JBL Manado 5L Natural Substrate

Product Description

Create a healthy, natural environment for aquatic plants with JBL Manado 5L Natural Substrate. Made from natural fired clay, this porous aquarium substrate is designed to support plant root development, beneficial bacteria growth and biological filtration in freshwater aquariums. Its natural brown colour complements green aquatic plants, colourful fish and aquarium decorations, making it an excellent choice for planted tanks and natural aquascapes.

JBL Manado features a porous structure that helps absorb excess nutrients from aquarium water and store them for later use by plants. This nutrient-storage capacity supports plant growth and helps maintain a balanced aquarium environment when combined with appropriate fertilisation and regular maintenance.

The rounded granules provide a stable growing medium for plant roots and are gentle on the sensitive barbels of bottom-dwelling fish. Its porous surface also provides space for beneficial bacteria to colonise, helping support the aquarium’s biological filtration system.

JBL Manado can be used as a standalone substrate or as a top layer over a nutrient-rich base substrate, such as JBL AquaBasis Plus, for aquariums containing plants with higher nutrient requirements.

The convenient 5-litre pack is ideal for medium-sized planted aquariums, aquascaping projects or refreshing an existing aquarium substrate.

Key Features and Benefits

• Natural Fired Clay: Provides a natural-looking substrate for freshwater aquariums.
• Promotes Plant Root Growth: Its porous structure supports root development and plant establishment.
• Nutrient Storage: Absorbs excess nutrients and makes them available to plants when required.
• Supports Biological Filtration: Offers a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonise.
• Rounded Granules: Gentle on the sensitive barbels of bottom-dwelling fish.
• Natural Brown Colour: Complements aquatic plants and aquarium decorations.
• Helps Maintain Water Quality: Supports biological filtration and nutrient management as part of a balanced aquarium setup.
• Versatile Planting Substrate: Can be used alone or over a nutrient-rich substrate.
• Convenient 5L Pack: Suitable for medium-sized aquariums and planted tank setups.

Suitable For

• Freshwater tropical aquariums
• Planted aquariums
• Natural aquascaping layouts
• Aquariums containing fish, plants and compatible invertebrates
• Aquariums with bottom-dwelling fish

Directions for Use

1. Rinse the substrate thoroughly with warm tap water before use to remove dust, transport abrasion and residual particles.
2. Spread evenly across the aquarium base. JBL recommends a substrate depth of approximately 5–8cm, depending on the aquarium and planting requirements.
3. For optimal plant growth, consider placing a 2–4cm layer of nutrient-rich substrate underneath, covered by JBL Manado.
4. Fill the aquarium slowly, taking care not to disturb the substrate.
5. Some lightweight granules may initially float; remove them with a small aquarium net if necessary.
6. Monitor water parameters after setup and maintain the aquarium with regular water changes.

Product Specifications

• Brand: JBL
• Product Name: Manado
• Product Type: Natural planted aquarium substrate
• Material: Natural fired clay granules
• Colour: Natural brown
• Grain Size: 0.5–2mm
• Pack Size: 5 litres
• Manufacturer Item Number: 6702300
• Barcode: 4014162670236
• Suitable For: Freshwater aquariums

Important Note: JBL Manado is a nutrient-storing substrate rather than a complete fertiliser. Additional fertilisation may be required for demanding aquatic plants. As a natural product, it may contain varying amounts of calcium, so rinse thoroughly before use and monitor water hardness after setup.