Fluval Freshwater Aquarium Plant and Shrimp Substrate, 2 kg Porous Stratum

Fluval Stratum is a porous substrate for freshwater planted aquariums, designed to support aquatic plant growth and provide a sheltered space for young shrimp in a 4.4 lb (2 kg) bag.

• Porous structure — gives plant roots access to nutrients and a surface for beneficial nitrifying organisms.
• Lightweight, non-compacting composition — supports root penetration and organism colonization.
• Neutral to slightly acidic pH support — suits planted aquariums with tropical fish and shrimp.
• Fine refuge for newborn shrimp — offers cover from predators as shrimp grow.
• Water-clarity support — does not discolor water and helps manage organic discoloration from natural driftwood.

Choosing substrate affects how plants root and how aquarium inhabitants use the space. Fluval Stratum is made for freshwater aquariums where live plants, tropical fish, or shrimp share a planted environment. Its porous structure supports plant roots and beneficial organisms, while its pH-related properties and shrimp shelter address needs beyond simply covering the aquarium bottom.

How does Fluval Stratum support live plants?

Its porous structure allows roots to penetrate easily and absorb nutrients, helping live aquatic plants access what they need to grow. The substrate is lightweight and non-compacting, so roots can move through it while beneficial nitrifying organisms colonize its porous surface. This colonization contributes to water quality in an aquarium set up for plant growth.

• Supports root access to nutrients within the substrate.
• Provides an extensive porous surface for nitrifying organisms.
• Fluval Plant Micronutrients can be used to add macro- and micronutrients to the plant-care approach.

Is Fluval Stratum suitable for shrimp and tropical fish?

Fluval Stratum helps maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH, a range suited to many plants, tropical fish, and shrimp found in planted aquariums. Its structure also gives newborn shrimp a place to shelter from predators until they are large enough to venture into the main aquarium.

• Made specifically for freshwater aquarium use.
• Provides young shrimp with a protected hiding place as they grow.
• Supports planted setups that include tropical fish or shrimp.

Will Fluval Stratum affect aquarium water clarity?

Fluval Stratum does not discolor aquarium water and helps manage organic discoloration associated with natural driftwood décor. This makes it a practical substrate choice for freshwater aquariums where maintaining clear-looking water matters alongside plant and shrimp habitat.

• Helps manage organic discoloration linked to natural driftwood.
• Its stated use is freshwater aquariums, rather than saltwater setups.

Fluval Stratum suits freshwater aquarium keepers building a planted environment for live plants, tropical fish, or shrimp, especially those who want porous substrate that also offers young shrimp shelter. It combines root-access support, a colonization surface for beneficial organisms, and a neutral-to-slightly-acidic pH profile in one 4.4 lb bag.