Ultum Nature Systems Controbase

Ultum Nature Systems Controbase is a nutrient-rich foundation substrate designed to be placed beneath aquasoils such as UNS Controsoil. Made from porous pumice infused with slow-release nutrients, it provides a long-term nutrient reserve for heavy root-feeding aquatic plants while improving water circulation and oxygenation beneath the substrate bed.

Pre-bagged mesh bags make Controbase easy to position, remove, and stack when creating dynamic aquascaping slopes and hardscape layouts. An essential substrate companion to UNS Controsoil and UNS Controsand.

Best For
- Heavy root-feeding aquatic plants
- Nutrient-demanding aquascapes
- Building substrate slopes
- Long-term planted aquarium layouts

Controbase is not intended to be used as a standalone aquarium substrate. Instead, it serves as a nutrient-rich base layer beneath aquasoils such as Controsoil, where it can provide long-term root nutrition while supporting aquascaping structure and substrate depth.

Product Compatibility

How Much Controbase Do I Need?
As a general guideline:

- One 2L bag is suitable for aquariums up to 20 gallons.
Each 2L bag contains four (4) individual 0.5L pre-bagged mesh bags.

- One 8L bag is suitable for aquariums up to 114 gallons.
Each 8L order contains sixteen (16) individual 0.5L pre-bagged mesh bags.

The UNS Substrate System
A real-life demonstration showing the progression and development of a planted aquarium using UNS Controbase, UNS Controsoil, and UNS Plant Food as a complete substrate system.

Together, these products create a layered approach to planted aquarium nutrition! Controbase provides a nutrient-dense foundation layer, Controsoil creates a stable planting environment, and Plant Food supports continued growth as the aquarium matures.