Fluval Stratum Soil Substrate, 8kg

This product from Fluval is not only recommended for all beginners in the world of aquaristics, freshwater aquariums and shrimp farming. Even experts and experts will appreciate the advantages of Fluval Stratum, especially when it comes to stable values and abundant plant growth. Both are important factors for both a plant and a shrimp aquarium.

Let's begin with the starting point of the Fluval Stratum soil substrate - the Aso volcano in Japan: the material from its mineral-rich environment is the basis that stimulates aquatic plant growth. Once the plants have rooted themselves in the substrate, nothing stands in the way of a blossoming future for aqua botany - because all the important nutrients are there. (see below: worth knowing & useful)

Let's get to the nature: Fluval stratum has a light, porous structure, which useful bacteria love and quickly settle and multiply on. Bacteria have a perfect habitat on the coarse-grained substrate and increase the water quality. You have to say that planting takes a bit of tact, but the result is worth the patience. In the manufacturer video (see below) you can see the "buoyancy" of the plants very well. With a little practice, the design is easy to complete. We at Olibetta have had good experiences with it because the roots penetrate quickly, penetrate freely and have a good hold.

Speaking of good experience! Now we come to water quality. Fluval stratum makes the pH neutral to slightly acidic - and remains constant. As well as other essential values such as KH and GH. Of course, it depends on other factors in the aquarium, such as filters, additional fertilisation or plant species - but experience has shown that reaching a constant pH between 6 and 6.5 is quite the rule.

Another outstanding feature is the colour or clarity of the water. What is meant is that the stratum floor substrate itself does not discolour the water if it is used correctly and if the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging are followed. (see also our tip below). As if that weren't enough, it curbs discolouration caused, for example, by using natural driftwood and similar add-ons.

Our tip:
If you give your aquarium around two weeks time to work together with the new Fluval Stratum and fresh plants, you will ensure a calm, unexcited, stable ecosystem, as the small shrimp like it. Here too, the floor substrate shows its strengths to the full. Freshly hatched shrimps are the perfect retreat and the ideal hiding place.

Manufacturer tip:
First wash the Fluval stratum in the pool under running tap water.

Manufacturer notes:
Fluval stratum is not suitable for burrowing fish such as catfish. Neither for aquariums with seawater or brackish water - please do not equip them with the bottom substrate!

More details about Fluval Stratum:

• Volcanic substrate for planted aquariums
• Promotes a natural to slightly acidic pH
• Ideal for most plants as well as tropical fish or shrimps
• Helps control organic stains that normally occur when using natural driftwood
• Lowers pH and kH

Oliver Knott recommends:
When installing, make sure not to churn the floor substrate too much afterwards. It has proven useful to place large decorative elements such as stones, trunks and artificial reefs in the empty aquarium and then fill in the Fluval stratum and spread it around.