Fluval Stratum
Also sold as Stratum · Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum · Plant & Shrimp Stratum · Fluval Plant Stratum · Fluval Shrimp Stratum · Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum
Fluval Stratum is an aquasoil with a 3–5 mm grain. It holds some nutrients and pushes pH down, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
At a glance
| Type | Aquasoil |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Some |
| Grain | 3–5 mm |
| Brand | Fluval |
| Effect on pH | Lowers pH and KH |
| Ammonia when new | None |
| Shrimp | Suits Caridina |
Before it goes in
- Fluval Stratum is an aquasoil, 3–5 mm grain.
- It is lightly fertilised: root feeders grow in it without root tabs.
- It pulls pH and KH down, which suits soft-water shrimp and most plants. It also works against hardscape that raises hardness — Seiryu Stone and Elephant Skin Stone — so the two partly cancel out.
- It releases no ammonia, so livestock can go in as soon as the tank is cycled.
- It is rough on fish that sift the substrate. Something finer suits German Blue Ram and Julii Cory better.
- It suits Caridina — the soft, acidic water they need is what it buffers towards.
What kind of substrate is it?
Aquasoil with a 3–5 mm grain, holding some nutrients.
Does it change pH?
Yes, it pulls pH and KH down and holds them there until it is exhausted.
Does it leach ammonia?
No, so you are not waiting on it to stop before stocking.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — Fluval Stratum is a complete substrate on its own.
What it goes with
- Root feeders that get the most out of it: Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' and Alternanthera reineckii.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| Fluval Stratum | Fluval Bio-Stratum | UNS Controsoil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Aquasoil | Aquasoil | Aquasoil |
| Nutrients | Some | Some | Some |
| pH | Lowers | Lowers | Lowers |
| Grain | 3–5 mm | 1–3 mm | 1–5 mm |
| Leaches ammonia | No | — | No |