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Fluval

Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH

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Color: Stratum


Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)


Features

  • 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

Description

Fluval Stratum is the ideal aquarium substrate for stimulating the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plant roots easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate, allowing live aquarium plants to obtain a variety of key, readily available nutrients that will make them flourish. The addition of Fluval Plant Micronutrients will ensure a full complement of essential macro and micro. The substrate's light, non-compacting, porous structure is also highly beneficial to nitrifying bacteria, which rapidly colonize the vast porous surface, providing optimal aquarium water quality for real plants. Fluval Stratum's inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. Fluval Stratum also provides new aquarium shrimp with the ideal refuge, allowing them to escape predation until they are large enough to emerge into the shrimp tank. This highly attractive substrate will not discolor water and helps control organic discoloration usually present when natural driftwood aquarium décor is used. For more fish tank accessories check out the other Fluval products including Fluval aquariums, aquarium filters, filter media, aquarium heaters, aquarium air pumps, aquarium lights, fake plants, aquarium thermometer, fish food, aquarium gravel, planted aquarium tools, fish tank decorations and aquarium stands. Fluval has a wide variety of products that are perfect for your pet fish, shrimp, or betta fish to enjoy in any large fish tank, small fish tank, freshwater tank or in a saltwater tank. The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the perfect substrate for planted aquariums and is available in multiple sizes; available as a 4.4 lb. bag, an 8.8 lb. bag and a 17.6 lb. bag.

Brand: Fluval


Item Weight: 4 Kilograms


Item Form: Granules


Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


UPC:


Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No


Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 3 x 15 inches; 8.82 Pounds


Manufacturer recommended age ‏ : ‎ 1 month and up


Item model number ‏ : ‎ 12694


Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-Adult


Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 18, 2014


Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


Best Sellers Rank: #776 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies) #1 in Aquarium Gravel


#1 in Aquarium Gravel:


Item Weight: 8.8 pounds


Department: Unisex-Adult


Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


Item model number: 12694


Date First Available: July 18, 2014


Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 13.66 x 12.09 x 3.46 inches


Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8 x 3 x 15 inches


Item Weight: 4 Kilograms


Brand Name: Fluval


Target Audience Keyword: fish


Directions: Follow individual packaging instructions.


Warranty Description: Manufacturer warranty.


Model Name: HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 4KG


Color: Stratum


Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)


Material: Volcanic Soil


Age Range Description: All Life Stages


Number of Items: 1


Style: Substrate


Breed Recommendation: Small Breeds


Included Components: All Items listed in Description


Specific Uses for Product: Indoor


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Jan 10 – Jan 15

This item is non-returnable:

Non-returnable due to Food safety reasons

View our full returns policy here.

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Similar Products

Top Amazon Reviews

    • Mandatory Element in my tanks
Color: Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1)
This has become a standard in my substrates, I blend it in with gravel, sand, whatever type I'm setting up. Planted tanks are the only way I roll, fully bioactive, and (virtually) changeless system set-up; soil is vital to plants and plants are vital to the chemistry. I've 2 products from this brand and I'm not inclined to change unless a real good reason manifests to do so. Neither product is what one may call 'cheap,' but it's certainly worth the money, my aquatic plants are so healthy that some specimens are abnormally big and have been a challenge to identify. (some of my seed stock didn't have anything but Chinese on the labels, so I had to wait until they grew to get them identified correctly.) The success I'm having with my tanks seems almost uncanny given I'm still something of a "newbie," these are my first tanks, all are less than a year old, and to have nailed it on the complete and healthy ecosystem model like a pro is testament to how great the science is developed and disseminated - and to the quality of products. Soil is everything, whether in my garden beds, potted plants, or aquatics - same rules apply. As I've said many times already, my water quality tests are always so spot on that it looks like I'm 'cheating,' and this stuff is one of the ingredients achieving all that. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2025 by William Axsom
    • So nice for fish tanks!! 🐟💕🐟💕
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Review Image by Lovebeingamomma Lovebeingamomma
Review Image by Lovebeingamomma Lovebeingamomma
This is such a nice substrate for fish tanks!! The color is so earthy and looks VERY nice with green and live plants! 💚 There is no weird smell odor that comes from it. It is also very safe for fish because it is very small so they will not get stuck and injured. Overall AWESOME substrate and I would HIGHLY recommend this to all fish keepers!! 💕🐟💚 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2025 by Lovebeingamomma Lovebeingamomma
    • Perfect Soil for Planted Tank. Don't Pre-Rinse
Color: Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Review Image by Jeffrey K. Jeffrey K.
Review Image by Jeffrey K. Jeffrey K.
This stuff is great, little pricey but you get what you pay for. I thought it would be messy but the small balls hold up well provided you don't crush them. Shrimp and fish health are not affected by it and boy does it look good in the tank. Plants love it and fish prefer it, especially when compared to bright gravels... The 1st picture was when I first started the tank with the soil and 2nd pic is 3 months later. I've had other tanks with sand/gravel...this soil makes a difference! Big tip: Place a small lid or use a paper towel to block water flow when initially filling up your tank. Minimize your splashing. Also I highly suggest you DO NOT pre-rinse this soil. I know the directions say so but don't do it. Big mess and unnecessary. As long as you don't pour big buckets of water on the soil your tank will clear up quickly. If you are going for a natural planted tank this is your soil. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025 by Jeffrey K. Jeffrey K.
    • Amazing product
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Review Image by Claudia Claudia
Review Image by Claudia Claudia
I have two fish tank! Ever since I switched to these bags, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my tank! I love the idea of having real plants, I did some research and everyone was right about switching over to fluval! I feel like my shrimps and my other fishes are thriving so much better ! My levels on my water have also improved! Definitely recommend , not only does it look great but the aesthetic of the tanks it just gives it a different vibe ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2025 by Claudia Claudia
    • Great soil for small tank, rinse well, a bit pricey…
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
The media could not be loaded. Love this brand and their products the only issue I have with this is their PRICE. It’s extremely expensive even for a very small package you’re luck if you can find one under $30. I got a good deal on these but good Lord these are pricey. It’s probably because of the quality because this stuff is great for what it’s worth. It’s basically pebbles of lava dirt so if you put it in and don’t rinse it, it will cloud up the water like nobody’s business. What you need to do is rinse it first, put it into the tank and then add water. I did this and it still caused a lot of cloudiness from the dust but it’s okay because I used it as a bottom layer underneath sand which is how it works best in my opinion. The plants are able to take root well and creep down to the bottom to get to this soil which is really good. Doing with with a cap of sand over it makes for a tank that can naturally “filter” waste down into the soil over the years, eventually breaking it down and leading to less of a need for frequent water change like you would with gravel. Buy this instead of gravel if you have a small tank and put a layer of sand over it, your fish will live long happy lives and adding aquatic plants will be perfect for a natural ecosystem that doesn’t hold ammonia but rather creates a space for beneficial bacteria similar to a pond. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2025 by Brice
    • Excellent substrate for plants, fish and shrimp
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Review Image by Tamariko Tamariko
Review Image by Tamariko Tamariko
Review Image by Tamariko Tamariko
This is a good substrate. I have a 20 gallon tank, so I bought one bag because I wasn't sure what kind of soil I wanted to use (yes, I know the soil layer should be much larger, I read all the recommendations). It is stated that this substrate should be washed a little before use, I did so and it turned out to be a huge mess, it was difficult to pour it wet into the tank, it was difficult to put in, all the water became cloudy, next time I will not wash it and leave this job to the filter 😅. It has been over a year and my plants were enough with such a small layer of substrate, but I would recommend buying at least 2 bags for 20 gallons, it would make it easier to plant plants. Now my plants feel good, fish and shrimp have had no problems either, sometimes I use liquid plant supplements, I don't have CO2 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2025 by Tamariko Tamariko

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