Manado Dark 5l – plant substrate

This 5 l substrate is intended for freshwater aquariums with live plants, especially tanks where root development and iron supply matter. It also suits keepers of burrowing fish, such as loaches and catfish, which dig in the bottom layer. The dark brown colour is meant to make fish colours and green or red plants stand out.

Why it matters

• The porous structure gives roots room to grow, and the substrate is rich in iron, which plant roots can take up.
• It stores nutrients and releases them gradually, and it can also bind excess nutrients and release them again when needed. The manufacturer describes it as pH-neutral and rounded in grain.
• According to the manufacturer, it encourages beneficial bacteria to colonise quickly, which is said to limit unwanted algae growth and reduce the load on the filter.
• It is ready to use after a single rinse under running water to remove dust from transport.

Specifications

• Volume: 5 l
• Weight: 5 kg
• Grain size: 1.5–2.5 mm
• Coverage: 5 l for a 50 l aquarium at 5 cm layer depth (length × width in cm ÷ 200 = litres needed at 5 cm depth)
• Colour: dark brown
• Brand: JBL, article symbol MANADO DARK 5L, EAN 4014162670366

What it works with

The substrate is designed as a top layer for planted freshwater tanks. The manufacturer recommends combining it with JBL ProFlora AquaBasis plus as a long-term nutrient base beneath it, which is intended to support demanding plants. The 5 l pack covers about 50 l of tank volume at a 5 cm depth.