrient-demanding aquascapes
- Building substrate slopes
- Long-term planted aquarium layouts

Controbase is not intended to be used as a standalone aquarium substrate. Instead, it serves as a nutrient-rich base layer beneath aquasoils such as Controsoil, where it can provide long-term root nutrition while supporting aquascaping structure and substrate depth.

Product Compatibility


CONTROBASE + CONTROSOIL	CONTROBASE + CONTROSAND
- Heavily planted aquariums - High-demand aquatic plants	- Light to moderately planted aquariums - Low-demand aquatic plants

How Much Controbase Do I Need?
As a general guideline:

- One 2L bag is suitable for aquariums up to 20 gallons.
Each 2L bag contains four (4) individual 0.5L pre-bagged mesh bags.

- One 8L bag is suitable for aquariums up to 114 gallons.
Each 8L order contains sixteen (16) individual 0.5L pre-bagged mesh bags.

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase Powersand Planted Aquarium Nutrient Substrate Instructions

The UNS Substrate System
A real-life demonstration showing the progression and development of a planted aquarium using UNS Controbase, UNS Controsoil, and UNS Plant Food as a complete substrate system.

Together, these products create a layered approach to planted aquarium nutrition! Controbase provides a nutrient-dense foundation layer, Controsoil creates a stable planting environment, and Plant Food supports continued growth as the aquarium matures.

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

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:

Revitalize the soil with aquarium plant root tabs!
Keep the same scape, remove some plants, top off with a fresh soil layer and replant.
Use this as an opportunity to do a full rescape.

Choose your Aquarium Substrate

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 7 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [].

Review highlights

Reviews

Great substrate foundation

"My substrate base is UNS Controbase with UNS Controsoil. Love that the Controbase came in prebagged mesh filter."

— Francesca 9. (5/5)

"Came in perfect condition! It is exactly what I need for my 20 gallon long aquarium build."

— Hope (5/5)

ControBASED

"I decided to try controbase with aquasoil for my new 45U tank setup, and I'm glad I did. I really like that it's already bagged so I didn't have to worry about that. The contents are better than the other brand I used previously. The 2L size was more than enough to help me create height in my tank. Glad this product came in time for my new tank!"

— Corey K. (5/5)

Solid Product

"Within the month or so I've had the Controbase in my tank, the plants have been settleling in well and have had good, healthy growth. They're not difficult plants; amazon swords, creeping charlie, crypt balansae, ludwigia atlantis. I threw seachem root tabs inbetween the bags and capped it all with moonlight sand from Caribsea. In previous scapes without the Controbase, everything else remaining constant, the plants haven't settled or done well as they are now with the product."

— Ben B. (5/5)

CLEAN

"AWESOME! Zero mess, no water clouding. Plants are loving it. Will now be using in every tank I own."

— Taura T. (5/5)

What lies beneath

"Great growth with base annd soil"

— Nathan I. (5/5)

"Came fast and love the controbase"

— Alex (5/5)

Q&A

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.