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www.pond-planet.co.uk£14.29Visit shop Colombo Red Flora Mano Base Planting Substrate
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The Colombo Flora Mano Base is designed for dedicated aquarium hobbyists seeking a high-performance, natural substrate that promotes both water quality and healthy plant growth. Its primary benefit lies in its open, porous structure which supports massive colonies of beneficial bacteria and allows for superior root penetration; however, users should note that as a clay-based product, it requires careful initial rinsing to prevent clouding the aquarium water during the setup phase.
| Brand | Colombo |
|---|
Yes, the natural clay material is chemically stable and safe for freshwater shrimp.
Colombo Mano Base is generally pH-neutral, but as with all natural clays, it may have a very minor buffering effect depending on your source water chemistry.
While possible, mixing may clog the porous structure of the Mano Base, reducing its biological efficiency.
While the substrate stores nutrients, adding root tabs can further enhance growth for heavy root feeders.
Mano Base is designed for long-term use; it typically does not require replacement unless you are performing a complete rescape of the aquarium.
This is normal clay dust. Turn off filters, let the sediment settle for 24 hours, and perform a small water change using a siphon to remove floating particles.
Ensure the substrate depth is at least 3cm and check that you are not vacuuming the substrate directly near the root systems.
To prepare your aquarium, first rinse the Colombo Mano Base in a bucket until the water runs mostly clear to remove any fine clay dust. Layer the substrate gently at the bottom of the tank to the desired depth, ideally between 3 and 5 centimeters for optimal rooting. When filling the tank with water, place a plate or plastic bag over the substrate to diffuse the water stream and prevent the clay from swirling into the water column. The substrate is compatible with most freshwater fish and plant species. For long-term care, avoid excessive vacuuming of the substrate deep within the clay layer, as this can disrupt the beneficial bacteria colonies established within the pores.
