Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH
Original price was: $19.88.$11.03Current price is: $11.03.
Price: $19.88 - $11.03
(as of Mar 31, 2025 12:20:40 UTC – Details)
Fluval Stratum serves as the optimal substrate for freshwater aquariums, fostering the flourishing growth of aquatic plants. Its porous structure facilitates easy root penetration and nutrient absorption, enabling live plants to thrive by accessing essential nutrients. Supplementing with Fluval Plant Micronutrients ensures a comprehensive array of macro and micronutrients, essential for plant vitality. This substrate’s lightweight, non-compacting composition is highly conducive to the rapid colonization of nitrifying organisms. These swiftly inhabit the extensive porous surface, contributing to superior water quality conducive to genuine plant growth.
Fluval Stratum’s inherent properties also help maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for various plant species, tropical fish, and shrimp typically found in planted aquariums. Moreover, it provides a secure haven for newly introduced aquarium shrimp, shielding them from predators until they reach a sufficient size to venture into the main tank.
Designed to preserve water clarity, Fluval Stratum does not cause water discoloration and effectively manages organic discoloration often associated with natural driftwood aquarium décor. Explore Fluval’s diverse range of aquarium products, from filters to decorations, suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks of all sizes.
br>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
4.4 lb bag
Customers say
Customers find the aquarium substrate effective for plant growth, with plants flourishing and good root systems developing. The product receives positive feedback for its functionality and appearance, with one customer noting it works well for Hoya cuttings and another mentioning it creates a healthy environment for shrimp. The dustiness and water clarity receive mixed reviews – while some say it doesn’t need cleaning and keeps water clear, others report it becomes very dusty to rinse and clouds the water initially. Value for money opinions are divided, with some finding it great value while others consider it a waste of money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
13 reviews for Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH
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Original price was: $19.88.$11.03Current price is: $11.03.
Irinanikisheva –
Good product
Great product so far . Got it for my dying alocasia albo , and itâs already growing new roots
Mariah Gonzales –
Great for the Tank
Very nice and clean with clarity after a bit of filtration. My plants love it and my Betta (Neptune), my little white fishie (Ghost) and my mystery snail (Meh) just been thriving with it. Iâm playing on doing all 4 tanks with it. Much better than regular gravel and or sand.
Dr. Andrew –
Fast propagation growth and clean substrate!
As a full disclosure and context, im not using this in an aquarium but as a substrate for propagating plants. I’d tried soil prop, water prop, and lecca before but I’ll be honest, this works better than all of them. I see each of my plants developing healthy root systems within a week or two after setting them in the substrate. Otherwise I’ve just added water, and a little fertilizer if they go for two long. A bit more detail:Pros:Clean, easy, seems to avoid some of the problems I had with lecca on growth of algae. Overall it also seems like im using less water, probably because the granules pack in tighter. Works well for propping with mason jars, old jam containers, etc. Fast propagation and good root growth.Cons:Rough to clean up sometimes, depending on if it gets onto the floor. When dry it has a tendency to break up when friction is applied, so I’ve had some smear on the floors when it gets loose. Would recommend using a repotting mat or small tarp to help mitigate the clean up. Overall, still highly recommend.
Leah Markus –
Perfect for growing corms and plants!
I use this for my plants and alocasia corms and will always use it! The medium is durable, but will fall apart once itâs reached its limit, so watch for that and change out the medium when it happens or roots with rot. I love how pretty it is, too!
Trent Salter –
Incredible, with patience
This is absolutely amazing substrate for plants and shrimp. It makes things perfect for them and if you only want it for that, youâre golden!As long as you have the patience to rinse this stuff for hours. It is so dusty and dirty that the only way to make it not completely turn your water completely black is to rinse it for literal hours and then, even after all that, still treat the tank with water clarifier.It works, but be warned!
robin –
Worked super well!
I felt like this made my tank so much more lively, my loaches loved it! My plants were secure and thriving. I think it is worth the price.
Sophia –
Pretty but hard to rinse
This is relaly pretty! Look good in my 5 ballin tank. I got the smallest bag. It fits good with atleast a inch of layer maybe more?Keeps the plants in good so far, only had it for a day, but it took FOREVER TO RINSE. I ended up putting it in, and let it settle overnight. In the morning it was still foggy, but then by the time I got home, it was clear. My shrimp love it !UPDATE: DONT BUY WHATEVER THE REVIEWS SAY!The reviews were great, so was mine. WAS. Itâs horrible it made the PH so low that it killed 3 shrimp, it dirtied my water so bad, and made it 19 hours for it so clear the tank fully. Itâs pretty but horrible. Adds to much stuff to the water for beginners
BR –
Excellent Substrate for Plant and Shrimp Tanks!
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is fantastic for freshwater aquariums. Promotes strong plant growth and maintains a neutral to slightly acidic pH, perfect for shrimp and plants. Easy to use and looks natural in the tank. Highly recommend!
Liloo –
Substrat parfait pour mes plantes. Elles poussent très bien et semblent ravies. Très satisfait du résultat !
Matthew Yeung –
This package comes in with correct weight. Seeds are growing well.HOwever, you need to wait for couple hours before putting fish in. Because the water will be so dirty.You can run your filter to let it clear out faster though. Overall good product
sylvie –
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Amazon Customer –
Perfect for plant tissue culture acclimatization
muskan –
came unexpectedly early! Perfect size, great condition and quick customer service.