---
product_id: 50246707
title: "Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1)"
brand: "fluval"
price: "₱5839"
currency: PHP
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.ph/products/50246707-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-aquarium-planting-substrate-dark-brown-2
store_origin: PH
region: Philippines
---

# Mineral-rich volcanic soil for robust plant growth Safe shrimp refuge with predator protection Porous structure boosts beneficial bacteria colonization Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1)

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** ₱5839
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your planted aquarium game with nature’s secret substrate!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1) by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** ₱5839 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ph](https://www.desertcart.ph/products/50246707-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-aquarium-planting-substrate-dark-brown-2)

## 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

- • **Optimal pH Balance:** Maintains neutral to slightly acidic water, perfect for tropical plants and fish.
- • **Crystal Clear Water:** Prevents discoloration even with natural driftwood, keeping your aquarium pristine.
- • **Lightweight & Porous:** Encourages rapid root penetration and beneficial bacteria growth for a thriving ecosystem.
- • **Shrimp-Safe Sanctuary:** Create a natural hideout for newborn shrimp, ensuring their survival and growth.
- • **Nutrient-Dense Volcanic Base:** Harness the power of mineral-rich volcanic soil to supercharge aquatic plant vitality.

## Overview

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 2 kg dark brown, mineral-rich volcanic substrate designed to promote vigorous aquatic plant growth and provide a safe refuge for shrimp. Its lightweight, porous granules support beneficial bacteria colonization and maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for tropical fish and plants. This substrate prevents water discoloration, even when used with natural driftwood, ensuring a clear, healthy aquatic environment.

## Description

From the manufacturer Fluval Stratum How much should I use? < 45 cm = 1 x 2 kg Fluval Stratum 45 cm = 1 x 4 kg Fluval Stratum 60 cm = 1 x 8 kg Fluval Stratum 90 cm = 1 x 8 + 4 kg Fluval Stratum Stratum for plant and shrimp aquariums Fluval Stratum is the ideal substrate to stimulate the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. The plant roots easily penetrate the substrate and spread there. The plants receive many different important nutrients and can thrive magnificently. Volcanic soil rich in minerals Stimulates strong plant growth Promotes a natural to slightly acidic pH value For plants or shrimps Recommended depth: 3-4 cm Available in 2kg, 4kg and 8kg Fluval Stratum comes from the mineral-rich hills landscape of a famous volcano in Japan. The addition of Fluval micronutrients to plants ensures that all important macro and micronutrients are available. The lightweight, porous structure of the substrate, which does not compact, is also extremely beneficial to beneficial bacteria that can quickly settle on the large, porous surface. This ensures optimal water quality for plants. The properties of the Fluval Stratum help promote a neutral to slightly acidic pH. This is ideal for most plant and tropical fish species or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. Furthermore, the Stratum offers newborn shrimp the ideal retreat so that they can hide from predators until they are large enough. This highly attractive substrate does not discolour the water and helps to control organic discolouration normally occur when natural driftwood is used.

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 | B00JGQIY48 |
| Allergen Information | Nut Free |
| Best Sellers Rank | 821 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) 1 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Brand | Fluval |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Country Of Origin | China |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 16,717 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00015561126939 |
| Item Form | Granules |
| Item Type Name | Plant & Shrimp Stratum aquarium planting substrate |
| Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Item form | Granules |
| Item weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Liquid Volume | 4.4 Litres |
| Liquid volume | 4.4 Litres |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C Hagen UK Ltd |
| Target Species | Fish |
| UPC | 015561126939 |
| Unit Count | 2000.0 Grams |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item form:** Granules
- **Item weight:** 2 kg
- **Liquid volume:** 4.4 Litres
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C Hagen UK Ltd

## Images

![Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8168fqUinKL.jpg)

## 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant quality
*by S***H on 15 January 2026*

Absolutely brilliant . I’ve placed this in my terracotta pots for my tank , and my plants are thriving . Great size , fab value for money , colour is jet black . Make sure to gently rinse as instructions state .

## Frequently Bought Together

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*Product available on Desertcart Philippines*
*Store origin: PH*
*Last updated: 2026-03-07*