JBL Manado 3L Natural Substrate

Product Description

Create a healthy, natural environment for aquatic plants with JBL Manado 3L Natural Substrate. Designed for freshwater aquariums, this porous natural clay substrate supports plant root development, beneficial bacteria colonisation and effective biological filtration. Its natural brown colour complements aquatic plants, fish and aquarium decorations, making it an excellent choice for planted aquariums and natural aquascapes.

JBL Manado features a porous structure that helps absorb excess nutrients from aquarium water and store them for later use by plant roots. This nutrient-storage function supports plant growth and helps reduce excess nutrients in the water when used as part of a balanced aquarium maintenance routine.

The rounded granules are gentle on the sensitive barbels of bottom-dwelling fish, including Corydoras catfish and loaches. The porous surface also provides an environment for beneficial bacteria to colonise, supporting the aquarium’s biological filtration system.

JBL Manado can be used as a standalone substrate or combined with a nutrient-rich base layer, such as JBL AquaBasis Plus, to provide additional nourishment for aquatic plants with higher nutrient requirements.

The convenient 3-litre pack is ideal for smaller freshwater aquariums, planted tanks or topping up an existing substrate.

Key Features and Benefits

• Natural Clay Substrate: Provides a natural-looking foundation for freshwater aquariums.
• Promotes Plant Root Growth: Porous granules provide a suitable structure for developing roots.
• Nutrient Storage: Absorbs excess nutrients and releases them when required by plants.
• Supports Beneficial Bacteria: Porous surfaces encourage bacterial colonisation for biological filtration.
• Rounded Granules: Gentle on the sensitive barbels of bottom-dwelling fish.
• Water-Neutral Properties: Designed not to release unwanted pollutants or hardness-increasing substances under normal use.
• Natural Brown Colour: Complements green aquatic plants and natural aquarium decorations.
• Suitable for Planted Aquariums: Can be used alone or over a nutrient-rich substrate.
• Convenient 3L Pack: Ideal for smaller aquariums and planted aquarium projects.

Suitable For

• Freshwater tropical aquariums
• Planted aquariums
• Natural aquascaping layouts
• Aquariums containing compatible bottom-dwelling fish
• Aquariums with suitable aquatic invertebrates

Directions for Use

1. Rinse the substrate briefly with lukewarm tap water to remove dust and abrasion from transport.
2. Spread evenly across the aquarium base.
3. For more demanding aquatic plants, add a nutrient-rich substrate underneath, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Fill the aquarium slowly to minimise disturbing the substrate.
5. Some granules may initially float; remove floating pieces with a small aquarium net if necessary.
6. Monitor water parameters after setup and maintain the aquarium with regular water changes.

Important: JBL Manado is a nutrient-storing substrate, not a complete fertiliser. Additional nutrients may be required for vigorous plant growth. Avoid mixing it with fine sand, as the sand can settle into the porous granules.

Product Specifications

• Brand: JBL
• Product Name: Manado
• Product Type: Natural planted aquarium substrate
• Material: Natural fired clay granules
• Colour: Natural brown
• Grain Size: 0.5–2 mm
• Pack Size: 3 litres
• Suitable For: Freshwater aquariums
• Manufacturer Item Number: 6702200