Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil - Freshwater Aqua Soil Substrate for Fish, Shrimp, Live Plant Propagation and Aquascaping - 6.8pH Low Ammonia, Volcanic Ash - Black, Extra Fine (3 Liter)

This is great substrate for planted aquariums. I love that it is low ammonia because beneficial bacteria don’t need a lot to ramp up. I combine this with the APT S Starter Bacteria underneath and it cycles the tank in two to three weeks without fail. The small ammonia release from this substrate is perfect for the bacteria and results in zero ammonia and zero nitrite with low nitrate in a very short period of time. This isn’t nutrient rich like Amazonia but you can crush up root tabs and sprinkle them on top of the APT S before you pour in the Contrasoil for a boost. I usually do this and dark start the aquarium per the APT S instructions and the results are great. Low algae and great plant growth. Because this is partially made from volcanic ash it really soaks up things and keeps your tank clean as well. It’s strange but it does absorb a lot of impurities like advertised. This soil with Purigen makes a crystal clear aquarium. It’s definitely best for clarity. All in all, a great product. Thanks UNS!

The dip-n-dots large sized substrate balls weren’t ever my favorite. Opting for a slightly more natural looking finer substrate, this one is perfect although a little pricey. But to be expected from the UNS brand; you get what you pay for: quality! Would use for my next scape build for sure.

Perfect size for tiny fish tank

It is a fine quality substrate but you have to follow the directions. No mixing with other substrates which will make it mud up your tank. Also very important that you do not use with any fish that like to dig, which will also mud up your tank water. I am specifically using for potted terra cotta aquarium plants & as long as you put a good layer of gravel substrate on top of each pot it does a wonderful job, very good media for growing plants. I cant use it as I intended as I have the digging Blood Parrot cichlids.

Didn't need to prewash grew my plants quickly and my tank has had perfect ph levels and no new tank syndrome! It is expensive but it's less expensive than buying a fluval first and having to start new once your tank turns green and mushy

Best sub for growing live plants hands down.

Great product very reliable.

For planted aquarium this soil is amazing Doesn’t cloud water at all 3L of extra fine for 20 gallon. More than enough Probably a little too much. All depends on your other substrates. I have sand than contro soil than some gravel