UNS Controsoil - Planted Aquarium Substrate

Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil - Glass Aqua

$21.99

Color

Granule | Size

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UNS Controsoil is our recommended aquasoil for beginners and one of the most versatile planted aquarium substrates available. Made from a blend of natural soil and volcanic ash, it features a low-nutrient composition and impurity-absorbing properties that give aquascapers greater control over when and how nutrients are introduced into the aquarium. The result is a cleaner, more predictable start that’s easier to manage, making Controsoil a popular choice for both first-time planted tank hobbyists and experienced aquascapers alike.

Best For
- Beginner planted aquariums
- Shrimp tanks
- Hobbyists who want more control over nutrient introduction
- Low-tech and high-tech planted aquariums

Why Choose Controsoil?

Clean and Easy to Use: Controsoil arrives ready to use with no rinsing required and produces significantly less debris for clearer water.
Beginner-Friendly Start: Its lower nutrient composition helps reduce ammonia spikes during the initial stages of an aquarium, creating a more predictable startup experience for new hobbyists.
Maintains Granule Structure Longer: The granules are designed to hold their shape over time, making Controsoil less likely to break down into "mud".
Buffers Aquarium Water: Brings the water column to a slightly acidic pH that is commonly preferred by tropical fish, shrimp, and live aquatic plants.
Two Colors and Three Granule Sizes: Choose between black or brown substrate colors and three granule sizes to accommodate everything from carpeting plants to large root-feeding species.
Excellent for Dry Start Method (DSM): Its stability, cleanliness, and structure retention make it a popular choice for dry start methods and planted aquarium layouts that require extended establishment periods.

Choosing a Granule Size

Extra Fine: Tiny spheres look best in nano tanks. Their size helps miniature aquatic plants like Hemianthus Callitrichoides (HC) grow healthy, established roots.
Fine: A solid all-purpose aquarium plant soil. It works for a variety of aquascaping purposes.
Normal: Larger granules can help build slope and achieve desired substrate height. Perfect for large root plants like Echinodorus. For nutrient-demanding aquatic plants, try adding UNS Controbase first and layering UNS Controsoil on top!

Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Planted Tank Substrate Soil

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

- One 3L bag is suitable for most aquariums up to 5 gallons
- One 10L bag is suitable for most aquariums up to 20 gallons

For aquascapes with significant slopes, elevated hardscape, or thicker substrate layers, additional substrate may be required.

Quick Substrate Calculator
(Tank Length × Tank Depth × Desired Substrate Height in Inches) ÷ 60 = Liters of Controsoil Needed

Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil $21.99

Tank length

Tank depth (front to back)

0 L Estimated substrate needed

Enter your tank dimensions Recommended bag quantity

Estimated recommendation based on Glass Aqua substrate coverage standards at 1 - 2". When in doubt, round up. Sloped layouts, deep planting areas and elevated hardscape may require additional 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: 4.9122806 / 5 from 114 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil is a highly recommended substrate for beginners and seasoned aquascapers alike. It offers a low-nutrient composition and impurity-absorbing properties, providing better control over nutrient addition. The substrate is available in various granule sizes, catering to different plant needs and aquascaping projects. Customers appreciate its quality, value for money, and the healthy growth it promotes in aquatic plants.

Summary topics

Aquarium Clarity (7%): Customers expressed appreciation for the fact that the tank works well and clears up quickly after adding water.
Order Experience (10%): Customers expressed appreciation for the promptness and helpfulness of their purchase, with many stating they would buy again.
Substrate Quality (27%): Many customers pointed out that this substrate is great in terms of quality and value for money.
Plant Growth (16%): A significant number of customers remarked that the plants grow well and have a great growth rate.
Aesthetic Appeal (14%): Customers appreciated that the product looks great, with some mentioning it looks amazing in their tanks.

Review topics: ["color","size","shipping","issues","quality","looks","light","work","water","price","substrate","soil","plants","growth","tank","grain","bag","roots","amount","rocks"].

Review highlights

"I love this product, my tank cleared up quickly after adding water and it looks amazing with the brown color." — Emily M.
"Plants grow tall and strong..." — Christopher C.
"The plants are already showing great growth after only a couple of weeks." — Thomas B.

Reviews

Good Stuff

"I love the different grain sizes. I got the brown color and love it for my forest aquascape. Will be using again!"

— Ryan H. (5/5)

So Far So Good

"Just got back into the hobby with about a 10 year hiatus. Decided I would spare no expense for this tank and went with this as my substrate in a UNS 90. About 3 weeks into a cycle and already seeing significant growth from my plants. Eventually I will have cardina shrimp in the tank and based on my current parameters I believe this substrate is doing what it says it'll do to condition my water for the lil guys. Haven't seen any cloudiness in my water but am currently dealing with some mild bacterial bloom while I get my lights, CO2 etc dialed in."

— T B. (5/5)

I’ve used several different types

"I’ve used several different types of substrate soil and this one is by far my favorite. Highly recommend."

— John E. (5/5)

Good quality

"super fast shipping. So far my plants are loving it."

— Linda G. (5/5)

Aqua soil

"Good size grain that makes it’s easy to plants. Easy to place rocks and driftwood into. Natural color to really bring the tank together. I currently am using it in 5 gallon shrimp tank and it helping the plants grow."

— JACK P. (5/5)

Good fast delivery. No mess as of 1 month.

"Shipping was very fast and got it within a week to west Texas. Granules were quite uniform and not too much dust in the bottom of the bag. Perfect amount for a 60x36x36cm tank. I put this in first into the dry tank then slowly filled water. Result is 99% clear water within the first day with filter circulating. I am 1 month in a dark start so still too early to evaluate how it grows plants."

— Max S. (5/5)

Great Substrate, Great Value

"This substrate is perfect for my planted tank. I use it as a base."

— Michael H. (5/5)

UNS SYSTEM

"Works great. Good price"

— ethan r. (5/5)

Arrived quickly as ordered

"Arrived quickly as ordered"

— Scott V. (5/5)

"Packaged in a FedEx envelope, the package arrived with leaking substrate. Could have been better packaged."

— Anil (1/5)

Q&A

What is the life span of this product?: Hello, great question! The general lifespan of all planted aquarium substrates will depends on use. BUT for most cases it ranges from 8-12 month and at which point we would recommend the use of plant tabs for extra nutrients OR rescaping with new fresh soil.
Is this substrate inert?: Hello Gabe, thank you for your question. We'd like to mention that the UNS Controsoil is not inert. It is an active substrate specifically designed for planted aquariums. It provides several benefits to support plant growth and create a stable aquatic environment which includes nutrient-rich for aquatic plants and pH buffering. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at hello@glassaqua.com. Thank you,
Will it affect the cycling process if I were to replace my gravel with this?: Hello and thanks for your interest. No it will not, if done properly. Please do your due diligence on planted aquarium cycling before attempting as there are more than several methods to do this.

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.