Fluval (Rolf C. Hagen) · Active aquasoil
Fluval Stratum
China · Black to dark brown · grain 2 to 4 mm
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TL;DR, Fluval Stratum
Fluval Stratum (also known as Plant and Shrimp Stratum) uses volcanic mineral granules sourced from Japan but manufactured at scale in China. A first-time keeper's planted tank substrate in regions where ADA, Tropica, or UNS are hard to find.
Full specs
- Brand
- Fluval (Rolf C. Hagen)
- Country of origin
- China
- Category
- Active aquasoil
- Colour
- Black to dark brown
- Grain size
- 2 to 4 mm
- pH target
- 6.5 to 7.2
- pH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- KH effect
- Lowers (gentle)
- Ammonia release
- Very light
- Nutrient content
- Low to medium
- Buffering longevity
- 6 to 12 months
- Recommended water
- Tap or RO
- Difficulty
- 1 / 5
- Shrimp-safe
- Yes
- Best for
- First planted tank, mass-market availability, low-tech
How it works
Fluval Stratum (also known as Plant and Shrimp Stratum) uses volcanic mineral granules sourced from Japan but manufactured at scale in China. The substrate releases very little ammonia, has only modest nutrient content, and lowers pH slightly. Its buffering capacity is the weakest of the active soils.
Best use cases
A first-time keeper's planted tank substrate in regions where ADA, Tropica, or UNS are hard to find. Available in major chain stores (PetSmart, Petco, Amazon) which makes Stratum the most accessible active soil for new aquarists. Works adequately for shrimp tanks where the keeper does not need the pH locked at 5.8.
Common mistakes
Stratum is unusually lightweight and floats when first poured into water. Plants pull out easily and small carpet plants (Monte Carlo, dwarf hairgrass) struggle to grip. Stratum's buffering capacity exhausts faster than ADA or Tropica, often within a year, after which the substrate behaves like inert gravel with some residual nutrients.
Pro tips
Wetting Stratum before pouring it into the tank reduces the floating problem. Mixing root tabs in as the substrate is poured extends the useful nutrient life. Not a first choice for a Caridina shrimp tank or any setup that demands long-term low pH.
Plants that thrive in this substrate
Hand-curated pairings based on the substrate category, not a relational query.
- Cryptocoryne WendtiiCryptocoryne wendtiiHeavy root feeder, thrives on the strong ammonia and nutrients leaching from new aquasoil.
- Amazon SwordEchinodorus grisebachiiBackground rosette with extensive root system, builds tall on the rich substrate.
- Rotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifoliaStem plant that colours strongest under low pH + high nutrient soil conditions.
- Monte CarloMicranthemum tweedieiCarpeting plant that pearls quickly when rooted directly into aquasoil with CO2.
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red'Reds deepen on active aquasoil thanks to the consistent micro-nutrient release.
Sources & further reading
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