Ultum Nature Systems (UNS) · Active aquasoil
UNS Controsoil
China (made for US market) · Black (also available in brown) · grain 2 to 4 mm
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TL;DR, UNS Controsoil
UNS Controsoil is the American mid-tier active soil designed as a direct competitor to ADA Amazonia at a lower price point. Planted tank builds where ADA Amazonia is unavailable, too expensive, or considered overkill.
Full specs
- Brand
- Ultum Nature Systems (UNS)
- Country of origin
- China (made for US market)
- Category
- Active aquasoil
- Colour
- Black (also available in brown)
- Grain size
- 2 to 4 mm
- pH target
- 6.0 to 6.8
- pH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- KH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- Ammonia release
- Moderate
- Nutrient content
- High
- Buffering longevity
- 12 to 18 months
- Recommended water
- Tap or RO
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5
- Shrimp-safe
- Yes
- Best for
- Mid-market high-tech planted tanks, US-based aquascapers
How it works
UNS Controsoil is the American mid-tier active soil designed as a direct competitor to ADA Amazonia at a lower price point. The granules are slightly larger than ADA's, which makes them easier to plant into without breaking up the soil. Ammonia release is moderate, similar to Tropica, and buffering capacity is intermediate between ADA and Tropica.
Best use cases
Planted tank builds where ADA Amazonia is unavailable, too expensive, or considered overkill. Strong choice for hobbyists running EI dosing with CO2 in a 60 to 200 litre tank. The larger grain also gives better water flow through the substrate, which reduces anaerobic-pocket risk.
Common mistakes
The bag size is 10L rather than ADA's 9L, so volume conversions need attention. Some users report that Controsoil compacts noticeably over time, especially in deeper layers.
Pro tips
The brown variant suits warm-tone scapes; the black variant suits the more standard dark Nature Aquarium aesthetic. Pairs well with UNS's own rimless tank line for a coordinated single-brand setup.
Plants that thrive in this substrate
Hand-curated pairings based on the substrate category, not a relational query.
- Cryptocoryne WendtiiCryptocoryne wendtiiHeavy root feeder, thrives on the strong ammonia and nutrients leaching from new aquasoil.
- Amazon SwordEchinodorus grisebachiiBackground rosette with extensive root system, builds tall on the rich substrate.
- Rotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifoliaStem plant that colours strongest under low pH + high nutrient soil conditions.
- Monte CarloMicranthemum tweedieiCarpeting plant that pearls quickly when rooted directly into aquasoil with CO2.
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red'Reds deepen on active aquasoil thanks to the consistent micro-nutrient release.
Sources & further reading
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