Fluval Bio-Stratum 17.6 lb – Plant & Shrimp Substrate

Fluval Bio-Stratum 17.6 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate made for freshwater planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, and aquascaping layouts. Its dark, porous granules provide a natural-looking substrate base while offering surface area for beneficial bacteria.

This larger 17.6 lb bag is useful for medium aquariums, larger shrimp setups, planted aquariums, and aquascapes that need deeper substrate coverage. Fluval Bio-Stratum can help buffer water toward a slightly acidic pH depending on source water, aquarium setup, and maintenance routine.

Key Features

• Active Volcanic Soil: Soil-style substrate for planted freshwater aquariums and shrimp tanks
• 17.6 lb Bag: Larger size for medium tanks, deeper layouts, or larger aquascapes
• Dark Natural Appearance: Dark brown to black granules help highlight plants, shrimp, and fish
• Porous Granules: Provides surface area for beneficial bacteria in the aquarium
• Good for Rooted Plants: Useful for many common aquarium plants and aquascaping layouts
• Freshwater Use Only: Intended for freshwater planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, and soft-water setups

Product Information

• Brand: Fluval
• Product: Bio-Stratum Plant & Shrimp Substrate
• Weight: 17.6 lb / 8 kg
• Substrate Type: Active volcanic soil
• Color: Dark brown to black
• Use: Freshwater aquariums only
• Best For: Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, aquascapes, and soft-water freshwater setups

Best Uses

• Medium planted freshwater aquariums
• Larger shrimp tanks and colony setups
• Aquascaping layouts
• Nature-style aquariums
• Soft-water community aquariums
• Stem plant aquariums
• Crypts, swords, mosses, and carpeting plants
• Deeper substrate beds depending on aquarium size and layout

How to Use

Add Fluval Bio-Stratum directly to the aquarium according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not rinse before use unless the product label states otherwise, as rinsing may break down the granules and remove fine material intended for the substrate.

A common planted aquarium substrate depth is around 1.5–3 inches, depending on the aquarium size, plant choices, and aquascape layout. Heavy root-feeding plants may still benefit from root tabs or additional plant nutrition over time.

Aquascaping Tips

• Slope the substrate from front to back to create depth in the aquascape
• Use deeper areas for root-feeding plants
• Plant gently to avoid crushing the granules
• Fill the aquarium slowly to reduce cloudiness
• Use a plate, plastic bag, or diffuser when adding water
• Test water parameters regularly, especially in shrimp tanks
• Follow manufacturer guidance for setup, cycling, and maintenance

Important Aquarium Notes

• Use in freshwater aquariums only
• Do not use with fish or shrimp that require hard, high-pH water without confirming compatibility
• Water parameter effects can vary based on source water, KH, tank setup, and maintenance routine
• Cycle the aquarium before adding sensitive livestock
• Monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH as needed
• Substrate nutrient performance can vary based on plant load, maintenance, and aquarium conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fluval Bio-Stratum used for?
Fluval Bio-Stratum is used as a soil-style substrate for planted freshwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, aquascapes, and soft-water setups.

How is Fluval Bio-Stratum different from regular Fluval Stratum?
Bio-Stratum is designed with a focus on supporting beneficial bacteria growth in addition to planted aquarium and shrimp tank use. Follow the product label for exact manufacturer details.

Is Fluval Bio-Stratum good for shrimp tanks?
Yes, it is commonly used in freshwater shrimp aquariums. Always confirm the water parameters match the shrimp species you plan to keep and monitor the tank during cycling.

Does Fluval Bio-Stratum affect pH?
Yes. Active soil substrates like Bio-Stratum can help buffer water toward a slightly acidic pH. The exact effect can vary depending on source water, KH, aquarium setup, and maintenance routine.

Should I rinse Fluval Bio-Stratum before use?
No. Do not rinse unless the manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise. Add it carefully and fill the aquarium slowly to help reduce cloudiness.

How much area does a 17.6 lb bag cover?
Coverage depends on aquarium footprint and desired substrate depth. A 17.6 lb bag may work for some 30–55 gallon aquariums depending on layout, slope, and depth, but deeper planted aquascapes may require more substrate.

How long does Fluval Bio-Stratum last?
Substrate performance can vary depending on plant load, water source, maintenance routine, and aquarium setup. Over time, additional plant nutrition such as root tabs or liquid fertilizer may be needed.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Fluval Bio-Stratum 17.6 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate for planted freshwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, aquascapes, and soft-water setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop Fluval substrates, planted aquarium supplies, shrimp tank products, aquascaping tools, live plants, fertilizers, filters, and aquarium care essentials.

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