---
product_id: 71340058
title: "Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Brown, 8 kg"
brand: "fluval"
price: "$326.48"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/71340058-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-aquarium-planting-substrate-brown-8-kg
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# 8kg nutrient-rich granules Shrimp-safe refuge zones Porous for beneficial bacteria Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Brown, 8 kg

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** $326.48
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your planted aquarium game—where lush growth meets shrimp-safe serenity!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Brown, 8 kg by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** $326.48 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/71340058-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-aquarium-planting-substrate-brown-8-kg)

## 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

- • **Ideal pH Balance:** Supports neutral to slightly acidic conditions perfect for tropical plants, fish, and shrimp.
- • **Shrimp Sanctuary:** Natural hiding spots protect newborn shrimp, enhancing survival rates in your tank.
- • **Root-Ready Nutrient Boost:** Dense granules promote rapid, healthy plant root growth without extra fertilizers.
- • **Bacteria-Friendly Porosity:** Optimized porous structure accelerates nitrifying bacteria colonization for a balanced ecosystem.
- • **Crystal Clear Water Assurance:** Specially formulated to prevent water discoloration, even with natural driftwood present.

## Overview

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is an 8kg premium aquarium substrate engineered to fuel vigorous plant root development and foster a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Its porous granules encourage beneficial bacteria growth, maintain ideal pH levels, and provide newborn shrimp with safe refuge—all while keeping your water crystal clear and vibrant.

## Description

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Brown, 8 kg at desertcart UK.

Review: Excellent Quality Substrate - While I am still fairly new to the aquarium hobby, I have become somewhat addicted, as appears to be common among our community! Something to note in advance that although you may have read that this Substrate does not leech ammonia, it does appear leech a small amount; enough to stress Shrimp, but probably not enough to bother most fish. I was recording about 0.5 on my Test kit, and I had not added any Ammonia myself at that point just yet. You must cycle your aquarium properly with this substrate. I have used a few types of substrate in my tanks, including cheap potting soil in a "Walstad" style tank. The Fluval Stratum Substrate is my favourite insofar for planted aquariums. This substrate is very light and my plants rooted through it quickly with apparent ease. I would recommend using some aqua-scaping tweezers to plant with, as I feel you would struggle using your fingertips due to how light it is; though, most hobbyists will have already invested in these sorts of tools. I was able to plant dwarf hairgrass in blades of 6-12 across the entire tank without any uprooting. It is nutrient dense are all growing healthily at a rate I am pleased with, even without the use of liquid Co2, or any fertilisers. I did not wash the soil as some other substrates recommend, but my water is still crystal clear! Though, I recommend covering the floor of the aquarium a plastic bag and filling the tank slowly to prevent disturbance, which helps prevent any initial cloudiness and reduces the chance of your newly-planted plants uprooting. This substrate is quite pricey but in my opinion for a hobbyist looking to create a densely planted tank it is worth every penny. Note: I would not recommend using this substrate for fish that like to poke around the substrate, such as goldfish; nor would I recommend it for snails, as they may uproot your plants. It's perfect for shrimp aquariums, and excellent for other fish which don't dig as much, such as Bettas.
Review: Good product - I use instead of soil for my baby/young plants before transitioning in to Pon. Can be used to revive plants that have experienced root rot. Fluval is valuable for money, make a small opening as the tiny balls will go everywhere. I have experienced positive plant recovery and growth.

## Features

- Encourages strong plant growth - roots easily penetrate and spread throughout substrate to obtain key nutrients
- Porous structure allows for rapid colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria
- Helps support neutral to slightly acidic pH - ideal for most plants, tropical fish and shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums
- Provides newborn shrimp with a refuge from predators until they are large enough to emerge
- Will not discolor water and helps control organic discoloration when natural driftwood is present

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00JMA9S52 |
| Batteries Included | No |
| Batteries required | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | 972 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) 1 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Colour | Green |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (16,663) |
| Date First Available | 18 July 2014 |
| Item Form | Granules |
| Item Weight | 8.07 kg |
| Item model number | 12695 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Pet Type | Fish |
| Product Dimensions | 11.43 x 30.48 x 48.26 cm; 8.07 kg |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | 8kg |
| Special features | Water Resistant |
| Specific Uses | Aquarium |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item form:** Granules
- **Item weight:** 8.07 Kilograms
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C Hagen UK Ltd
- **UPC:** 015561126953

## Images

![Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Brown, 8 kg - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71glBJWuJ7L.jpg)

## Available Options

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

## Questions & Answers

**Q: What colour is it?**
A: Black (dark!)

**Q: How many bags for a 250 lilters fish tank**
A: It depends if you want a well planted fish tank ,one bag will spread and give approx 1\8" or just less cover which isn't really enough to allow plants to root although some will it you also use gravel. I used 2 bags in my 250 litre tank plus gravel and my plants have rooted well and are quite stable

**Q: How many Kilos would be needed for a Triton 350 corner aquarium. (350 lts)**
A: My Fluval Flex 57l (39cm x 39cm or 15" x15" base) took one 8kg bag and covered it to a  depth of 5-6cm. Hope that gives you an idea.

**Q: Would this be ok with cory catfish?**
A: Yes, fine with cory catfish. I have ten plus adult peppered cories and they are breeding constantly with eight babies now nearing adulthood.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Quality Substrate
*by D***N on 23 July 2020*

While I am still fairly new to the aquarium hobby, I have become somewhat addicted, as appears to be common among our community! Something to note in advance that although you may have read that this Substrate does not leech ammonia, it does appear leech a small amount; enough to stress Shrimp, but probably not enough to bother most fish. I was recording about 0.5 on my Test kit, and I had not added any Ammonia myself at that point just yet. You must cycle your aquarium properly with this substrate. I have used a few types of substrate in my tanks, including cheap potting soil in a "Walstad" style tank. The Fluval Stratum Substrate is my favourite insofar for planted aquariums. This substrate is very light and my plants rooted through it quickly with apparent ease. I would recommend using some aqua-scaping tweezers to plant with, as I feel you would struggle using your fingertips due to how light it is; though, most hobbyists will have already invested in these sorts of tools. I was able to plant dwarf hairgrass in blades of 6-12 across the entire tank without any uprooting. It is nutrient dense are all growing healthily at a rate I am pleased with, even without the use of liquid Co2, or any fertilisers. I did not wash the soil as some other substrates recommend, but my water is still crystal clear! Though, I recommend covering the floor of the aquarium a plastic bag and filling the tank slowly to prevent disturbance, which helps prevent any initial cloudiness and reduces the chance of your newly-planted plants uprooting. This substrate is quite pricey but in my opinion for a hobbyist looking to create a densely planted tank it is worth every penny. Note: I would not recommend using this substrate for fish that like to poke around the substrate, such as goldfish; nor would I recommend it for snails, as they may uproot your plants. It's perfect for shrimp aquariums, and excellent for other fish which don't dig as much, such as Bettas.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good product
*by C***R on 20 February 2026*

I use instead of soil for my baby/young plants before transitioning in to Pon. Can be used to revive plants that have experienced root rot. Fluval is valuable for money, make a small opening as the tiny balls will go everywhere. I have experienced positive plant recovery and growth.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seems excellent
*by M***N on 31 December 2025*

Having read the reviews, I decided not to rinse the product first, and added a layer 4cm deep to my slighty damp tank. I then topped this with a layer of fine sand. I placed plastic on top, including some food container tops to stop this being disturbed when adding the water, which was from this tank prior. Water added gently, then removed the plastic layer, giving very clear water, so plants and fish could be added straight away as the water was already at the correct temperature

## Frequently Bought Together

- Fluval 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH
- API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, White, Single, Multi-colored
- API ROOT TABS Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 0.4-Ounce 10-Count Box

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-03-12*