---
product_id: 398187777
title: "Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter)"
brand: "ultum nature systems"
price: "$267.18"
currency: USD
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 2
category: "Ultum Nature Systems"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/398187777-ultum-nature-systems-controsoil-freshwater-planted-aquarium-substrate-extra-fine
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Volcanic ash base for natural mineral richness Naturally acidifies & softens water for optimal aquatic health Extra fine ~1mm granules for delicate root anchoring Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter)

**Brand:** ultum nature systems
**Price:** $267.18
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your aquarium game with nature’s finest volcanic substrate!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter) by ultum nature systems
- **How much does it cost?** $267.18 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/398187777-ultum-nature-systems-controsoil-freshwater-planted-aquarium-substrate-extra-fine)

## Best For

- ultum nature systems enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted ultum nature systems brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Natural pH Balancer:** Softens and acidifies aquarium water naturally, optimizing conditions for sensitive freshwater species.
- • **Precision Rooting Medium:** Extra fine granules (~1mm) create the perfect texture for delicate plant roots and shrimp habitats.
- • **Water Clarity & Detox Boost:** Absorbs impurities and detoxifies water, ensuring crystal-clear tanks without cloudiness.
- • **Volcanic Powerhouse Substrate:** Harness the mineral-rich volcanic ash of Mount Aso for thriving aquatic plants and livestock.
- • **Effortless Setup & Maintenance:** No rinsing needed; place dry substrate and add water slowly for instant clarity and easy planting.

## Overview

Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil is a premium, extra fine (~1mm) volcanic ash-based substrate designed specifically for freshwater planted aquariums and sensitive species like tropical fish and dwarf shrimp. It naturally acidifies and softens water, absorbs impurities to maintain crystal-clear conditions, and provides an ideal rooting medium for aquatic plants. Ready to use without rinsing, it supports a healthy, balanced ecosystem while enhancing the natural aesthetics of your tank.

## Description

Ultum Nature Systems has partnered with Marfied to bring you Ultum Nature Controsoil. UNS Controsoil is an andisol based substrate created from the volcanic ash of Mount Aso in Japan. Choosing the right substrate is a vital component for a successful planted aquarium. It allows plants to flourish while buffering the water to optimum levels for certain freshwater livestock. Proper aquarium substrate is paramount to successfully growing healthy aquatic plants. Controsoil absorbs impurities in your water column to provide a healthy environment for livestock. The texture and porosity provide the perfect medium for plant roots to latch onto. This soil is specifically designed for planted aquariums and shrimp keeping without excessive ammonia, which can lead to algae during initial use. Ultum Nature Controsoil does not require any rinsing and won't cloud your water when properly used. For the best results, place your Controsoil into your aquarium prior to adding water. Add water slowly without stirring up the soil For planted tanks, we recommend using UNS Controsoil with UNS Plant Food fertilizers. Directions: Place the substrate in to an empty aquarium. When filling the aquarium with water, place a dish or other item to disburse the water flow and minimize disruption to the substrate layer. How much soil do I need? Length x Width x Desired Substrate Height (in inches), Divided by 60 = Liters of soil needed. Made in Japan. Available in 2 colors: Black and Brown. Available in three granule sizes: Normal (5mm), Fine (3mm), and Extra Fine (1mm). Available in three bag sizes: 1L, 3L, and 10L.

Review: I bought the Xfine Brown and very happy with the color. It appears darker brown, but under water and my ONF Light, the color takes on a lighter tone. This works extremely well with Dragon Stone. It is indeed very fine and so easy to work with. I did NOT rinse it. I placed my hardscape in, then planted into the substrate dry, misting the plants. When I filled the tank, there were floaters, but the moment you placed your fingers on them, they sunk. None of my microsword plants floated to the top, or other plants. The next day, the tank was completely clear, I was astonished actually. In fact, I'm ready to release my Betta as all my numbers are spot on and the temperature is perfect. I highly recommend for its fine texture, ease of planting, no rinsing and finally, it really looks amazing !
Review: I unfortunately have very hard, high pH water, so I got this to help correct the pH in my tanks. I found out through online research that most soil based substrates leach ammonia in the beginning. This one is not too bad, but I would still recommend soaking it in a bucket of treated water for at least a week or two before adding it to an established and occupied tank, especially if you have sensitive organisms like shrimp. When I measured the pH in the bucket after weeks (I had gotten busy with other things), this substrate brought down the pH from 7.6 out of the tap to under 6. It also brought down the GH and Kh. If you set this aside in treated water that has not had the pH adjusted otherwise, you will be able to tell the effect it has on your water (much harder to correct once in your tank). For a pH close to neutral, mix this substrate with substrate that drives the pH the other direction (I noticed that pH-raising substrates take MUCH LESS amount than acidifying substrates by volume to affect the pH, PLUS substrates change the water pH VERY SLOWLY, which is why you want to check at least a week or two after soaking, if not longer, to allow the pH to settle. If you look at the photos, in one tank, it looks like I only have this substrate, but in fact, I have fine gravel deeper down that’s keeping the pH from plummeting. One more tip: if changing out old gravel (I leaned that the substrate’s pH buffering capacities wear out at about 1.5 to 2 years), change it about 1/5 to 1/4 at a time (like starting on one corner of the tank and working your way around the tank with each water change) over weeks, to allow the new substrate time to colonize with nitrifying bacteria (cycle); otherwise, you risk crashing the cycle in your tank and having all your fish die. Finally, this substrate is VERY light. If you’re not careful, it will easily get sucked out when gravel cleaning. On the other hand, it is good for plants with delicate roots, but I’d recommend having at least 1.5 to 2 inches of substrate to make planting a little less challenging. This substrate would be excellent for fish with sensitive barbels (like coridoras) as it is super soft but not prone to getting sucked into gills like sand. It is also of very uniform color, allowing more contrast with the rest of the decor.

## Features

- Formulated for freshwater planted aquariums, tropical fish, and freshwater dwarf shrimp.
- Helps clarify and detoxify water
- Natural "Brown" color
- Naturally acidifies and softens aquarium water
- Extra Fine granule size (~1mm)

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07C2W2BBL |
| Brand Name | Ultum Nature Systems |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars (14) |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00851302008658 |
| Item Form | Granules |
| Liquid Volume | 3 Liters |
| Manufacturer | Marfied |
| Target Species | Fish |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Ultum Nature Systems
- **Global Trade Identification Number:** 00851302008658
- **Item form:** Granules
- **Liquid volume:** 3 Liters
- **Manufacturer:** Marfied

## Images

![Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71h3+r0uj-L.jpg)
![Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/815W-yob1CL.jpg)
![Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zdrmwSxPL.jpg)
![Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter) - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lOlBSYyRL.jpg)
![Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate - Extra Fine Brown (3 Liter) - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71G6M14DfvL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Is this good for a live plants betta tank?**
A: Yes, it is.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by D***A on 1 March 2023*

I bought the Xfine Brown and very happy with the color. It appears darker brown, but under water and my ONF Light, the color takes on a lighter tone. This works extremely well with Dragon Stone. It is indeed very fine and so easy to work with. I did NOT rinse it. I placed my hardscape in, then planted into the substrate dry, misting the plants. When I filled the tank, there were floaters, but the moment you placed your fingers on them, they sunk. None of my microsword plants floated to the top, or other plants. The next day, the tank was completely clear, I was astonished actually. In fact, I'm ready to release my Betta as all my numbers are spot on and the temperature is perfect. I highly recommend for its fine texture, ease of planting, no rinsing and finally, it really looks amazing !

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by T***N on 22 June 2021*

I unfortunately have very hard, high pH water, so I got this to help correct the pH in my tanks. I found out through online research that most soil based substrates leach ammonia in the beginning. This one is not too bad, but I would still recommend soaking it in a bucket of treated water for at least a week or two before adding it to an established and occupied tank, especially if you have sensitive organisms like shrimp. When I measured the pH in the bucket after weeks (I had gotten busy with other things), this substrate brought down the pH from 7.6 out of the tap to under 6. It also brought down the GH and Kh. If you set this aside in treated water that has not had the pH adjusted otherwise, you will be able to tell the effect it has on your water (much harder to correct once in your tank). For a pH close to neutral, mix this substrate with substrate that drives the pH the other direction (I noticed that pH-raising substrates take MUCH LESS amount than acidifying substrates by volume to affect the pH, PLUS substrates change the water pH VERY SLOWLY, which is why you want to check at least a week or two after soaking, if not longer, to allow the pH to settle. If you look at the photos, in one tank, it looks like I only have this substrate, but in fact, I have fine gravel deeper down that’s keeping the pH from plummeting. One more tip: if changing out old gravel (I leaned that the substrate’s pH buffering capacities wear out at about 1.5 to 2 years), change it about 1/5 to 1/4 at a time (like starting on one corner of the tank and working your way around the tank with each water change) over weeks, to allow the new substrate time to colonize with nitrifying bacteria (cycle); otherwise, you risk crashing the cycle in your tank and having all your fish die. Finally, this substrate is VERY light. If you’re not careful, it will easily get sucked out when gravel cleaning. On the other hand, it is good for plants with delicate roots, but I’d recommend having at least 1.5 to 2 inches of substrate to make planting a little less challenging. This substrate would be excellent for fish with sensitive barbels (like coridoras) as it is super soft but not prone to getting sucked into gills like sand. It is also of very uniform color, allowing more contrast with the rest of the decor.

## Frequently Bought Together

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-05-20*