{"product_id":"fluval-bio-stratum-8-8-lb-plant-shrimp-substrate","title":"Fluval Bio-Stratum 8.8 lb – Plant \u0026 Shrimp Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003eFluval Bio-Stratum 8.8 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate made for planted freshwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, and aquascaping layouts. Its porous granules provide surface area for beneficial bacteria while helping create a natural-looking dark substrate base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis substrate is commonly used in planted tanks and freshwater shrimp setups where aquarists want a soil-style substrate that can support rooted plants and help buffer water toward a slightly acidic pH. Fluval Bio-Stratum is intended for freshwater aquariums only.\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\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\u003eSupports Slightly Acidic Water:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can help buffer water toward a lower pH depending on aquarium conditions\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 8.8 lb \/ 4 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\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater aquariums only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003ePlanted freshwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeocaridina and Caridina shrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquascaping layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft-water community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStem plant aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrypts, swords, mosses, and carpeting plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall to medium aquarium setups depending on substrate depth\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 1.5–3 inches, depending on the aquarium size, plant choices, and aquascape layout. Heavier 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 in the aquascape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse deeper areas for root-feeding 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 and aquarium setup\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\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, aquascapes, and soft-water setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Fluval Bio-Stratum and 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, tank 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 an 8.8 lb bag cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCoverage depends on aquarium footprint and desired depth. An 8.8 lb bag is commonly used for smaller planted tanks or shrimp setups, often around 10–20 gallons depending on substrate depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFluval Bio-Stratum 8.8 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52999166329045,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/12697_packaging.webp?v=1771518314","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/fluval-bio-stratum-8-8-lb-plant-shrimp-substrate","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}