JBL Manado Natural Aquarium Substrate | Plant Growth Substrate | 3L & 5L

Create a thriving planted aquarium with JBL Manado Natural Aquarium Substrate, a premium porous substrate designed to promote healthy aquatic plant growth while supporting a balanced aquarium ecosystem. The smooth, rounded granules are gentle on bottom-dwelling fish, making JBL Manado an excellent choice for Corydoras, loaches, catfish and other species that spend time on the substrate.

Made from natural fired clay, JBL Manado features a lightweight, highly porous structure that stores nutrients from liquid fertilizers and fish waste before gradually releasing them back to plant roots. This helps encourage strong root development, vigorous plant growth, and long-term aquarium stability. Its large surface area also supports beneficial bacteria, improving biological filtration and contributing to crystal-clear, healthy water. The lightweight granules encourage strong root development, making it one of the world's most popular substrates for aquascaping and planted aquariums.

Rinse JBL Manado lightly before use to remove any dust created during transport. Spread the substrate evenly across the aquarium base to a depth of approximately 5–8cm for optimal plant growth. For heavily planted aquariums, JBL Manado can be used alone or layered over a nutrient-rich base substrate. Because it is lightweight, newly planted stem plants may initially benefit from planting weights until their root systems become established.

Features

• Premium natural fired clay substrate
• Highly porous structure promotes healthy root growth
• Stores and slowly releases nutrients to aquatic plants
• Supports beneficial bacteria for improved biological filtration
• Encourages lush, healthy plant growth
• Lightweight granules make planting easy
• Gentle on sensitive barbels and fins
• Safe for shrimp, snails and aquatic plants
• Long-lasting substrate that never needs replacing under normal use
• 3L – Perfect for nano aquariums, shrimp tanks, and smaller planted aquascapes.
• 5L – Ideal for larger planted aquariums or as part of a complete aquascaping setup.
• Natural brown colour.
• Water Neutral, Will not significantly alter aquarium water parameters.