---
product_id: 432144737
title: "12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color"
brand: "fluval"
price: "$85.72"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/432144737-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Activates nitrogen cycle fast 1 mm lightweight granules Porous for superior filtration 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** $85.72
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Transform your tank into a vibrant underwater garden—don’t let your plants miss out!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** $85.72 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/432144737-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted)

## Best For

- fluval enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted fluval brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Root-Friendly Substrate:** Fine, non-compacting granules let delicate roots penetrate deeply and spread freely.
- • **Vibrant Plant Growth Boost:** Enrich your aquarium with lush, colorful foliage that stands out.
- • **Instant Ecosystem Activation:** Dormant nitrifying organisms jumpstart your tank’s nitrogen cycle on contact.
- • **Enhanced Biological Filtration:** Porous soil granules foster beneficial bacteria, elevating water quality naturally.
- • **Stable & Healthy Water Balance:** Rapid ammonia reduction ensures a thriving aquatic environment from day one.

## Overview

Fluval Bio-Stratum is a mineral-rich volcanic soil substrate designed for planted aquariums. Its lightweight 1 mm granules promote healthy root growth while activating beneficial bacteria to jumpstart the nitrogen cycle and reduce ammonia quickly. This porous substrate enhances water quality by supporting biological filtration, ensuring a stable, nutrient-rich environment for robust plant development and vivid coloration.

## Description

Fluval Bio-Stratum features beneficial "bioactives" that efficiently break down waste, jumpstart the nitrogen cycle, and swiftly diminish ammonia levels, ensuring stable water conditions in new aquariums and sustaining health in established ones. Its fine powder granules serve as an extra biological filtration source, fostering enhanced water quality through their porous and non-compacting nature. Explore our range of fish tank accessories, including aquarium filters, filter media, heaters, air pumps, lights, rocks, thermometers, and stands. With a legacy dating back to 1975, Fluval revolutionized the aquarium industry with the world's first 3-stage filter utilizing synchronous motor technology—an innovation still influential today. Our commitment to innovation continues, as we persistently strive to develop cutting-edge aquarium products that set benchmarks in quality, style, and functionality. Fluval's mission transcends product creation; we aim to inspire aquarists of all levels to appreciate and uphold the hobby's beauty and importance for generations to come.

Review: Fragile particle structure necessitates easy handling - We bought this medium on the author's recommendation, Linsay Sisti, in her book "The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation". We intended to use this medium to propagate some of our indoor tropical plants. While it is too early to offer definitive results, it is apparent that the propagules are accepting the medium as they root. The brown color of the granules is pleasing, and so far, there is no odor. Three varieties of Chlorophytum are now propagating in Fluval 12697 and are progressing nicely, showing no sign of disease. Please note that Chlorophytum (Spider Plant) is very easy to propagate. We have noted that the new roots are nearly reaching the bottom of the container, while the crowns look very healthy. Nothing propagated requires a pH adjustment, and in several instances, the container medium is one-third filled with water to encourage rooting, as Sisti suggests for using a Fluval stratum.
Review: Must have for planted tanks - This stuff is kinda expensive but it totally necessary for planted tanks. Use it as a base and put gravel or sand on top then plant the tank. The fluval stratum will settle and the top layer will secure the it in. After a few days of running the tank the water will clear up after planting.

## Features

- Promotes Robust Plant Growth: This aquatic soil helps enrich plant development and fosters vigorous growth with vibrant coloration, ensuring your aquarium thrives with lush foliage
- Activates Beneficial Water Conditions: Infused with dormant nitrifying organisms, our aqua soil activates upon contact with water, swiftly breaking down waste and initiating the nitrogen cycle for a balanced aquatic ecosystem
- Stabilizes Water Conditions: Rapidly reducing ammonia levels, Fluval soil helps stabilize water conditions in new aquariums, ensuring a healthy environment for your aquatic inhabitants
- Enhances Root Penetration: Featuring lightweight 1 mm powder granules, our non-compacting substrate allows delicate roots to effortlessly penetrate and spread, promoting optimal plant growth
- Improves Water Quality: Porous granules facilitate extensive bacterial colonization, serving as an additional biological filtration source, while a potent blend of nutrients and minerals ensures improved water quality for your aquarium ecosystem

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B09XVP3HGK |
| Allergen Information | Allergen-Free |
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,959 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #14 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Brand | Fluval |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,379 Reviews |
| Included Components | All items listed in description. |
| Item Type Name | Aquarium Substrate Gravel |
| Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 12696 |
| Model Number | 12696 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| UPC | 015561126960 |
| Unit Count | 70.4 Ounce |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item Weight:** 4.4 Pounds
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- **UPC:** 015561126960

## Images

![12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718p5Ra+COL.jpg)
![12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Hj6CiINiL.jpg)
![12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81+f3cKhlsL.jpg)
![12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71O+F0X5cpL.jpg)
![12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71SsNaq3ppL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color, Size** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fragile particle structure necessitates easy handling
*by G***A on February 12, 2026*

We bought this medium on the author's recommendation, Linsay Sisti, in her book "The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation". We intended to use this medium to propagate some of our indoor tropical plants. While it is too early to offer definitive results, it is apparent that the propagules are accepting the medium as they root. The brown color of the granules is pleasing, and so far, there is no odor. Three varieties of Chlorophytum are now propagating in Fluval 12697 and are progressing nicely, showing no sign of disease. Please note that Chlorophytum (Spider Plant) is very easy to propagate. We have noted that the new roots are nearly reaching the bottom of the container, while the crowns look very healthy. Nothing propagated requires a pH adjustment, and in several instances, the container medium is one-third filled with water to encourage rooting, as Sisti suggests for using a Fluval stratum.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must have for planted tanks
*by D***Y on May 6, 2026*

This stuff is kinda expensive but it totally necessary for planted tanks. Use it as a base and put gravel or sand on top then plant the tank. The fluval stratum will settle and the top layer will secure the it in. After a few days of running the tank the water will clear up after planting.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing for tissue culture plants
*by K***M on October 31, 2025*

Great quality fluval i have recieved . I am usong this to mix and setablish some tissue culture plants . It comes in great quantity.its worth the money. Its very easy to use without creating any mess like potting soil or other mixtures of plants . I highly recomend this who wants to propogate plants or cuttings. It also keeps plangs fungus free and very less chances to get thsm root rot.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color
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- API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, White, Single, Multi-colored

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-05-20*