Do i need to cap this?

absolutely not......you would never cap "sand". it has no nutrient retention whatsoever. When you layer substrates, IF you layer substrates, you would use something like sand to do the capping. Like, you can do sand over dirt (regular non-fertilized garden soil)......that is excellent. First of all, never spend 35 dollars on a bag of sand.....u can get a 50 lb bag of "play sand" at home depot for 3 bucks.....same damn thing. Sand is Sand. Ive learned over the years that most substrates are common soil aggragates that are repackaged and marked up up 700%. A great great soil is MVP turface. 50 bucks for a 50 pound bag. But in my honest opinion, the best substrate for a planted tank is dirt, withn a 1-2 inch layer of either sand or gravel over it. Never met a plant that wont thrive in old fashioned dirt. Of course the big name companies dont want u to know that though.

How much do I need for a 100 gallon tank?

I suppose it depends on the layout of the tank (tall vs wide), but I used the 8.8lb bag for a 10g plant tank and it was perfect. About 2.5" or so deep. Hope this helps...

Is this a good idea if you going to be siphoning in you aquarium?

As for syphoning - I wouldn't recommend deep syphoning the plant substrate. Just lightly vacuum as needed. In plant tanks I put fine black sand (aquarium safe) on one side of the tank (mainly one front corner) and feed the fish over that corner. That will concentrate food, waste, etc. onto the sand which can be properly vacuumed for cleaning.

would the 4.4 be enough for a 7 gal?

Will 4.4 be good for 5 Gallon Fluval Chi? How often do I have to change this?

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12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH

Product ID: 15284700

Details

Brand
Fluval
Item Form
Granules
Item Weight
4.4 Pounds
Liquid Volume
4.4 Liters
Number of Packs
1

🌱Porous for rapid root & nutrient uptake

💧Maintains neutral to slightly acidic pH

🦐Safe shelter for newborn shrimp

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Description

🌿 Elevate your aquarium game with Fluval Stratum — where plants thrive and shrimp survive in style!

SHRIMPS SAFE HAVEN - Provides newborn shrimp with essential protection from predators during their vulnerable early stages.
ACCELERATE AQUATIC LIFE - Porous granules enable swift colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria, ensuring a thriving ecosystem.
CRYSTAL CLEAR CONFIDENCE - Prevents water discoloration and manages organic staining, keeping your aquarium pristine and visually stunning.
LIGHTWEIGHT NUTRIENT RICH - Non-compacting 4.4 lb substrate promotes easy root penetration and nutrient absorption for robust plant growth.
P H PERFECTED FOR PLANTS SHRIMP - Engineered to maintain an ideal neutral to slightly acidic pH, optimizing growth conditions for plants and aquatic life.

Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 4.4 lb lightweight, porous substrate designed for freshwater aquariums. It supports rapid colonization of beneficial bacteria, maintains a neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for plants, fish, and shrimp, and offers newborn shrimp a safe refuge. This substrate prevents water discoloration, promotes vigorous plant growth through enhanced root penetration and nutrient absorption, and ensures a healthy, crystal-clear aquatic environment.

Specifications

ASIN	B00JGQIY48
ASIN	B00JGQIY48
Allergen Information	Nut Free
Best Sellers Rank	#587 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #1 in Aquarium Gravel
Brand Name	Fluval
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (17,762)
Date First Available	July 18, 2014
Department	Unisex-Adult
Global Trade Identification Number	00015561126939
Included Components	All Items listed in Description
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Form	Granules
Item Type Name	HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 2KG
Item Weight	4.4 Pounds
Item model number	12693
Liquid Volume	4.4 Liters
Manufacturer	Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
Manufacturer	Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
Manufacturer Part Number	12693
Model Number	12693
Pet Type	Fish
Product Dimensions	3 x 6 x 11 inches; 4.4 Pounds
Target Species	Fish, Shrimp, Plant
UPC	015561126939
Unit Count	70.4 Ounce
Warranty Description	Warranty

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$81.61

Duties & taxes included

In stock

Sold byAmazon USADelivered byDesertcartCustomer service byDesertcartReturns14 days · 30 with PRO

Buyer Protection · Full refund if your order doesn't arrive as described.

Desertcart purchases this item on your behalf and handles shipping, customs, and support to USA.

Secure transaction

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TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

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