Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Suppo

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 5,246 ratings

Price: 28.99

Last update: 12-31-2024


About this item

Promotes Robust Plant Growth: Stratum fosters vigorous plant development by facilitating easy root penetration and nutrient absorption, aiding in the acquisition of vital nutrients essential for growth
Facilitates Rapid and Beneficial Colonization: Its porous structure enables swift colonization of beneficial nitrifying organisms, fostering a healthy aquatic environment crucial for the well-being of aquarium inhabitants
Maintains Optimal pH Levels: Designed to sustain a neutral to slightly acidic pH range, ideal for supporting the growth of various plants, tropical fish, and shrimp commonly found in planted aquarium setups
Offers Shelter for Newborn Shrimp: Stratum provides a safe haven for newborn shrimp, offering protection from potential predators until they reach a size where emerging into the main aquarium is viable
Preserves Water Quality: Ensures water clarity by preventing discoloration and effectively manages organic discoloration, especially in the presence of natural driftwood, while being specifically formulated for use in freshwater aquariums

Product information


Top reviews from the United States

Carrie D Bennett
5.0 out of 5 stars Black Magic
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2024
Fluval Stratum is amazing stuff. I use Fluval for propping indoor plants. Plants grow so well in this substrate. I use Fluval with self watering pots. I have monsteras, alocasias, and philodendrons in Fluval and they absolutely love it. The black color look clean in the pots compared to soil. I’m sure I’ve purchased at least 4 bags of this stuff by now. I highly recommend it.
Heather
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product!
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
Gotta say, I love this stuff! The plants grow great and it looks amazing in my tank, I like the small balls. Didn't have any issues with adding to a new tank, minimal cloudiness as long as you're careful. Definitely worth the investment!
Sophie
5.0 out of 5 stars Works.
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
Very nice looking aquasoil. It's a deep black color when wet, as seen in the pic of my 46 gallon bowfront.

It has not fallen apart so far in the year that I've had it in my 75 gallon. Plants seem to be doing well. It is okay to plant in but I wish I'd capped with sand, the soil is very lightweight and it can be easy for rambunctious fish to uproot the plants on occasion.

It was not difficult to wash. I gave it two rinses, the slightly cloudy water when I filled the tank cleared up quickly (within a day).

It does drop the pH a little which i easily buffer with aragonite sand or crushed coral in the filter.

I've bought this soil multiple times and find it is usually the best deal in terms of quantity and quality vs. price.
Customer image
Sophie
5.0 out of 5 stars Works.
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
Very nice looking aquasoil. It's a deep black color when wet, as seen in the pic of my 46 gallon bowfront.

It has not fallen apart so far in the year that I've had it in my 75 gallon. Plants seem to be doing well. It is okay to plant in but I wish I'd capped with sand, the soil is very lightweight and it can be easy for rambunctious fish to uproot the plants on occasion.

It was not difficult to wash. I gave it two rinses, the slightly cloudy water when I filled the tank cleared up quickly (within a day).

It does drop the pH a little which i easily buffer with aragonite sand or crushed coral in the filter.

I've bought this soil multiple times and find it is usually the best deal in terms of quantity and quality vs. price.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Water does get clearer by the day once set up
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2022
*** Update
Week 2. I wanted to share the progress of use of fluval shrimp stratum. As week by week went on water is crystal clear. You may want to add two bags if you want plants since the pellets are so light my plants wouldn’t stay in the stratum. They would float right up to surface of water. Any time you add landscape the pellets will give off a dust or float. Don’t be alarmed, the dust settles back down quickly.

So instead of getting another bag, I used plant anchors. They seem to be happy with plant anchors thus far. My PH was a bit high so I had to correct that before adding any fish. So it’s ready to add fish now and I can’t wait. I think it looks great with the landscape. I’m not done with my landscaping I still have the other corner to work. I have a couple of itty bitty baby tetra neons in there you can’t see them. They’re hiding, but if you make a little well in the pellets they like to hide in it. They don’t seem bothered by the stratum at all. I highly recommend this stuff, but best I to get two bags of whatever size you get, to get about 3 inches so your roots to plants will take to it easier is very light weight. Or do plant anchors.

I bought this with the anticipation to set my tank up as a planted fresh water aquarium. Live plants apparently love this stuff and that it’s a good substrate for shrimp if you want to have any. Many reviews have complaints about cloudiness of water. I did this as a whole new tank setting up. I don’t recommend if you have fish already in yours.
You treat it like you’re setting up a new one laying your landscape in,

Anyway, I didn’t pre rinse. I don’t feel it’s necessary it only just makes the pellets soggy. The first day yes water will appear black and muddy. Let your filter do the work!! You may have to change your bio max bag out to a new one it does work.
I have to get a new bio max filter since it worked hard to get this water cleared up since set up.

First day, dark, black cloud. I even thought did I mess it it up? I should have taken a picture to show comparison and I forgot. Don’t be impatient or think you did something wrong.
Just be patient let your filter do the work!!

5 hours later, a light cloudiness. I
Next day, crystal clear water.
You need patience for this! It’s not immediate. It may take anywhere from 6 hours-48 hours. It took 48 hours for mine to clear up.
I need to clean off outside of my tank glass.

I didn’t use the lay the bag over the pellets with a small bowl to fill tank with water method. I did just straight in with water pouring very slowly and softly.
Water will fizz at first and it’s normal. And then I added the necessary water treatments
to make it safe for fish for tap water, since I used tap water.

Now I can’t wait until I set up the rest of my landscaping and add fish. I’ll post updates on when it’s done being set up.
Customer image
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Water does get clearer by the day once set up
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2022
*** Update
Week 2. I wanted to share the progress of use of fluval shrimp stratum. As week by week went on water is crystal clear. You may want to add two bags if you want plants since the pellets are so light my plants wouldn’t stay in the stratum. They would float right up to surface of water. Any time you add landscape the pellets will give off a dust or float. Don’t be alarmed, the dust settles back down quickly.

So instead of getting another bag, I used plant anchors. They seem to be happy with plant anchors thus far. My PH was a bit high so I had to correct that before adding any fish. So it’s ready to add fish now and I can’t wait. I think it looks great with the landscape. I’m not done with my landscaping I still have the other corner to work. I have a couple of itty bitty baby tetra neons in there you can’t see them. They’re hiding, but if you make a little well in the pellets they like to hide in it. They don’t seem bothered by the stratum at all. I highly recommend this stuff, but best I to get two bags of whatever size you get, to get about 3 inches so your roots to plants will take to it easier is very light weight. Or do plant anchors.

I bought this with the anticipation to set my tank up as a planted fresh water aquarium. Live plants apparently love this stuff and that it’s a good substrate for shrimp if you want to have any. Many reviews have complaints about cloudiness of water. I did this as a whole new tank setting up. I don’t recommend if you have fish already in yours.
You treat it like you’re setting up a new one laying your landscape in,

Anyway, I didn’t pre rinse. I don’t feel it’s necessary it only just makes the pellets soggy. The first day yes water will appear black and muddy. Let your filter do the work!! You may have to change your bio max bag out to a new one it does work.
I have to get a new bio max filter since it worked hard to get this water cleared up since set up.

First day, dark, black cloud. I even thought did I mess it it up? I should have taken a picture to show comparison and I forgot. Don’t be impatient or think you did something wrong.
Just be patient let your filter do the work!!

5 hours later, a light cloudiness. I
Next day, crystal clear water.
You need patience for this! It’s not immediate. It may take anywhere from 6 hours-48 hours. It took 48 hours for mine to clear up.
I need to clean off outside of my tank glass.

I didn’t use the lay the bag over the pellets with a small bowl to fill tank with water method. I did just straight in with water pouring very slowly and softly.
Water will fizz at first and it’s normal. And then I added the necessary water treatments
to make it safe for fish for tap water, since I used tap water.

Now I can’t wait until I set up the rest of my landscaping and add fish. I’ll post updates on when it’s done being set up.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
c
4.0 out of 5 stars Very pleased, except...
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023
This product arrived in top condition. One problem with the product is that it is not clearly advertised as "aquarium soil pellets'' which is what it is. It should also say on the bag not to add to an aquarium with existing fish. Although it says on the bag not to use with bottom feeders, my bronze corydoras love this substrate. At first it caused them to shed their slime coats but all is well now. This product caused a drastic PH fall from 7.4 to 6.4 within 18 hours. When I first put it in, it made the tank look like a tank full of charcoal water. Happily, the PH crash did not hurt my fish, and the water cleared up completely within 48 hours. I am glad to say that I already see new growth on my plants! I recommend this, just be extremely cautious when adding to an established tank.
N-Tegrity Equipment Services LLC
5.0 out of 5 stars Works Best
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2024
I always use this substrate in my planted tanks. It works excellent for keeping the PH under control and if you’re like me with very little time for tending to your aquarium this product can be your best friend. Price is reasonable compared to the big pet shop prices. Can’t go wrong with the Fluval Stratum.
Kristi L King
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product, although a bit pricey.
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
This stuff does work fantastic, my plants are really flourishing and one has doubled in size. This is expensive though for the size, but worth it if you use it in areas with your plants. It also makes the tank cloudy and it takes a while for it to clear up.
Justise Bishop
5.0 out of 5 stars Great soil
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
Ive heard nothing but good things with this soil and it did not disappoint

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