{"product_id":"fluval-stratum-4-4-lb-plant-shrimp-substrate","title":"Fluval Stratum 4.4 lb – Plant \u0026 Shrimp Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003eFluval Stratum 4.4 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate made for freshwater planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano tanks, and aquascaping layouts. Its dark, porous granules provide a natural-looking base for plants, shrimp, and small freshwater fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis substrate is commonly used in planted aquariums where aquarists want a soil-style base that can support rooted plants and help buffer water toward a slightly acidic pH. Fluval 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, nano 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 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\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater aquariums only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and aquascaping setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreshwater planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeocaridina and Caridina shrimp tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall aquascaping layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft-water community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrypts, swords, mosses, stem plants, 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 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. 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 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\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 Stratum used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFluval 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\u003eDoes Fluval Stratum affect water parameters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Active soil substrates like Fluval 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\u003eIs Fluval 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\u003eCan Fluval Stratum be used in community aquariums?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it can be used in freshwater community aquariums with fish that are compatible with the water parameters created by the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I rinse Fluval 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 the aquarium footprint and desired substrate depth. A 4.4 lb bag is commonly used for nano tanks, shrimp tanks, or small planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does Fluval 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 Stratum 4.4 lb is an active volcanic soil substrate for planted freshwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and aquascaping 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":52998645383381,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/12693_packaging-1.webp?v=1771518298","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/fluval-stratum-4-4-lb-plant-shrimp-substrate","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}