{"product_id":"fluval-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-substrate-8-8-lb-porous-mineral-rich-for-planted-aquariums","title":"Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum substrate 8.8 lb — porous, mineral-rich for planted aquariums","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a lightweight, porous substrate engineered to nourish aquatic plants and shelter shrimp in freshwater planted aquariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for hobbyists who want healthy root development and stable water conditions, this 8.8 lb bag of Fluval Stratum combines a non-compacting texture with mineral-rich granules that encourage root penetration, bacterial colonization, and a neutral-to-slightly-acidic pH ideal for many tropical plants, fish and shrimp. It’s formulated to avoid tinting water while helping control organic discoloration from natural décor like driftwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Fluval Stratum support planted aquarium growth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substrate’s porous granules create pockets where roots can easily grow and access trapped nutrients. Its structure also provides extensive surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria, which helps stabilize water chemistry and supports overall plant health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePorous, non-compacting granules allow root spread and oxygenation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMineral composition supplies trace elements plants use to thrive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh surface area encourages rapid beneficial bacterial colonization.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWorks well with Fluval Plant Micronutrients for a complete nutrient profile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this substrate affect aquarium water color or pH?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFluval Stratum is formulated to avoid releasing color into the water, making it suitable when you use natural decorations like driftwood. It also helps maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH range favored by many common aquatic plants and tropical species, without aggressive chemical shifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDoes not discolor water under normal use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHelps sustain neutral to slightly acidic pH favorable to plants and shrimp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStable granules minimize compaction and chemical leaching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does this substrate help shrimp and small or newborn invertebrates?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Stratum’s texture creates crevices and shallow shelters that newborn shrimp can hide in, reducing predation risk during vulnerable early stages. Its bacterial-friendly surface also contributes to a balanced micro-ecosystem that supports shrimp health indirectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProvides refuge for baby shrimp and small invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePorosity supports beneficial microbes important for water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGranule size discourages compaction, keeping spaces open for juveniles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I use Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum in my tank setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayer the substrate to allow 1–3 inches for planted tanks, with deeper beds for root-heavy species. Combine with root tabs or Fluval Plant Micronutrients for long-term nutrient availability, and rinse lightly only if necessary to remove dust—over-rinsing can remove helpful surface microbes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRecommended depth: 1–3 inches for most planted setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePair with liquid or tab fertilizers for complete nutrition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRinse sparingly to preserve beneficial bacteria coatings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSuitable for freshwater aquariums housing plants, shrimp, and tropical fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for: Aquarists who want a specialized substrate that encourages vigorous plant roots, supports beneficial bacterial colonies, and gives shrimp a safe start. Ideal for hobbyists setting up small to medium freshwater planted tanks, shrimp tanks, or community aquariums featuring delicate plants and tropical species. If you expect a long-term planted display or need a substrate that helps maintain gentle water chemistry without discoloration, Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a dependable choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Do I need to rinse Fluval Stratum before adding it to my tank?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Rinse only lightly if dust is present; excessive rinsing can remove beneficial surface microbes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Is this substrate safe for shrimp and live plants?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes — it offers shelter for shrimp and a porous base that supports plant roots and beneficial bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Fluval","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52908014010680,"sku":"B00JMABYUO","price":78.78,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/6799\/6984\/files\/fluval-stratum-front-packaging.jpg?v=1788542139","url":"https:\/\/kelorix.ca\/products\/fluval-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-substrate-8-8-lb-porous-mineral-rich-for-planted-aquariums","provider":"Kelorix Canada | Shop Home, Electronics, Beauty, Toys \u0026 More","version":"1.0","type":"link"}