Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum - 4kg
Fluval Stratum is a volcanic soil collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the famously active Mount Aso volcano in Japan, the biggest in the country and one of the largest in the world. It is an ideal substrate for stimulating the growth of a wide variety of stunning aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Delicate root systems are able to easily penetrate and spread throughout this substrate, allowing plants to obtain a host of readily available beneficial nutrients to aid in their growth. The substrate is rather light and non-compacting, helping to support beneficial nitrifying bacteria within the tank. They quickly colonize its porous structure, helping to maintain a healthy, optimal water quality for plants and other inhabitants. Fluval Stratum helps maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH that is ideal for most plant species, as well as for the fish and shrimp (such as cherry, ghost and amano) typically kept in planted aquaria. As an added bonus, the substrate provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, allowing them to avoid early-stage predation and to remain hidden until they are large enough to move freely without fear. Fluval Stratum will not discolor your aquarium water, and even helps to control organic discoloration often caused by the use of natural driftwood.
Fluval Stratum is a volcanic soil collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the famously active Mount Aso volcano in Japan, the biggest in the country and one of the largest in the world. It is an ideal substrate for stimulating the growth of a wide variety of stunning aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Delicate root systems are able to easily penetrate and spread throughout this substrate, allowing plants to obtain a host of readily available beneficial nutrients to aid in their growth. The substrate is rather light and non-compacting, helping to support beneficial nitrifying bacteria within the tank. They quickly colonize its porous structure, helping to maintain a healthy, optimal water quality for plants and other inhabitants. Fluval Stratum helps maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH that is ideal for most plant species, as well as for the fish and shrimp (such as cherry, ghost and amano) typically kept in planted aquaria. As an added bonus, the substrate provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, allowing them to avoid early-stage predation and to remain hidden until they are large enough to move freely without fear. Fluval Stratum will not discolor your aquarium water, and even helps to control organic discoloration often caused by the use of natural driftwood.
Fluval Stratum is a volcanic soil collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the famously active Mount Aso volcano in Japan, the biggest in the country and one of the largest in the world. It is an ideal substrate for stimulating the growth of a wide variety of stunning aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Delicate root systems are able to easily penetrate and spread throughout this substrate, allowing plants to obtain a host of readily available beneficial nutrients to aid in their growth. The substrate is rather light and non-compacting, helping to support beneficial nitrifying bacteria within the tank. They quickly colonize its porous structure, helping to maintain a healthy, optimal water quality for plants and other inhabitants. Fluval Stratum helps maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH that is ideal for most plant species, as well as for the fish and shrimp (such as cherry, ghost and amano) typically kept in planted aquaria. As an added bonus, the substrate provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, allowing them to avoid early-stage predation and to remain hidden until they are large enough to move freely without fear. Fluval Stratum will not discolor your aquarium water, and even helps to control organic discoloration often caused by the use of natural driftwood.
Fluval Stratum is a volcanic soil collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the famously active Mount Aso volcano in Japan, the biggest in the country and one of the largest in the world. It is an ideal substrate for stimulating the growth of a wide variety of stunning aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Delicate root systems are able to easily penetrate and spread throughout this substrate, allowing plants to obtain a host of readily available beneficial nutrients to aid in their growth. The substrate is rather light and non-compacting, helping to support beneficial nitrifying bacteria within the tank. They quickly colonize its porous structure, helping to maintain a healthy, optimal water quality for plants and other inhabitants. Fluval Stratum helps maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH that is ideal for most plant species, as well as for the fish and shrimp (such as cherry, ghost and amano) typically kept in planted aquaria. As an added bonus, the substrate provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, allowing them to avoid early-stage predation and to remain hidden until they are large enough to move freely without fear. Fluval Stratum will not discolor your aquarium water, and even helps to control organic discoloration often caused by the use of natural driftwood.
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The lowest price for Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum - 4kg right now is $32.00 at Nature Aquariums, compared across 30 retailers.
The all-time low was $26.01 on 10 Dec 2025 — today's price is 23% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 10 June 2026.
Last updated at 10/06/2026 06:02:50
Fluval Stratum 4kg
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 4kg
Delivery $14
Fluval Stratum Plant and Shrimp Substrate 4kg
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Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, 4kg
Delivery between 15–24 June $6.95
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum - 4kg
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Fluval Stratum Plant and Shrimp Substrate 4kg
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FLUVAL Stratum 4kg Planted Aquarium Substrate Soil
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originally posted on Google
This is one of the best substrates for planted tank. Yes it does cloud the water. I have tried rinsing it, but it’s dirt so it will always throw dirt. I have also tried not doing so and it seems do fine as well. I would also suggest not putting into tanks with high flow. Do not physically rough the stuff as it will break apart the pellets and with cause fine clay silt. Also let it settle for a day. Within in a week it should be clear. Plants go nuts in this stuff. Love it but you have to have patience since it is dirt not gravel.
originally posted on petco.com
This is a nice looking, lightweight aquasoil substrate for live plants. I gave it a light, very gentle rinse and had no problems with water clouding. Your plants may initially be slightly harder to keep in place due to how light this substrate is, but once they grow in their roots they'll be fine. Despite how light it is, I haven't had much trouble with it being displaced during water changes.I did experience a slight ammonia spike the first day or two that the substrate was in the tank. It was easily taken care of with a water change and a dose of Seachem prime. By the third day is was cleared.This substrate also works to buffer the water PH levels. My tap water and other tanks hold a PH of about 8.2, but my tank with Fluval Stratum in it holds a PH of ... MoreThis is a nice looking, lightweight aquasoil substrate for live plants. I gave it a light, very gentle rinse and had no problems with water clouding. Your plants may initially be slightly harder to keep in place due to how light this substrate is, but once they grow in their roots they'll be fine. Despite how light it is, I haven't had much trouble with it being displaced during water changes.I did experience a slight ammonia spike the first day or two that the substrate was in the tank. It was easily taken care of with a water change and a dose of Seachem prime. By the third day is was cleared.This substrate also works to buffer the water PH levels. My tap water and other tanks hold a PH of about 8.2, but my tank with Fluval Stratum in it holds a PH of 7.6.Overall it's a nice planting substrate. I've been using it for a week and already see growth in my swords and crypts. Just be mindful of the possible ammonia spike in the first few days of use.
originally posted on petco.com
Perfect for shrimp, don’t wash, put in before you add water, very very slowly add water, you don’t want to disturb this substrate. Be gentle when moving or cleaning.Cons: Light weight, strong filter will push it around and get dust every on your plants and decor. Very hard to remove dust particles. Don’t wash, you will just create more dust.You can use water polisher to remove dust particles to a minimum, before you add decor and plants.I think ppl use it as a bottom layer, but u don’t have to.
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Fluval Stratum 4kg
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 4kg
Delivery $14
Fluval Stratum Plant and Shrimp Substrate 4kg
Free delivery between Thu – Fri
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, 4kg
Delivery between 15–24 June $6.95
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum - 4kg
30-day returns
This is one of the best substrates for planted tank. Yes it does cloud the water. I have tried rinsing it, but it’s dirt so it will always throw dirt. I have also tried not doing so and it seems do fine as well. I would also suggest not putting into tanks with high flow. Do not physically rough the stuff as it will break apart the pellets and with cause fine clay silt. Also let it settle for a day. Within in a week it should be clear. Plants go nuts in this stuff. Love it but you have to have patience since it is dirt not gravel.
This is a nice looking, lightweight aquasoil substrate for live plants. I gave it a light, very gentle rinse and had no problems with water clouding. Your plants may initially be slightly harder to keep in place due to how light this substrate is, but once they grow in their roots they'll be fine. Despite how light it is, I haven't had much trouble with it being displaced during water changes.I did experience a slight ammonia spike the first day or two that the substrate was in the tank. It was easily taken care of with a water change and a dose of Seachem prime. By the third day is was cleared.This substrate also works to buffer the water PH levels. My tap water and other tanks hold a PH of about 8.2, but my tank with Fluval Stratum in it holds a PH of ... MoreThis is a nice looking, lightweight aquasoil substrate for live plants. I gave it a light, very gentle rinse and had no problems with water clouding. Your plants may initially be slightly harder to keep in place due to how light this substrate is, but once they grow in their roots they'll be fine. Despite how light it is, I haven't had much trouble with it being displaced during water changes.I did experience a slight ammonia spike the first day or two that the substrate was in the tank. It was easily taken care of with a water change and a dose of Seachem prime. By the third day is was cleared.This substrate also works to buffer the water PH levels. My tap water and other tanks hold a PH of about 8.2, but my tank with Fluval Stratum in it holds a PH of 7.6.Overall it's a nice planting substrate. I've been using it for a week and already see growth in my swords and crypts. Just be mindful of the possible ammonia spike in the first few days of use.
Perfect for shrimp, don’t wash, put in before you add water, very very slowly add water, you don’t want to disturb this substrate. Be gentle when moving or cleaning.Cons: Light weight, strong filter will push it around and get dust every on your plants and decor. Very hard to remove dust particles. Don’t wash, you will just create more dust.You can use water polisher to remove dust particles to a minimum, before you add decor and plants.I think ppl use it as a bottom layer, but u don’t have to.
I just bought this a few days ago and it's terrible. Absolutely terrible. I can't even put new plants into the substrate without my entire tank turning black and it's not even heavy enough to hold down anything bigger then a plant start. Took 48 hours for my water to be semi clear after following all directions. I'm going to just restart.
The substrate has a nice texture for planting but my water has been a shade of brown since I started using this substrate. The water will be "clear", but its a crystal clear shade of brown. Any disruption of the substrate, like vacuuming, moving plants, or moving ornaments kicks up a ploom of dust and the water becomes murky. Once the murkiness settles, everything thing in the tank is covered in brown "dust". My betta's bubble nests get brown debris stuck in the bubbles, add my snail's shell has brown debris in the ridges. I would not recommend this product, and I will now ultimately have to redo my whole aquarium.
Recently i have gotten back into planted aquariums, after having cichlids for some time. I honestly just saw fluval name -and shrimp and plant, and i was sold. I didn’t even bother to read what it actually did haha. Totally my fault. Well it makes my water a ph of 6, or maybe lower- and no kh. Which is the goal for most caridinas. Was planning on putting neos in there, but may try caridinas soon. So i did not experience any black water, or cloudiness at all. I even rinsed it. I was very careful when filling, put a small plate on the bottom. It’s pretty well planted , and they are thriving. The kubotai rasboras are doing fine. I am setting up another nano for some neos , and the nerite i got, that will be better off getting out of the fluval water. Overall the ... MoreRecently i have gotten back into planted aquariums, after having cichlids for some time. I honestly just saw fluval name -and shrimp and plant, and i was sold. I didn’t even bother to read what it actually did haha. Totally my fault. Well it makes my water a ph of 6, or maybe lower- and no kh. Which is the goal for most caridinas. Was planning on putting neos in there, but may try caridinas soon. So i did not experience any black water, or cloudiness at all. I even rinsed it. I was very careful when filling, put a small plate on the bottom. It’s pretty well planted , and they are thriving. The kubotai rasboras are doing fine. I am setting up another nano for some neos , and the nerite i got, that will be better off getting out of the fluval water. Overall the last 2 months it’s been a positive experience.
Too early to tell if this is the holy grail I have been looking for. Most aquarium plants I have had in the past gradually die over a couple of years beginning the day I buy them. With this product I have set up a few plant pots using this substrate as my potting mix with a bit of aquarium gravel on the top to keep it settled (maybe not needed but Im being cautious as this product is new to me). Of course, water quality plays a big part as well but now that I am retired, I hope to make water updates more frequently. It is certainly giving the plants a positive start. My wish is that the plants actually grow and get thicker, and over time, need dividing. Note: I have a cold water tank and have been advised this product is right for me even though the product ... MoreToo early to tell if this is the holy grail I have been looking for. Most aquarium plants I have had in the past gradually die over a couple of years beginning the day I buy them. With this product I have set up a few plant pots using this substrate as my potting mix with a bit of aquarium gravel on the top to keep it settled (maybe not needed but Im being cautious as this product is new to me). Of course, water quality plays a big part as well but now that I am retired, I hope to make water updates more frequently. It is certainly giving the plants a positive start. My wish is that the plants actually grow and get thicker, and over time, need dividing. Note: I have a cold water tank and have been advised this product is right for me even though the product description seems vague as to whether it can be used for cold water. In fact I have been advised it will last longer in cold water. Feeling positive. Only been in for about a month but so far everything looks fresh and healthy For those of you who notice the heater in the tank, I live in a very cold winter climate so during winter, whilst attached to a plug-in Timer, I use a heater just to take the chill off the water temperature. Otherwise it can get so cold, I cant even leave my arm in for very long when cleaning.So the heater changes the temp from painfully icy to just plain cold.
WONDERING HOW TO USE FLUVAL SUBSTRATE? Let me tell you now that I wasted a WHOLE BAG! DO NOT RINSE. Yes it seems CRAZY. JUST DONT! I know what the instructions say! Here is the secret. PLACE A BOWL in the middle of your aquarium - yes a BOWL! Pour water slowly in this bowl. Do not fill this like a crazy person. POUR WATER IN THE BOWL and it will flow over. Go slow. Eventually the bowl will sink or float - KEEP POURING IN THE BOWL! SIT eye level. Do not assume you are pouring in the bowl! POUR IN THE BOWL! Is your water pretty clear?! Yeah THOUGHT SO. SLOW AND BOWL is the key to THIS substrate. I don't care how big your tank is. Squish the little plants, put the bowl on top and POUR! They will grow! Leave your filter on and BOOM even better by morning. Your welcome. ... MoreWONDERING HOW TO USE FLUVAL SUBSTRATE? Let me tell you now that I wasted a WHOLE BAG! DO NOT RINSE. Yes it seems CRAZY. JUST DONT! I know what the instructions say! Here is the secret. PLACE A BOWL in the middle of your aquarium - yes a BOWL! Pour water slowly in this bowl. Do not fill this like a crazy person. POUR WATER IN THE BOWL and it will flow over. Go slow. Eventually the bowl will sink or float - KEEP POURING IN THE BOWL! SIT eye level. Do not assume you are pouring in the bowl! POUR IN THE BOWL! Is your water pretty clear?! Yeah THOUGHT SO. SLOW AND BOWL is the key to THIS substrate. I don't care how big your tank is. Squish the little plants, put the bowl on top and POUR! They will grow! Leave your filter on and BOOM even better by morning. Your welcome. Sincerely ME - WHO WASTED A LOT OF MONEY!
This is a substrate that I'd heard a lot of good about while watching videos on YouTube from various aquascaping channels, and the hype was not wrong. This has been a fantastic substrate for my plants so far, and seems to be benefiting the health of my tank overall. There's another high review that mentions a potential ammonia spike, and I did experience the same thing. I've also both rinsed and NOT rinsed this substrate, and I'd honestly recommend not rinsing it before placing it in your tank. It's like a dried mud or clay in texture, and does have a way of falling apart as you try to rinse it if you're not gentle. You might also be inclined to overwash it, as there will continuously be sediment in the water regardless of how long you rinse. That's just the nature ... MoreThis is a substrate that I'd heard a lot of good about while watching videos on YouTube from various aquascaping channels, and the hype was not wrong. This has been a fantastic substrate for my plants so far, and seems to be benefiting the health of my tank overall. There's another high review that mentions a potential ammonia spike, and I did experience the same thing. I've also both rinsed and NOT rinsed this substrate, and I'd honestly recommend not rinsing it before placing it in your tank. It's like a dried mud or clay in texture, and does have a way of falling apart as you try to rinse it if you're not gentle. You might also be inclined to overwash it, as there will continuously be sediment in the water regardless of how long you rinse. That's just the nature of the substrate. When I used it without rinsing, I didn't experience a ton of cloudiness. What little I did see cleared up quickly within the hour.As far as volume, the tank I used this bag in is 5.5 gallons. If you only want about an inch, then one bag is likely fine with a tank around my size. Any more than that (or a larger tank), and you'll want more than one bag. It's absolutely worth it though, in my opinion, especially if you plan to have a planted aquarium. If you're gonna invest in quality materials for your tank and aren't sure where that money should go, a solid substrate like this one is a great choice.
this stuff is terrible. get the aq*eon shrimp and plant substrate instead. this made my water completely black even when carefully adding, and it gets sucked up when I try to vacuum. You could maybe use it as a lower layer if you cap it with something else, but you have to be extremely careful not to disturb it and it's not worth the headache tbh. It did grow my plants quite well but it's not worth it. so messy and has already started to break down after a few weeks. I'll be replacing all of it with the other brand, which has harder clay balls that don't disintegrate and cloud up the water
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