Description:
Create a natural foundation for your planted aquarium with Fluval Stratum Plant and Shrimp Substrate. Collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso Volcano in Japan, Fluval Stratum is a lightweight, porous volcanic soil designed for freshwater planted aquariums, aquascapes and freshwater shrimp setups.
Unlike traditional gravel, Stratum provides more than just a place for your plants to grow. Its porous, non-compacting granules allow plant roots to easily penetrate and spread through the substrate, helping them access the nutrients, minerals and trace elements locked within the soil. This makes it particularly well suited to planted aquariums and aquascapes where healthy root development is important.
The porous structure also provides plenty of surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria to colonise, helping support biological filtration within the aquarium. Stratum also supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH, making it well suited to many aquatic plants, tropical fish and freshwater shrimp. The effect it has on your aquarium's water chemistry will depend on your source water and its buffering capacity.
For shrimpkeepers, the 3–5mm granules create small spaces where newborn shrimp can seek refuge from larger tank inhabitants until they are big enough to move around more safely. The dark volcanic soil also provides a natural-looking base that helps plants and shrimp stand out within the aquarium.
Fluval Stratum can also help control organic discolouration from natural driftwood. The substrate contains humic acids that can help clear this type of organic staining from aquarium water.
As a natural aquarium soil, Stratum is different from inert gravel or sand and can influence your aquarium's pH and KH. This makes choosing the right substrate particularly important when setting up a planted or shrimp aquarium. We recommend considering your source water, livestock and desired water parameters before choosing an aquarium soil.
The 4kg bag is suitable for a range of planted aquarium setups. The amount required will depend on your aquarium's footprint and the depth of substrate you want to create.
Fluval Stratum is intended for use in freshwater aquariums.
Suitable for freshwater planted aquariums, aquascapes and freshwater shrimp aquariums.
Product Features:
- Natural volcanic soil substrate collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso Volcano in Japan
- Designed for planted aquariums and freshwater shrimp setups, providing a natural foundation for aquascapes
- 3–5mm porous granules allow plant roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate
- Rich in nutrients, minerals and trace elements that support healthy plant development and growth
- Non-compacting structure helps provide space for root development and allows plants to establish throughout the substrate
- Porous granules provide extensive surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria to colonise, supporting biological filtration
- Supports neutral to slightly acidic pH conditions commonly preferred by many aquatic plants, tropical fish and freshwater shrimp
- Naturally softens water and reduces carbonate hardness (KH), with the overall effect depending on the buffering capacity of your source water
- Provides refuge for newborn shrimp, with spaces between the granules giving young shrimp areas to seek shelter from larger tank inhabitants
- Helps control organic discolouration from natural driftwood through naturally occurring humic acids
- Lightweight substrate provides a lower weight load compared with many denser substrate materials
- Dark natural appearance creates a contrasting foundation that helps showcase aquarium plants and freshwater shrimp
- Suitable for freshwater planted aquariums, aquascapes and freshwater shrimp aquariums
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Fluval
- Product Type: Planted Aquarium & Shrimp Substrate
- Substrate Type: Natural Volcanic Soil
- Origin: Foothills of Mount Aso Volcano, Japan
- Granule Size: Approximately 3–5mm
- Structure: Porous and non-compacting
- Water Chemistry: Supports neutral to slightly acidic pH and naturally reduces carbonate hardness (KH)
- Suitable Water: Freshwater
- Suitable For: Planted Aquariums, Aquascapes and Freshwater Shrimp Aquariums
- Available Size: 4kg
Items Included:
- 1 x 4kg Bag of Fluval Stratum Plant & Shrimp Substrate
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum
Low stock: 1 left
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
💡 Unsure which product is right for your tank? Visit our Education section or Blogs for help choosing the best equipment.
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- Active Aquarium Soil Fluval Stratum is commonly used in planted aquariums and freshwater shrimp setups, but it's important to consider your source water and the type of shrimp you keep before choosing an active aquarium soil. Stratum can influence water chemistry by supporting a neutral to slightly acidic pH and reducing carbonate hardness (KH).
- Caridina Shrimp Many Caridina shrimp are commonly kept in softer, lower-pH water conditions. An active soil such as Stratum can be used in these types of setups, but your source water and desired parameters should always be considered when choosing a substrate.
- Neocaridina Shrimp Neocaridina, including Red Cherry Shrimp, are generally more adaptable to a wider range of water conditions. If your tap water is naturally hard and alkaline, an inert substrate may sometimes be a simpler option for maintaining stable parameters rather than using an active soil that can influence pH and KH.
- Water Testing Always test your source water and aquarium parameters rather than choosing a substrate based solely on shrimp species. Your water's KH and buffering capacity will influence how strongly Stratum affects your aquarium's pH.
Fluval Stratum is one of those substrates that does more than simply provide a base for your aquarium. Its lightweight, porous granules give plant roots room to spread while providing access to the nutrients, minerals and trace elements contained within the soil. The porous structure also provides plenty of surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria to colonise, making it a useful foundation for planted aquariums and aquascapes.
We particularly like Stratum for planted tanks and freshwater shrimp setups. The 3–5mm granules provide a natural-looking dark substrate while creating small spaces where young shrimp can seek refuge. The mildly acidic nature of the soil also makes it well suited to many plants, tropical fish and freshwater shrimp, although the effect it has on your aquarium's pH and KH will depend heavily on your source water and its buffering capacity.
It's also important to understand that Stratum behaves differently from inert gravel or sand. It's a natural soil substrate that can influence water chemistry, so we recommend choosing it based on the livestock you keep, your source water and the parameters you want to maintain. For the right aquarium, it's a versatile substrate that combines plant support, biological surface area and a natural appearance in one product.
If you are unsure whether this substrate is the right choice for your aquarium, visit our blog: Aquarium Substrates: Choosing the Right Base for Your Plants and Fish.
Gently rinse Stratum before adding it to the aquarium to remove fine dust. Use a large colander or similar container and avoid aggressively agitating the granules, as excessive handling can cause the soil to break down.
Once Stratum is established in the aquarium, do not clean it like ordinary gravel or sand. Avoid pushing a gravel vacuum deep into the substrate, as this can break down the soil. Instead, hover a small gravel vacuum just above the surface while gently disturbing loose debris with a turkey baster or your fingers, allowing the waste to be removed without unnecessarily disturbing the granules.
Monitor your aquarium's pH and KH when first setting up with Stratum, particularly if your source water is very soft or very hard. Stratum is mildly acidic and can gradually influence aquarium water, but the extent of that effect depends on the buffering capacity of your water. Soft water with low KH can become more acidic, while hard water with higher buffering capacity may remain more alkaline.
When setting up a new aquarium, monitor ammonia levels after adding Stratum. As a natural soil product, Stratum can potentially cause a slight increase in ammonia when first added. Testing is particularly important before adding livestock to a new setup.
Avoid unnecessarily disturbing or repeatedly moving the substrate once your plants and aquascape are established. Over time, the soil's nutrients will become depleted and the substrate may gradually break down. Fluval generally recommends replacing Stratum every 1–2 years, although the actual lifespan depends on the amount and type of plants being grown.
If you would like to know more on how to change substrate in an already established aquarium, visit our blog: How to Add or Change Substrate in an Established Aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fluval Stratum an active or inert substrate?
Fluval Stratum is an active aquarium soil rather than an inert substrate. It can influence your aquarium's water chemistry by supporting a neutral to slightly acidic pH and reducing carbonate hardness (KH). The extent of this effect depends on your source water, KH, and buffering capacity.
Is Fluval Stratum suitable for shrimp?
Yes. Fluval Stratum is commonly used in freshwater shrimp aquariums, particularly setups where softer and slightly acidic water conditions are desired. However, it is important to consider your source water and the species of shrimp you keep before choosing an active soil. Always test your water rather than relying solely on the substrate to achieve specific parameters.
Is Fluval Stratum suitable for Neocaridina shrimp?
Yes, Neocaridina shrimp can be kept on Fluval Stratum, but it is important to consider your source water. Neocaridina are generally adaptable to a wider range of water conditions, and aquariums with naturally hard or alkaline tap water may sometimes be easier to maintain using an inert substrate. An active soil can lower KH and influence pH, so regular testing is recommended.
Is Fluval Stratum good for Caridina shrimp?
Yes. Active aquarium soils such as Fluval Stratum are commonly used in Caridina shrimp setups because they can help support the softer, lower-pH conditions many Caridina are kept in. However, your source water is still important, as the soil's ability to influence pH and KH depends on the water's existing chemistry and buffering capacity.
Does Fluval Stratum lower pH and KH?
Yes. Fluval Stratum can naturally reduce carbonate hardness (KH) and support a neutral to slightly acidic pH. How strongly it affects your aquarium will depend on the KH and buffering capacity of your source water. Test your aquarium regularly, particularly when setting up a new tank or when keeping livestock that requires stable water parameters.
Do I need to rinse Fluval Stratum before using it?
Fluval Stratum should generally not be aggressively rinsed like gravel or sand, as doing so can break down the porous granules and create additional dust. Instead, add the substrate carefully to the aquarium and fill the tank slowly to minimise cloudiness. Some initial dust or cloudiness is normal and should settle as the aquarium is filtered.
Can I plant aquarium plants directly into Fluval Stratum?
Yes. Fluval Stratum is designed specifically with planted aquariums in mind. Its porous, non-compacting granules allow plant roots to penetrate and spread through the substrate, while the nutrient-rich soil provides access to minerals and trace elements that support plant growth.
Do I need root tabs with Fluval Stratum?
Not necessarily. Fluval Stratum contains nutrients, minerals, and trace elements that support plant growth, particularly during the early stages of a new setup. As the substrate matures and nutrients are gradually consumed, root tabs can be added for plants that are heavy root feeders or when additional nutrients are required.
How deep should I make my Fluval Stratum substrate?
The ideal depth depends on your aquarium and the plants you intend to grow. A depth of around 4–6cm is a useful starting point for most planted aquariums, with deeper areas possible for larger plants with more extensive root systems. Sloping the substrate from front to back can also add depth and visual interest to an aquascape.
How long does Fluval Stratum last?
Fluval Stratum gradually becomes less active as its buffering capacity and available nutrients are used over time. How long it remains effective depends on factors such as your source water, KH, water-change schedule, stocking level, and how heavily the aquarium is planted. Unlike inert gravel, it should not be expected to maintain the same water chemistry indefinitely.
