---
product_id: 50246707
title: "Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1)"
brand: "fluval"
price: "€ 50.99"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.pt/products/50246707-fluval-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-aquarium-planting-substrate-dark-brown
store_origin: PT
region: Portugal
---

# Porous for rapid root growth Safe shrimp refuge & growth Supports neutral to slightly acidic pH Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1)

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** € 50.99
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your planted aquarium game with Fluval’s powerhouse substrate!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, Dark Brown, 2 kg (Pack of 1) by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** € 50.99 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.pt](https://www.desertcart.pt/products/50246707-fluval-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-aquarium-planting-substrate-dark-brown)

## 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

- • **pH Perfect Balance:** Maintains ideal neutral to slightly acidic conditions for plants & aquatic life
- • **Shrimp-Safe Sanctuary:** Provides newborn shrimp a natural refuge, boosting survival rates
- • **Root-Ready Porous Texture:** Encourages deep, nutrient-rich root penetration for lush plant growth
- • **Bacteria Boosting Structure:** Porous granules promote beneficial nitrifying bacteria for a healthy ecosystem
- • **Crystal Clear Water Assurance:** Won't discolor water; controls organic staining even with driftwood

## Overview

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a nutrient-dense, dark brown substrate designed to accelerate plant root growth and foster beneficial bacteria colonization. Its porous structure supports a stable neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for tropical plants, fish, and shrimp. This 2 kg pack ensures crystal-clear water without discoloration, while providing newborn shrimp a safe refuge, making it the top choice for serious planted aquarium enthusiasts.

## Description

Porous substrate encourages strong plant growth and beneficial bacteria colonization, helping maintain neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for aquarium plants and shrimp.

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: Seems excellent - 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

## 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 |
| Batteries Included | No |
| Batteries required | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | 969 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) 1 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Breed Recommendation | Large breeds |
| Colour | dark brown |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (16,371) |
| Date First Available | 18 July 2014 |
| Flavor | Shrimp |
| Item Form | Granules |
| Item Weight | 2 kg |
| Item model number | 12693 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Pet Life Stage | All Life Stages |
| Pet Type | Fish |
| Product Dimensions | 7.62 x 15.24 x 27.94 cm; 2 kg |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | 2 kg (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses | Nutrition |

## Product Details

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

## Images

![Fluval 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Respected product.
*by P***N on 15 December 2025*

Well respected product so I’m expected good growth from the plants I’ve put in. Easy to put in the tank. Not sure what the fish will say it’s a new tank and he’s not there yet.

## Frequently Bought Together

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*Product available on Desertcart Portugal*
*Store origin: PT*
*Last updated: 2026-01-30*