Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe Aquarium Gravel, 3L Fine Substrate for Planted Tanks

Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe Aquarium Gravel is a 3L fine-grained aquarium substrate for planted tanks and aquascapes, with grains measuring 0.4 to 0.9 mm.

• Designed for planted aquariums — supports healthy root growth for aquatic plants.
• 0.4 to 0.9 mm grain size — suited to bottom-dwelling species and live shrimp.
• 3L quantity — suitable for use in large aquariums and small fish tanks.
• Richer colors with a warmer tone — brings a warm-toned substrate option to aquarium layouts.
• Ready to use after rinsing — helps remove finer grains before setup.

Choosing a substrate is part of planning both the look and layout of an aquarium. Controsand Santa Fe is made for planted tanks, aquascapes, blackwater aquariums and biotopes, with a fine grain intended for aquariums that house bottom-dwelling species or live shrimp. Its warmer color palette also pairs with layouts featuring Dragon Stone or aquarium driftwood.

Is Controsand Santa Fe suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe is designed for planted aquariums and promotes healthy root growth. It can be used to create planted layouts as well as aquascapes, giving aquatic plants a substrate suited to their roots. The substrate is also suitable for blackwater aquariums and biotopes.

• Works in layouts featuring Dragon Stone or aquarium driftwood.
• Its richer colors create a warmer tone in the aquarium.

Will the grain size work for bottom-dwelling fish and shrimp?

Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe has a grain size of 0.4 to 0.9 mm, making it a suitable choice for aquariums housing bottom-dwelling species and live shrimp. The fine sand lets shrimp sift through the substrate. It is offered for both small fish tanks and large aquariums, so its intended use spans different aquarium sizes.

• Made for use with live shrimp and bottom-dwelling species.
• Supplied as a 3L quantity of aquarium substrate.

Does the substrate need preparation before use?

Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe is ready to be placed in an aquarium, and rinsing it before use is recommended. Rinsing helps remove finer grains, which helps maintain water clarity and prevent cloudiness during setup.

• Rinse before adding it to the fish tank.
• Rinsing helps clear away finer grains.

Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Santa Fe suits aquarium keepers planning a planted tank, a warm-toned aquascape, a blackwater setup or a biotope, including those keeping live shrimp or bottom-dwelling species. It is intended for aquarium use in layouts with plants, Dragon Stone or driftwood, rather than as a general-purpose material outside a fish tank. Its 3L quantity, fine grain and aquarium-focused applications make it a defined substrate choice for these setups.

Read our guide: Aquascaping a freshwater tank: substrate, stone, wood and light