UNS Controsoil
Also sold as Controsoil · UNS soil · Ultum Controsoil · Marfied Controsoil · Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil · Controsoil Black · Controsoil Fine · Contrasoil · Controlsoil
UNS Controsoil from Ultum Nature Systems is an aquasoil with a 1–5 mm grain. It holds some nutrients and pushes pH down, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
At a glance
| Type | Aquasoil |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Some |
| Grain | 1–5 mm |
| Brand | Ultum Nature Systems (UNS) |
| Effect on pH | Lowers pH and KH |
| Ammonia when new | None |
| Nutrients last | About 12 months |
| Shrimp | Suits Caridina |
Before it goes in
- UNS Controsoil is an aquasoil, 1–5 mm grain.
- It is lightly fertilised: root feeders grow in it without root tabs, for about 12 months before the nutrients run out.
- It pulls pH and KH down, which suits soft-water shrimp and most plants. It also works against hardscape that raises hardness — Seiryu Stone and Elephant Skin Stone — so the two partly cancel out.
- It releases no ammonia, so livestock can go in as soon as the tank is cycled.
- It is rough on fish that sift the substrate. Something finer suits German Blue Ram and Julii Cory better.
- It suits Caridina — the soft, acidic water they need is what it buffers towards.
What kind of substrate is it?
Aquasoil with a 1–5 mm grain, holding some nutrients.
Does it change pH?
Yes, it pulls pH and KH down and holds them there until it is exhausted.
Does it leach ammonia?
No, so you are not waiting on it to stop before stocking.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — UNS Controsoil is a complete substrate on its own.
Will carpeting plants root in it?
Yes. The grain is fine enough for runners to grip.
How long does it last?
Its nutrients run for about 12 months. After that it still works as a substrate; the plants just live on root tabs and water column dosing.
What it goes with
- Root feeders that get the most out of it: Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' and Alternanthera reineckii.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| UNS Controsoil | Fluval Stratum | ADA Africana | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Aquasoil | Aquasoil | Aquasoil |
| Nutrients | Some | Some | Some |
| pH | Lowers | Lowers | Lowers |
| Grain | 1–5 mm | 3–5 mm | Medium |
| Leaches ammonia | No | No | — |