Colombo Mano Base Black - 10L
Provides the ideal base for plants to anchor in
- Regular price
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£20.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£20.99
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Description
Colombo Mano Base is a natural substrate that can be used as a top layer in any aquarium from beginner all the way up to expert. As opposed to gravel, Colombo Flora Mano Base is open and light with a porous structure. This openness of each grain allows rapid and massive bacterial colonisation which provides for stable water conditions.
Not only that (and most importantly) the structural shape of the Mono Base means it offers plants optimal rooting and water penetration which means no soil compaction. Plants are able to grow freely with plenty of nutrients. Colombo Mano Base is made from natural clay sources and creates a beautiful look in your aquarium. In addition, due to its soft, rounded nature it's also ideal for bottom dwellers and their soft barbels.
Mano Base stores nutrients when there are excesses which means they are able to release them as and when the plants need them. This means superior planted growth, better water conditioning and less algae blooming.
Recommendations:
1 - Wash MonoBase 3 times before using. This removes any dust particles.
2 - For optimal results and long-term fertilisation, start with placing a layer of Colombo NutriBase on the bottom of your tank (sold separately).
3 - Spread a layer of Mono Base across the bottom making sure you have at least 5cm depth. Less than this and planting is difficult. Generally, it's easier to have it higher at the back of your tank, sloping forward.
4 - Start to fill your tank so only the substrates are covered with water - add what wood or rock you want next and only then, plant up. This is by far the easiest way. Spray the plants with water as you are planting to avoid them drying out. But be sure you know where you are planting beforehand too. It's best to plan this in advance (try sketching it out on paper so you have a diagram to follow).
5 - Once this process is completed, fill the rest of your tank up slowly (use a sieve to avoid substrate disturbance). Use luke warm water if possible.
MonoBase is available in both red and black colours depending on choice. Grain size is 1-2mm.
Note - min weight of each bag is 8kg
Our Delivery Promise To You
We pack every order carefully at our UK facility and dispatch quickly, so your plants and aquarium products reach you in the best possible condition.
Order before 4pm Monday to Friday and we’ll dispatch the same day where possible. Most orders arrive within 1-2 working days.
If something goes wrong in transit, get in touch and we’ll help put it right.
This aquarium substrate earns high praise from customers who report it's "easy to clean" and "makes the fish tank look great." Shoppers appreciate the minimal clouding after rinsing, with water becoming "crystal clear" within hours. Plants anchor well without floating. However, some note granules are larger than expected (3-4mm) and the color appears grey with brownish bits rather than true black under aquarium lighting.
- Rinsed easily. Holds new plants well. The colour is really natural once underwater.
- Makes the fish tank look great, easy to clean
- Amazing product and unbelievable delivery speed!
K
in tests
O
Rinsed 3 times as per instructions and poured gently into half full tank. Only slight clouding, water crystal clear 12 hours later.
Planting easy, no problems with plants floating out.
Reasons for 4 stars - granules slightly larger than expected, ranges up to 3 or 4 mm and in the aquarium, under the light, the substrate is not Black, but grey with light brownish bits, I'd have preferred fewer of the light brownish bits. But it is a natural clay and looks quite natural.
M
Really good stuff. Makes the fish tank look great easy to clean
T
Amazing product and unbelievable delivery speed! Came the next day despite being a heavy product
B
Really happy with service. Order arrived really well packaged and promptly. I've only setup a small aquarium recently with the substrate, so early days. Really happy so far. Rinsed easily. Holds new plants well. Capped off dirted layer with no algae issues from free floating nutrients. The colour is really natural once underwater. For the short time used so far would recommend - all positive.
K
I have not had the base long enough to give a statement about plant growth. Additionally I been missing parts for the new tank setup due RM strike. But as time pressured I filled the tank last night with the mano base and planted a few plants.I was very surprised how clean the base is. A very few particles got released when inserting the pants into the soil- but not enough to cloud the water.It stayed clear.I am very impressed with it and will definitely use the base in future tanks and add it to my daphnia tank at some point.
V
How long does this hold its structure? Does it break down over time, if so, how long before this happens?
there's no data on that I\m afaid but most last 12-24 months
D
Do you ship to USA saw your product on utube fish md and if not is there any company in USA that sells this item
Unfortunately we can not ship to your location.
O
Does this disintegrate after a while and does the black stay black under water with lights on please ?
It's a new product so no info on it breaking down. That said, I can't see why it would. Again, no reason for it to change colour.
Common Questions
What is Colombo Mano Base Black used for?
Colombo Mano Base Black is used as a natural top layer substrate in planted aquariums. It gives the aquarium a dark, natural look while supporting plant rooting and water movement through the substrate.
Is Colombo Mano Base Black suitable for aquarium plants?
Yes, Colombo Mano Base Black is suitable for aquarium plants. Its open, porous structure helps plant roots spread more easily and allows water to move through the substrate, reducing the risk of compacted areas.
Does Colombo Mano Base Black help biological filtration?
Yes, the porous structure of Colombo Mano Base Black provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonise. This can help support stable water conditions in the aquarium.
Is Colombo Mano Base Black safe for bottom-dwelling fish?
Yes, Colombo Mano Base Black has soft, rounded particles, making it suitable for many bottom-dwelling fish. This helps reduce the risk of damage to delicate barbels compared with sharper substrates.
Should I rinse Colombo Mano Base Black before use?
Colombo Mano Base Black should be rinsed before adding it to the aquarium. Rinsing helps remove fine dust and reduces cloudiness when the substrate is first added.
