Fluval Stratum – Planted Aquarium Substrate
Fluval Stratum is a premium volcanic soil substrate specifically designed for freshwater planted aquariums and shrimp tanks. Its lightweight, porous granules provide an excellent environment for aquatic plant roots while supporting beneficial biological activity throughout the aquarium substrate.
Made from mineral-rich volcanic soil, Fluval Stratum encourages healthy root development and helps maintain the slightly acidic water conditions preferred by many tropical aquatic plants and freshwater shrimp species.
Its natural dark appearance beautifully complements aquarium plants, driftwood, and stones, making it a popular choice for nature aquariums, shrimp aquascapes, and planted aquarium layouts.
A Natural Foundation for Healthy Planted Aquariums Support strong aquatic plant roots, encourage beneficial bacteria, and create a beautiful natural aquascape with Fluval's mineral-rich volcanic soil substrate.
Key Features
- Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil: Provides a natural growing medium that supports aquatic plant development.
- Encourages Root Growth: Lightweight granules allow delicate plant roots to spread and establish.
- Supports Beneficial Bacteria: Highly porous structure provides surface area for biological colonization.
- Helps Maintain Mildly Acidic Water: Naturally influences aquarium pH and carbonate hardness.
- Excellent for Freshwater Shrimp: Particularly useful for soft-water shrimp species that prefer acidic conditions.
- Natural Aquascaping Appearance: Dark, earthy granules create beautiful contrast with green and red aquatic plants.
- Easy to Plant: Suitable for carpeting plants, rooted stem plants, Cryptocoryne, and other popular aquarium plants.
- Three Available Sizes: Choose from 2 kg, 4 kg, and 8 kg bags.
Available Sizes
| Size |
Weight |
Item Number |
Best For |
| Small |
2 kg / 4.4 lb |
12693 |
Nano aquariums and small planting projects |
| Medium |
4 kg / 8.8 lb |
12694 |
Small to medium planted aquariums |
| Large |
8 kg / 17.6 lb |
12695 |
Larger aquascapes and deeper substrate layouts |
Choose your bag size based on aquarium footprint, desired substrate depth, and hardscape layout. Larger aquariums or layouts with elevated slopes may require multiple bags.
Why Choose Fluval Stratum for Aquatic Plants?
Fluval Stratum's porous volcanic soil granules provide a suitable growing medium for aquatic plants with established root systems. Unlike inert decorative gravel, Stratum offers a plant-focused substrate environment that encourages root development.
It works particularly well with popular planted aquarium species, including:
- Cryptocoryne varieties
- Rotala and Ludwigia stem plants
- Monte Carlo and other carpeting plants
- Eleocharis (Dwarf Hairgrass)
- Echinodorus (Amazon Sword) varieties
- Many other rooted freshwater aquatic plants
For demanding planted aquariums, additional water-column fertilizers or root fertilizers may still be necessary depending on plant requirements and substrate age.
Excellent for Freshwater Shrimp Aquariums
Fluval Stratum is particularly popular in freshwater shrimp aquariums because of its ability to reduce carbonate hardness and encourage mildly acidic conditions.
Its porous surface also supports the development of beneficial microorganisms and biofilm, which can contribute to the natural grazing environment of freshwater shrimp.
Important for Shrimp Keepers Fluval Stratum is an active substrate that can lower pH and KH. This makes it especially useful for many Caridina shrimp setups, but it may not be ideal for all shrimp species. Neocaridina shrimp generally tolerate a wider range of conditions, and some setups benefit from higher KH. Always match your substrate and water parameters to the livestock you intend to keep.
How to Use Fluval Stratum
- Do Not Rinse: Fluval Stratum is designed to be used without washing, as rinsing can break down the delicate soil granules.
- Add to the Aquarium: Spread the substrate across the aquarium bottom. A depth of approximately 3–5 cm is a practical starting point for many planted layouts, with deeper areas where needed.
- Create Your Layout: Arrange aquarium stones and driftwood, then gently plant your aquatic plants into the substrate.
- Fill Carefully: Slowly add water over a plate, plastic sheet, or other protective surface to minimize disturbing the substrate.
- Start Filtration: Operate your aquarium filter and allow any temporary cloudiness to settle.
- Monitor Water Parameters: Test pH, KH, ammonia, and other important water parameters while the aquarium establishes.
As with any new aquarium, allow the biological filtration system to establish before introducing livestock.
Product Specifications
| Brand |
Fluval |
| Product |
Plant & Shrimp Stratum |
| Substrate Type |
Volcanic Soil / Active Aquarium Substrate |
| Available Sizes |
2 kg / 4 kg / 8 kg |
| Colour |
Natural Dark Brown / Black |
| Water Chemistry |
Helps Lower pH and KH |
| Recommended Aquarium |
Freshwater Planted & Shrimp Aquariums |
| Rinsing Required |
No |
| Material |
Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil |
Aquascaper's Tip
For a natural aquascape, create a gentle slope with a shallower substrate layer at the front and a deeper layer toward the back. This adds visual depth and provides additional planting space for taller stem plants. When maintaining the aquarium, avoid aggressively stirring or deep-vacuuming the soil, as the granules can break apart over time.
Build a healthy foundation for your freshwater aquascape with Fluval Stratum Planted Aquarium Substrate, available in 2 kg, 4 kg, and 8 kg sizes at Aquascaperoom Canada.
