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Fluval 12697 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 8.8 lbs. - Promotes Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color

  • Based on 209 reviews
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Availability: In Stock.
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Arrives Thursday, May 2
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Color: Bio-Stratum


Size: 8.8 lbs


Style: Substrate


Features

  • Acting as an additional source of filtration, Bio-Stratums porous structure promotes biological activity for improved water quality
  • Rapidly reduces ammonia levels to help stabilize water conditions in new aquariums
  • Promotes healthy plant development, vigorous growth and vibrant colors; contains a powerful mix of nutrients, minerals and trace elements exclusively available to plants
  • Lightweight powder granules are non-compacting, allowing the finest and more delicate roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the porous substrate
  • Supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for live plants as well as fish and shrimp; suitable for use in smaller freshwater aquariums or as a top layer in larger tanks

Description

Fluval Bio-Stratum is infused with beneficial “bioactives” that will break down waste, kickstart the nitrogen cycle and rapidly reduce ammonia levels to help stabilize water conditions in new aquariums and keep established aquariums healthy. Acting as an additional source of biological filtration, Bio-Stratum’s smaller powder format granules are porous and non-compacting, which further promote beneficial biological activity and enhanced water quality.For more fish tank accessories, check out other Fluval products including aquarium filters, filter media, aquarium heaters, aquarium air pumps, aquarium lights, aquarium rocks, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium stands. Fluval has a wide variety of products that are perfect for your pet fish to enjoy in any large fish tank, small fish tank, saltwater tank or freshwater tank. Fluval first broke onto the aquatic scene in 1975 by introducing the world’s first 3-stage filter with synchronous motor technology – a landmark breakthrough that is still applied in the industry today. Since then, Fluval has built a legacy around this pioneering spirit, relentlessly adapting in a changing world to launch innovative aquarium products that remain at the forefront of technology, and which set the bar in quality, style and functionality. Fluval’s mission is not just about building products that mimic the natural world, but inspiring aquarists of all skill levels to enjoy and respect the hobby for generations to come.

Product Dimensions: 16.93 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches


Item Weight: 8.8 pounds


Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


Country of Origin: Japan


Item model number: 12697


Specific instructions for use: Indoor


Assembly required: No


Batteries required: No


Included Components: All items listed in description.


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Thursday, May 2

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Great Aqua Soil
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
I have been using this for all my planted tanks and everything grows so well. I feel like after a year or so you might have to supplement root tabs for your plants. This is a great starter for aquariums and is easy to clean with the gravel vacuum. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the ph. This will drop your aquarium's ph to about 6 so make sure your fish are going to be ok with a lower ph. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023 by aarox

  • So far so good.
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
This did cloud up the water for a day but my filter did its job and water has been clean since I assembled the aquarium a couple of months ago! The bland and my betta all seem happy and so am I.
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023 by Niki B

  • Easy but Tricky!
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
+ Don't rinse it + let it soak overnight in a separate container to help it stay submerged - I dumped the soaking water but didn't disturb the stratum. + fill your tank SLOWLY! + Don't get frustrated if the plants float a few times--they'll settle and the substrate only gets easier to work with. I found it was easiest to plant with my hands. + Do a water change if it's a fresh tank! This stuff releases a ton of ammonia but a new tank won't be prepared to process it all (not enough bacteria). Make sure to test your levels a lot or you'll start to burn your live plants like I did. Live and learn! I was really afraid of the reviews AFTER I bought the 8.8 bag. Imaging my delight when this turned out to be super easy to work with. The substrate is made of tiny clay balls; if you try to 'wash' them you're washing away the substrate. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023 by Bree Bree

  • Amazing substrate!!!!
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
Never change your tank again!!! What a perfectly wonderful biosphere this helps create with the addition of live plants & fish & snails & driftwood and moss etc… I have NEVER been happier!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2023 by Amy Scarcella

  • Plants love it
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
Only been using it for a minute, but like to use it as a base in my natural aquariums. Plants seem to thrive and love it, fish dont mind and water quality doesnt seemed affected, but these are natural aquariums so it is being capped with 2in of sand
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2023 by Tyler grimes

  • Perfect for 10 Gallon
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
A little pricey for the amount you get but its still cheaper than if you bought the same product at big retail store. Lots more benefits than using plain gravel or other substrate types. I didn’t wash this substrate and it did not cloud my water at all. I did develop lots of hair algae on my wood hardscape. This is my fault, too much light. I also believe that it is possible aiding the algae though because of the nutrients from the substrate leeching into the water column. However, my plants looked great beside from the algae. I would definitely buy this in the future but possibly cap it with a gravel substrate so that the nutrients don’t leech. I wonder if that would make a significant difference. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2023 by C Viegut C Viegut

  • Well done
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
Good stuff shrimp like it
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023 by mike reilly

  • My plants are happy
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 8.8 lbs Style: Substrate
I switched over from colored gravel to this and love it. I did cap it with sand. I'm happy, my plants are happier, and my fish seem content. Would definitely buy again.
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2023 by Sith

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