Aquario Neo Soil

Aquario Neo Soil is our top substrate recommendation for planted aquariums and is beautifully balanced for both beginners and experienced hobbyists growing advanced aquatic plants. Made from volcanic soil, Neo Soil buffers water to a slightly acidic pH, creating an environment ideal for fish health and aquatic plant growth. Its formula is optimized for lush plant growth, with several experiments showing the ability to grow carpeting aquarium plants like Hemianthus callitrichoides or Eleocharis ‘mini’ (hair grass varieties) in 60–90 days without additional fertilizers or additives.

This premium aquasoil contains specialized bacteria, activated by water contact, that help break down pollutants that can build up within substrates. Its double-layer structure makes it lighter than other substrates and creates surface area for beneficial bacteria to reproduce in bulk. Overall, Aquario Neo Soil offers many benefits to planted tanks from nano aquariums to large show tanks, and is suitable for all skill levels.

Neo Shrimp Soil shares the same core features but uses a gentler formula tailored for sensitive shrimp species. Designed specifically for dedicated shrimp tanks, the blend is adjusted to support healthy shell development and vivid coloration. The Shrimp version prioritizes stable water parameters and helps prevent sudden spikes that can be fatal for Sulawesi, Caridina, and Neocaridina shrimp.

Neo Soil Highlights
- No rinsing required!
- When using this substrate, we recommend 30% water changes 1—3 times weekly after initial setup.
- Avoid mixing your aquarium soils due to differences in composition and ingredients.
- Results can vary depending on planted tank conditions, maintenance routines, aquarium plant choice and more.
- We recommend CO2 injection and moderate lighting when using this substrate.

Below is our Ultum Nature Systems 45U 9 gallon tank using Aquario Neo Soil:

How much substrate do I need for my aquarium?
The general rule of thumb is one 3L bag for every 5 gallons of water. If you have a large aquarium, one 10L bag for every 20 gallons of water is a good starting point.

[Tank Length x Tank Depth x Desired Substrate Height (inches)] / 60 = Total liters of Controsoil required