Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil Freshwater Aquarium Soil, Black 3 L, pH Buffering

Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil is a 3-liter freshwater aqua soil for planted aquariums, made with volcanic-ash granules and a 6.8 pH profile.

• Granules support oxygen exchange and provide nutrients for aquatic plants.
• Suitable for freshwater fish and shrimp that prefer slightly acidic water.
• Low ammonia release supports the growth of beneficial bacteria.
• No rinsing is required; the substrate absorbs impurities in cloudy water.
• pH and kH buffering lowers total water hardness and creates a slightly acidic environment.

Controsoil is made for freshwater aquariums where the substrate needs to serve aquatic plants as well as the tank’s inhabitants. Its intended uses include planted aquarium layouts, live plant propagation and aquascaping. The product comes in a black, Normal variant, offering a defined substrate choice for planning a freshwater setup.

How does Controsoil support aquatic plants?

Its granule composition and sizes are designed to support oxygen exchange and provide rich nutrients for aquatic plants. This makes the substrate suited to planted aquariums, where the growing medium is part of the layout as well as the plant environment. It is also intended for live plant propagation and aquascaping.

• Made for planted freshwater aquarium setups.
• Suitable for live plant propagation and aquascaping projects.

Can freshwater fish and shrimp live with this substrate?

Yes. Controsoil is suitable for freshwater inhabitants, including tropical fish and shrimp, when they prefer slightly acidic aquarium water. Its water-buffering role also supports a setup with conditions suited to aquatic plants.

• Intended for freshwater aquarium use.
• Designed for inhabitants that prefer slightly acidic water.

Does Controsoil need rinsing, and how does it affect aquarium water?

No rinsing is required before use. Controsoil absorbs impurities to help clarify and detoxify cloudy water, while its low ammonia release promotes beneficial bacteria growth. Its pH and kH buffering lowers total water hardness and shifts the water toward slightly acidic conditions, creating an environment that supports aquatic plant nutrient consumption.

• Absorbs impurities in cloudy water.
• Buffers pH and kH while lowering total water hardness.

Controsoil is a fit for freshwater aquarists building planted layouts, propagating aquatic plants or aquascaping with fish or shrimp that prefer slightly acidic water. The 3-liter black Normal substrate combines plant-focused granules with water-buffering and impurity-absorbing functions for these aquarium setups.

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