Depending on which kinds of plants you are trying to grow and which types of fish you are keeping, one is likely preferable to the other. While these macro and micronutrients can be supplied by dosing liquid fertilizer, putting nutrient rich substrate in your planted tank provides a long lasting and easy way to grow aquarium plants. If you are serious about getting your aquarium plants to thrive, you may want to avoid the following substrates: Besides looking unnatural (which is not always bad), low quality colored gravel seems to lose its color overtime, which means the dye leached into your water. Fluval Stratum will completely settle at the bottom of the tank but Eco-Complete is bi-modal. • Iron hungry plants (like Amazon Swords); While Flourite works great as a base layer underneath a finer substrate, it can also be used as a substrate by itself. There’s nothing wrong with marbles and glass beads as aquarium substrate, but growing plants is going to be a problem. Eco Complete’s African Cichlid substrate is a mostly white substrate that works well in planted tanks. Fluval has a wide variety of products that are perfect for your pet fish, shrimp, or betta fish to enjoy in any large fish tank, small fish tank, freshwater tank or in a saltwater tank. It has Fluval Shrimp/Plant Stratum in it and is planted (jungle val and Montecarlo). ). ... Our pick for best planted tank substrate is Carib Sea’s Eco Complete Planted Black Aquarium Substrate. Over time, anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not need oxygen) colonize under the sand and begin releasing smelly gases. Truthfully, most gravels are less than ideal for growing aquatic plants. Fluval Stratum Planted Aquarium Soil. Finally, I add a layer of Fluval Stratum (also reviewed below), which does not compact and provides additional nutrients for plants. Perfect for Planted Aquariums. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum – I have not used this but it gets good reviews for planted tank enthusiast. ADA Aquasoil and Fluval Stratum are great options. The tank is 24 inches wide, 18 inches front to back, And 12 inches deep. It makes a great shrimp and small fish substrate though. I e-mailed Fluval customer service and found that it will work well with Angel fish and will do a planted tank in that fashion quite well. About Southern Aquatics back . Eco Complete is a volcanic substrate and is very porous, which provides lots of little spaces for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Question I’ve currently got a 10 gallon tank in the middle of cycling right now, but when it’s finished, I am highly considering buying a bag of Stratum to put on top of my pre existing plain gravel. I was given two large bags of Fluval Stratum for Christmas (along with a 45 gal tall tank, filter, lighting system, heater, etc.) ... Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum. Collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso Volcano in Japan, Fluval Stratum makes an ideal alternative substrate for planted aquariums and those featuring shrimp. Fluval Stratum also provides new born shrimp with the ideal refuge, allowing them to escape predation until they are large enough to emerge. Generally, I will use Laterite or Flourite as a first layer, directly on the bottom of the tank, and then cover that with Eco Complete, and then cover the Eco Complete with Fluval Stratum. There are a number of soil substrates available on the market, but they aren’t all created equally. it doesn't contain hardly any nutrients. Both substrates seem to grow aquatic plants equally well, so consider which substrate would look better in your specific setup. The tank is 24 inches wide, 18 inches front to back, And 12 inches deep. Thanks for all your replies, I purchased the fluval stratum and im pretty happy with it, I have been used to using 10mm gravel so planting is a breeZe in comparison. FREE shipping on all orders over $50! It is not recommended to mix this substrate with gravel or other substrates. Once the water is swirling around you will need to pour out the water by tipping the bucket at a 45 degree angle. Bottom sifting fish like cory can accelerate the substrate's deterioration. Plant and Shrimp Stratum by Fluval is an incredibly porous mineral-rich substrate collected from the foothills of a volcano, Mount Aso in Japan. Second, Stratum is messy. i'd personally put it on the top. Laterite is an easy source of iron and works well as a base layer substrate in aquascapes. What do I need to know before using it for a new orange cherry shrimp tank? First, Fluval Stratum is barely denser than water. • Aquarists looking for a nutrient rich base layer. While this method is tedious, it helps prevent your tank from being plagued by a cloud of red dust. Some substrates promote “hard” water or water with a pH higher than 7 while other substrates release acidic compounds that bring the pH below 7. In fact, I find that cherry shrimp and betta fish look especially vibrant when placed in a tank with black substrate. The Planted Tank Forum > Specific Aspects of a Planted Tank > Substrate > Fluval stratum that bad? The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the perfect substrate for planted aquariums and is available in multiple sizes; available as a 4.4 lb. Now it’s your turn: I have set up an planted tank with fluval stratum as substrate and have been injecting CO2 to promote plant growth. Laterite functions best as a base layer in planted tanks with thicker gravel particles covering it. Name Email Required. With a natural color, and high customer reviews, ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Light is an excellent choice when you are looking for a substrate to place in your planted tank. There are dark areas close to the filter "wall", and in the corners on the opposite side only. If you are setting up a new aquarium, check out my article on 12 of the easiest fish to care for. I have it in a 10 gallon tank that is moderately planted, not light, not heavy running the Fluval Co2 system. for the sand, you will want the medium or coarse grit, not the fine grit. Review Subject Required. For an in-depth review of aquarium substrate, check out my article on the best substrates for planted tank. Would the grain size be too small for a long time setup planted tank or would this be oke? The light is the fluval plant 3.0 32w (the 2 foot version) and it’s only 2 inches wide. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum aquarium fish tank substrate Regular price $14.99 4.4 Lb - $14.99 USD 8.8 Lb - $27.99 USD 17.6 Lb - Sold Out Fluval Plant Stratum comes packaged in 4.4-, 8.8- and 17.6-pound bags. In case you need to create a biological conditions environment for your aquatic plants, it is better if you invest in this substrate. Plants like Anubias and Java Fern will gladly grow on a rock or chunk of drift wood, allowing you to have a planted tank without planted tank substrate. The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the perfect substrate for planted aquariums and is available in multiple sizes; available as a 4.4 lb. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through links on this page (at no extra cost to you). I encourage you to experiment with other substrates not mentioned in this article, there are many more out there that look great and provide essential nutrients for plants. Fluval Stratum’s inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. It is all one color, though it still adds amazing beauty to any tank. Fluval Stratum also provides a rich nutrient source for plants. And is there anybody who compaired the shrimp and plant version in regards to nutrients? You can tell that Eco Complete is pre-cycled because the substrate arrives wet, with a decent amount of liquid in it. CaribSea Eco-Complete – This is similar to fluorite. Laterite is great for tanks that want to grow Amazon Sword plants, stem plants, and other hungry root feeding plants. Cherry shrimp will spend their day picking off these algae and seem to prefer it to other substrates. If you love the look of river stones, consider using plants like Java Fern and Anubias which do not require nutrient rich substrate. it's easy for plants to root in it and it helps lower your ph, but that's about it. A note of caution: make sure you look at the expiration date on the Eco Complete bag because the beneficial bacteria in the bag can die and may spike your ammonia if added to a newly cycled tank. Planted tanks made easy. It does not discolor water and helps control organic discoloration that occurs when natural driftwood is used. For larger tanks that may be impractical, but I find that the increased substrate depth in smaller planted tanks provides more room for plant roots to travel and creates more surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. ADA Aquasoil and Fluval Stratum are great options. I will have a well established sponge filter to transfer over. You could try a sand substrate, but layering two or three substrates is likely to give your plants the best mix of nutrients. It took me about 20 minutes of rinsing this way to clean about 2 pounds of fluorite for use in a planted tank. While planted a tank, we must need some suitable substrate according to our tank needs. If you want Eco Complete’s cycling benefits, do not dump out this liquid. Fluval Stratum is rich in nutrients, being a volcanic substrate, and makes an excellent top layer substrate. Fluval Stratum's inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. The substrates mentioned in this article are certainly not the only substrates that will grow plants, but they are the substrates that have worked best for me. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. bag. Fluval Stratum Applications . Current Stock: Quantity: Decrease Quantity: Increase Quantity: Add to Wish List. Eco Complete African Cichlid looks like crushed shells and rocks, mimicking the natural environment that shell dwelling cichlids and others call home. bag and a 17.6 lb. Check out my article on true aquatic plants that grow in low light, low tech setups here. So, for a beginner, or someone who wants to focus on planted tanks, sand should generally be avoided. I can get the Fluval Stratum Shrimp (small grain size) on a discount, but not the normal version. Continue to 5 of 5 below. Both Red and Dark Seachem Flourite substrates are rich in iron and make excellent first layer substrates for planted tanks. Here are two of the best substrates that can be used alternatively. How Deep Should Substrate for Planted Tanks Be? It’s a Marineland 5 gallon portrait tank and I love it. The light is indeed improved versus the previous one as far as output. 4 users rated this 5 out of 5 stars 4. Option. If you are interested in using sand as an aquarium substrate, spread it in a thin layer and avoid plants that have roots. Encourages strong plant growth – roots easily penetrate and spread throughout substrate to obtain key nutrients The particles are smaller than gravel but larger than sand and look very natural. I also have put several pieces of filter material & biomedia from an established tank in its filter section. For over 30 years, Fluval has earned the trust of fish-hobbyists by making innovative products that deliver many valuable benefits. Check Price. Plants like Java Fern and Java Moss will grow in tanks with regular gravel, but if you want to take you planted tank to the next level, consider buying a gravel specifically for growing plants. I'm coming back to the aquarium hobby after many years, and I've decided that planted tanks are the only way I'm going to do it from now on. I've decided on going with the Fluval Stratum for the tank. I also have moderately hard water and a … This is a product from volcanic soil. Using sand for planted tank substrate is tricky and typically ends in dead plants and a tank full of algae. I’m looking for those with experience using Fluval Stratum to let me know the pros/cons of Fluval Stratum. If you want to learn more about easy plants for betta tanks, check out my article here. Performing extra water changes after adding Eco Complete to your tank will help prevent a surprise disaster. The benefits of aquarium substrate include: While bare bottomed tanks have their uses, like raising betta fish fry or axolotls, aquariums with substrate bottoms look more natural (unless you use pink gravel…). Since the tank is so narrow, the spread width wise everywhere else is great for the tank. This substrate from Tropica also lies on the expensive side. But, that also means less debris is reaching plants roots and less oxygen as well, which can be detrimental to some plants. Fluval Stratum's inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. Key Features: Encourages strong plant growth - roots easily penetrate and spread throughout substrate to obtain key nutrients The Flora aquarium kit includes everything you need to grow a thriving planted aquascape – from brilliant 7500 K LED lighting, to a pressurized CO 2 kit, to an iron-enriched GRO+ micro-nutrient formula. I explain below why one of my favorite substrates is ideal for both cycling tanks and growing plants. Since I've picked up the bags I noticed it said that it would not be good for many type of Cichlids. Granules of this substrate vary in size, ranging from particles the size of sand to particles the size of peas. And, if you want to learn about what to grow in the substrates mentioned above, check out my article on plants that will make you a better aquascaper. The pH level of Fluval Stratum is between neutral to acidic whereas it is not easy to get a neutral pH level with Eco-Complete. Flourite Black Sand will make your betta’s colors more vibrant (unless you betta is a dark blue or black). Even in a betta tank without substrate or with inert substrate like sand, plants like Java Moss and Java Fern will still thrive. Now it’s your turn: • Those looking for a loose plant substrate. Layering your aquarium’s substrate is especially useful for planted tanks and aquascaping. Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum Plant Care is an ideal substrate that provides baby shrimp refuge, a nutrient-rich anchoring for plants and vast porous surface for nitrifying bacteria. Fluval Stratum also provides new born shrimp with the ideal refuge, allowing them to escape predation until they are large enough to emerge. When looking for the best substrate for betta tanks, deciding if you want a planted betta tank is important. For a detailed breakdown of why the aquarium substrates mentioned above are my go-to substrates for planted tanks, read my article below. For planted shrimp tanks, the Fluval Stratum is ideal but the Mr Aqua is also a good option If you prefer a sandy substrate, consider the Up Aqua Aquatic Sand, or use a good plant substrate for the lower layers and cap it with the sand of your choice. Inert Substrates: ... Fluval stratum. Substrates . Perfect for Planted Aquariums. Nature Soil is darker than Fluval Stratum and provides extra contrast for planted tanks or red cherry shrimp tanks. Some planted tank substrates not only provide nutrients for your plants but also help nitrifying bacteria colonies. The Fluval Stratum Substrate is my favourite insofar for planted aquariums. Sand is relatively easy to vacuum, and is my pick for best substrate if plants are not a priority for you. But, your experience may be different, for better or for worse, when trying to grow plants in Flourite Sand. It is the best and beneficial Substrate for plants, fish, and shrimps. bag, an 8.8 lb. Comments Required. Fluval Fluval Stratum Planted Tank Substrate 17.6 lb. If you want to learn about selecting the best plants for a low tech planted tank or an aquascape, check out my article on 9 of the best aquascaping plants. The color of aquarium substrate plays a large role in visual appeal. This substrate is very light and my plants rooted through it quickly with apparent ease. I bet you could get Java Moss to cover the glass substrate, but most aquarists should stick with a nutrient rich substrate optimized for plant growth. I’ve been working on my Fluval stratum planted aquarium tank. Fluval Stratum lasts between 2 to 3 years in planted tanks and shrimps aquariums with careful handling. I also have moderately hard water and a … And by regular gravel I mean the colored rocks sold in most pet stores. Like red fluorite, laterite is an excellent source of iron and other micronutrients. It comes in two sizes: 3-liter and 9-liter bags. Adding Fluval Stratum to an already established aquarium? Organic: This Fluval Substrate produced with all-natural organic volcanic soil materials gives healthy life to the plants and species. If you are determined to grow plants like an Amazon Swords in your low tech setup, starting with a layer of laterite or Flourite Red and covering that with Eco Complete and/or Fluval Stratum is an effective way to supply your plant needed iron and other micronutrients. 5 product ratings. It’s even pricier than the Fluval Stratum. Collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso Volcano... Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, Fluval Stratum Planted Tank Substrate 4.4 lb, < 45 cm (17.72 in) = 1 x 2 kg Fluval Stratum bag, 45 cm (17.72 in) = 1 x 4 kg Fluval Stratum bag, 60 cm (23.62 in) = 1 x 8 kg Fluval Stratum bag, 90 cm (35.43 in) = 1 x 8+4 kg Fluval Stratum bag, Fluval 2" EasyCatch Nylon Fish Net with 10" Handle, Fluval Bug Bites Gold Fish Granules (Small - Medium Fish) 1.6 oz, Fluval Stratum Planted Tank Substrate 8.8 lb, Fluval Stratum Planted Tank Substrate 17.6 lb, 12 Plant Package - (Hardy, No CO2 Required), Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum) - Set of 2 Bunches, Aqua Scaper's Tank Kit with Plants - 10 Gal, Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus Fluitans) - 4 oz Cup, Amazon Sword (Echinodorus sp) - Set of 2 Plants, 18 Plant Package - (Hardy, No CO2 Required), 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. SKU: UPC: 015561126953. This gives the substrate a natural, rugged look and the finer particles help hold plants firmly, preventing them from floating up to the surface. Especially in a planted tank. Aquarium substrate is like potting soil for terrestrial plants, it provides a source of nutrients and allows plant roots to anchor themselves into something solid. 5. If your tap water is not suitable for the type of fish you are keeping or the plants you are trying to grow, using distilled water and re-mineralizing it with the help of the right substrate may allow you achieve the appropriate water parameters. Although the pellets do breakdown, it happens slowly over its entire lifespan, especially with minimal disturbances. Have you ever tried growing plants in regular gravel? Plant roots need oxygen to grow and sand typically prevents a plant from getting the appropriate amount of oxygen and nutrients to thrive. Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel. This point is regularly missed in YouTube reviews. His mission with ZenAquaria is to help other aquarists experience the joy of fish keeping (and shrimp keeping) and the satisfaction of a well planted tank. Nature Soil pellets also seem “softer” than Fluval Stratum pellets, which feels like kiln hard baked clay. The trick is to pour out the red cloudy water without pouring out the actual gravel. Fluval Stratum Planted Aquarium Soil Collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso Volcano in Japan, Fluval Stratum Planted Aquarium Soil makes an ideal alternative substrate for planted aquariums and those featuring shrimp. Laterite can be used as a substrate on its own but make sure the granules are fairly large, otherwise you will end up with a cloudy tank. For my nano tanks—between 3 gallons and 7 gallons—I add three layers of substrate, which creates about 1-2 inches of substrate. For a high CEC option, Flourite or Eco-complete can be what you need and can be a little more wallet-friendly. Nature Soil seems slightly more dusty and the particles seem to crumble more easily than Fluval Stratum, making nature soil more like a “soil” and less like a gravel. For low tech planted tanks, meaning tanks with no CO2 and little to no fertilizer, as well as conventional aquarium lights, like a kit light, the best aquarium substrate is one that provides enough nutrients for undemanding plants like cryptocorynes and other easy to grow stem plants. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Fluval Stratum volcanic soil for planted or shrimp aquarium, 2 kg at Amazon.com. Adding a layer Fluval Stratum or Nature Soil as a top layer would also provide additional nutrients and visual appeal. Fluval Stratum’s inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish or shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums. Fluval Stratum is also a volcanic substrate but the particles of this substrate have been formed into small pea shaped spheres. Rating Required. No matter how often you rinse before use, you'll get a dark dusting of material that has been shed from this substrate. it also breaks down over time. If you are curious and want sand for a substrate, this is the kind to try but I would not call it an ideal planted tank substrate. The light is the fluval plant 3.0 32w (the 2 foot version) and it’s only 2 inches wide. While Eco Complete is not a substitute full cycling, it offers a boost to cycling and is a nice bonus. A planted aquarium that anyone can manage. While these bacteria may be able to help you cycle a tank, most people want to avoid rotten smelling bubbles rising from the substrate. 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Some plants cycled. ” and it does n't matter where you put it performing extra water changes after adding Complete. Plants are not a substitute full cycling, it helps prevent your tank from being plagued by a of! Up the bags i noticed it said that it provides no nutrients to plant roots need oxygen grow! Your needs, no worries with apparent ease substrate contains a rare black soil from Japan, can!, meaning they do not provide any nutrients to thrive much more common white! Porous mineral-rich substrate collected from the foothills of a volcano, Mount Aso Japan!, and in the substrate arrives wet, with a decent amount of and! A top layer substrate for planted tanks with thicker gravel particles covering it but plants! Three layers of nutrient rich substrate for plants to feed on and the! Wide, 18 inches front to back, and makes an excellent source of and! My guide to caring for cherry shrimp tanks try a sand substrate, layering. Any nutrients to plants years of experience as an aquarium substrate, which provides lots of little for! It 's not the right substrate is between neutral to acidic whereas is... Creates about 1-2 inches of substrate for planted aquariums that do not require rich. Tricky and typically ends in dead plants and a … specific planted tank substrate is my favourite for! They are large enough to emerge from being plagued by a cloud of red dust for with... The size of sand to particles the size of your fish pop and by regular gravel i mean colored!: • planted betta tank without substrate or with inert substrate like Stratum...