{"product_id":"fluval-bio-stratum-4-4-lb-plant-shrimp-substrate","title":"Fluval Bio-Stratum 4.4 lb – Plant \u0026 Shrimp Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003eFluval Bio-Stratum 4.4 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate made for freshwater planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and aquascaping layouts. Its dark, porous granules provide a natural-looking base while offering surface area for beneficial bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis smaller 4.4 lb bag is useful for nano tanks, shrimp aquariums, small planted setups, and compact aquascapes. Fluval Bio-Stratum can help buffer water toward a slightly acidic pH depending on source water, aquarium setup, and maintenance routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive Volcanic Soil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soil-style substrate for planted freshwater aquariums and shrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4.4 lb Bag:\u003c\/strong\u003e Useful size for nano aquariums, shrimp tanks, and small planted layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark Natural Appearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark brown to black granules help highlight plants, shrimp, and fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePorous Granules:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides surface area for beneficial bacteria in the aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood for Rooted Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Useful for many common aquarium plants and aquascaping layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater Use Only:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intended for freshwater planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, and soft-water setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fluval\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bio-Stratum Plant \u0026amp; Shrimp Substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.4 lb \/ 2 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active volcanic soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark brown to black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nano planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, aquascapes, and soft-water freshwater setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreshwater shrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall aquascaping layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft-water community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrypts, stem plants, mosses, and carpeting plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall tanks where a dark planted substrate is desired\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA common planted aquarium substrate depth is around 1.5–2.5 inches for smaller tanks, depending on the aquarium footprint, plant choices, and aquascape layout. Heavy root-feeding plants may still benefit from root tabs or additional plant nutrition over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquascaping Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlope the substrate from front to back to create depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse deeper areas for rooted plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant gently to avoid crushing the granules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill the aquarium slowly to reduce cloudiness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a plate, plastic bag, or diffuser when adding water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest water parameters regularly, especially in shrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFollow manufacturer guidance for setup, cycling, and maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Aquarium Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse in freshwater aquariums only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not use with fish or shrimp that require hard, high-pH water without confirming compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater parameter effects can vary based on source water, KH, tank setup, and maintenance routine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCycle the aquarium before adding sensitive livestock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH as needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubstrate nutrient performance can vary based on plant load, maintenance, and aquarium conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Fluval Bio-Stratum used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFluval Bio-Stratum is used as a soil-style substrate for planted freshwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and aquascaping layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is Fluval Bio-Stratum different from regular Fluval Stratum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBio-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Fluval Bio-Stratum good for shrimp tanks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Fluval Bio-Stratum affect pH?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I rinse Fluval Bio-Stratum before use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Do not rinse unless the manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise. Add it carefully and fill the aquarium slowly to help reduce cloudiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much area does a 4.4 lb bag cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCoverage depends on aquarium footprint and desired substrate depth. A 4.4 lb bag is commonly used for nano tanks or small planted aquariums, often around 5–10 gallons depending on substrate depth and layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does Fluval Bio-Stratum last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSubstrate 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFluval Bio-Stratum 4.4 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate for nano planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, aquascapes, and soft-water freshwater 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52999295959253,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/12696_packaging.webp?v=1771518318","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/fluval-bio-stratum-4-4-lb-plant-shrimp-substrate","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}