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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

  • Based on 5,787 reviews
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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 dΓ©cor 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 ‏ : β€Ž No


Product Dimensions ‏ : β€Ž 3 x 8 x 15 inches; 8.82 Pounds


Manufacturer recommended age ‏ : β€Ž 1 month and up


Item model number ‏ : β€Ž 12694


Department ‏ : β€Ž Unisex-Adult


Date First Available ‏ : β€Ž July 18, 2014


Manufacturer ‏ : β€Ž Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


Best Sellers Rank: #1,624 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies) #7 in Aquarium Gravel


#7 in Aquarium Gravel:


Brand Name: Fluval


Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


UPC: 015561126946


Global Trade Identification Number: 46


Model Number: 12694


Manufacturer Part Number: 12694


Unit Count: 140.8 Ounce


Warranty Description: Manufacturer warranty.


Item Type Name: HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 4KG


Included Components: All Items listed in Description


Item Weight: 4 Kilograms


Item Form: Granules


Target Species: Fish


Allergen Information: Nut Free


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Apr 28

This item is non-returnable:

Non-returnable due to Food safety reasons

View our full returns policy here.

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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!! πŸŸπŸ’•πŸŸπŸ’•
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
This is such a nice substrate for fish tanks!! The color is so earthy and looks VERY nice with green and live plants! πŸ’š 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!! πŸ’•πŸŸπŸ’š ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2025 by Lovebeingamomma

  • Recommend to newcomers
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Highly recommend this. My tank looked a little cloudy when I first set up my tank but in just a few hours I could see it clearing up. I went with some recommendations on not rinsing the substrate and I'm not regretting it. I've never used any substrate like this or attempted to plant a tank but after several decades I thought it would be time to try something different - I've always loved the look of planted tanks but felt to intimidated. However, I grew some balls and just went for it. So far my tank is looking so clear and my overhead plants are growing like crazy, the roots are have reached the bottom where the substrate is and my fish are happy and healthy as ever. Honestly, very pleased with this purchase and it's worth the hefty price. Recommend ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2026 by Agus Rangel

  • Nice product, just be careful.
Color: Stratum Size: 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Okay this stuff works great. But you need to be very careful when placing it in an aquarium. One do not mix it around at all! Or rinse it first! If you do, it'll be like mud. And you will never get your water clean. I made the mistake and had to throw the bag out and clean the whole aquarium out. You need to put the substrates on the bottom of the aquarium, straight from the bag, and then you need to slowly fill up the aquarium. But you need to take a plate to disperse the pressure of the water as you're pouring it in. And as the water temperature rises you need to keep the plate at the surface. So you're just slowly.. ever so slowly... with a lot of "patience" - pouring the water onto the plate at the surface so it gradually fills up without really disturbing the substrates at all. If you do get discoloration which you probably will, at this point, it'll subside within a few hours. At this point, you can take a paper towel and go around the inside of your tank and wipe it off, put carefully so not to stir up any of the substrates. I also at this point if you're usinga HOB filter (on the back of your tank). You can put a paper towel around the filter medium inside the filter. And you can empty that about every half an hour. I have to do that about 3 - 4 times and then your water will be clear. Be very careful when you're taking that out of the filter to put it right into a bowl or something. Because your tank is probably going to get a little cloudy again. If you're using a sponge filter., same. I don't put those in until last when I change it over from the back filter to the sponge filters. Hope this helps. It's a great product. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2026 by Terrylyn

  • Perfect Buffer and Easy to Plant In
Color: Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Loved adding this to my tank. Once everything balanced out, it’s been a perfect buffer for my water parameters. It also looks super clean against a dark backdrop. Do not rinse it. Just pour water gently over it when filling, otherwise your tank will turn into a murky lagoon. Once settled, it’s great. It’s also very easy to insert plants into. The texture holds roots well without being too compact. My plants are thriving so far, and the 4.4 lb bag was the perfect amount for my 5-gallon. I used the entire bag. Great substrate overall. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2026 by Brandon Vang

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