Colombo Flora 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.
Approximate weight per bag 4kg
Shipping info
All our products are in stock, ready to ship (unless otherwise stated). Order before 4pm for same day dispatch (Mon-Fri). Prices start at £4.99 for a Tracked 48 Service (up to 5kgs) and £8.99 for Express Delivery via DPD.
Our Delivery Promise To You
If you choose Express Delivery, we will replace any plants that are damaged due to delays. Express Delivery is a fast, trackable, and reliable option with a one hour delivery window. It also ensures that the plants will arrive in the same condition as when they left our facility. If you choose a different postage option, such as Tracked 24 or Tracked 48, you will not be covered for any damages due to delays and will assume the risk yourself if the plants do not arrive in good condition. Express Delivery includes an insurance policy, which may cost more but provides added peace of mind.
Everything you see on the site is in stock, ready to ship. No special orders, no waiting around.
Fast Dispatch
Fast shipping. If you order before 4pm Mon-Fri, we'll ship the same day. Whoooosh.
Easy Checkout
You'll find our checkout smooth and silky for a comfortable shopping experiece. Welcome to First Class :)
We're environmentally friendly
1. Sustainable Packaging
2. Fast Delivery
3. Guarantee
Your plants will be wrapped with recyclable Honey Comb wrap - sounds cool because it is :). It interlocks which means we don't need to use tape either, reducing our impact on the environment.
Not only is delivery fast with DPD Express but it's also green as they offset all the carbon their vehicles produce. Guilt free delivery which we're very proud of...
We guarantee you'll be happy with your order. But if you're not, please contact us so we can resolve. We are 100% here to help and will always do our best to resolve any issues - that's a promise.
Lovely little plant in great condition and already starting to sprout new leaves. This is one of the best conditioned ferns I have ever got.
Microsorum pteropus Windelov
Keith Shell
So happy with my plants I received chose the 12 mystery box as not disappointed great company and plants will totally recommend
Aqua Essentials
dayvurd
Love it
Ive been wanting to plant my not so very planted shrimp tank up for months, and ive been trying to find the best plants to look nice (large in the back to smallest in the foreground) and i come across the scaped for you section. I am pretty much a novice at planting tanks as this is my first ever time doing it. Firstly id say that while this does come with a layout guide, it is only a guide and not a "how to" because it is only an image that is provided and nothing else. This isnt a bad thing of course because your tank is you own and you can do whatever you want with it. It took me about 2-3 hours to fully complete how i wanted it and set it up with the plants and after a few days of settling in looks so much better than i expected it. I love it and i think my shrimps do too :) - one thing to note i would say is if youre buying spider wood, make sure you weight it down or soak it for a long time before putting it in the tank as your first placement will most definitely float and cause some frustration. Id definitely buy this or another scaped for you option in the future if i wanted to do this again.
Scaped For You Collection - Layout 28 (54L) Medium
nina
Did not expect the Lagenandra to look so good I love it. Great order again, fast arrival, & no issues 👌🏼
Aqua Essentials
Etsy customer
This is the second time I've bought from this shop and both times products arrived in good time and in very good shape. Plants are always a decent size and healthy