Aquarium Soil for Planted Tanks, Low-Nutrient Natural Soil and Volcanic Ash Substrate, Black or Brown, 1L–10L

Give a new planted aquarium a cleaner, more manageable start using this low-nutrient aquasoil made from natural soil and volcanic ash. Its impurity-absorbing properties give aquascapers greater control over when and how nutrients enter the aquarium.

Suitable for beginner setups, shrimp tanks, and low- or high-tech planted aquariums, this substrate offers a practical foundation for layouts ranging from miniature carpets to large rooted plants.

Key Features

• Ready to use without rinsing, the substrate produces significantly less debris so the water stays clearer during setup.
• The lower nutrient composition reduces ammonia spikes in the aquarium’s initial stages, giving new hobbyists a more predictable startup experience.
• Granules retain their structure over time and are less likely to break down into mud, keeping the planted layout easier to manage.
• The soil buffers the water column to a slightly acidic pH commonly preferred by tropical fish, shrimp, and live aquatic plants.
• Extra Fine granules suit nano tanks and support established roots for miniature plants such as Hemianthus callitrichoides, while Fine provides an all-purpose option for varied aquascapes.
• Normal granules make it easier to build slopes and reach the desired substrate height, and their larger size suits plants with substantial root systems.
• Its stability, cleanliness, and structure retention make it suitable for dry-start layouts that need an extended establishment period.

Specifications

• Brand: Ultum Nature Systems
• Composition: Natural soil and volcanic ash
• Nutrient profile: Low nutrient
• Colors: Black or Brown
• Granule sizes: Extra Fine, Fine, or Normal
• Bag sizes: 1L, 3L, or 10L
• Coverage guide: One 3L bag suits most aquariums up to 5 gallons.
• Coverage guide: One 10L bag suits most aquariums up to 20 gallons.
• Substrate calculator: Tank length × tank depth × desired substrate height in inches ÷ 60 = liters needed.

Choose Extra Fine for a nano tank or miniature carpeting plants, Fine for a versatile planted layout, or Normal for slopes and larger root-feeding species. Select Black or Brown, then account for extra soil if your aquascape includes elevated hardscape, substantial slopes, or a thicker substrate layer.