Salvinia natans is an easy floating plant that gently shades your aquarium, helping reduce the intensity of bright LED lighting. Ideal for tanks where the light feels a little too strong.
Give your plants everything they need to grow well without pressurised CO2. Neutro Combo is a top seller for low-tech tanks, helping plants stay healthy, grow steadily and compete naturally with algae.
Provides the ideal base for plants to anchor in
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
