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Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color

  • Based on 580 reviews
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Availability: In Stock.
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Arrives Tuesday, Apr 29
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Color: Bio-Stratum


Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1)


Style: Substrate


Features

  • Promotes Robust Plant Growth: This aquatic soil helps enrich plant development and fosters vigorous growth with vibrant coloration, ensuring your aquarium thrives with lush foliage
  • Activates Beneficial Water Conditions: Infused with dormant nitrifying organisms, our aqua soil activates upon contact with water, swiftly breaking down waste and initiating the nitrogen cycle for a balanced aquatic ecosystem
  • Stabilizes Water Conditions: Rapidly reducing ammonia levels, Fluval soil helps stabilize water conditions in new aquariums, ensuring a healthy environment for your aquatic inhabitants
  • Enhances Root Penetration: Featuring lightweight 1 mm powder granules, our non-compacting substrate allows delicate roots to effortlessly penetrate and spread, promoting optimal plant growth
  • Improves Water Quality: Porous granules facilitate extensive bacterial colonization, serving as an additional biological filtration source, while a potent blend of nutrients and minerals ensures improved water quality for your aquarium ecosystem

Description

Fluval Bio-Stratum features beneficial "bioactives" that efficiently break down waste, jumpstart the nitrogen cycle, and swiftly diminish ammonia levels, ensuring stable water conditions in new aquariums and sustaining health in established ones. Its fine powder granules serve as an extra biological filtration source, fostering enhanced water quality through their porous and non-compacting nature. Explore our range of fish tank accessories, including aquarium filters, filter media, heaters, air pumps, lights, rocks, thermometers, and stands. With a legacy dating back to 1975, Fluval revolutionized the aquarium industry with the world's first 3-stage filter utilizing synchronous motor technology—an innovation still influential today. Our commitment to innovation continues, as we persistently strive to develop cutting-edge aquarium products that set benchmarks in quality, style, and functionality. Fluval's mission transcends product creation; we aim to inspire aquarists of all levels to appreciate and uphold the hobby's beauty and importance for generations to come.

Product Dimensions: 16.93 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches


Item Weight: 4.4 pounds


Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.


Country of Origin: Japan


Item model number: 12696


Specific instructions for use: Indoor


Assembly required: No


Batteries required: No


Included Components: All items listed in description.


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Apr 29

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Aqua Paradise with Fluval Bio Stratum - Nurturing Aquatic Plant Growth
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
I recently introduced Fluval Bio Stratum Aquarium Gravel Substrate into my underwater world, and the transformation it brought to my aquarium has been nothing short of remarkable. Here's why I believe this substrate is a game-changer for any aquatic plant enthusiast: **1. Optimal Plant Growth:** The Fluval Bio Stratum is specifically designed to promote aquatic plant growth. Its unique composition provides essential nutrients that encourage lush, vibrant plants, turning your aquarium into a thriving underwater garden. **2. Natural Appearance:** This substrate mimics the look and texture of natural riverbeds, creating a visually stunning and authentic aquatic environment. It enhances the aesthetics of the aquarium, making it a true centerpiece in any room. **3. pH Buffering:** Fluval Bio Stratum acts as a pH buffer, helping to maintain stable and ideal water conditions for your aquatic plants and fish. It prevents rapid fluctuations in pH levels, which can stress your aquatic inhabitants. **4. Nutrient-Rich:** The substrate is nutrient-rich, ensuring that your plants receive the essential minerals they need for healthy growth. It significantly reduces the need for additional fertilizers, simplifying your maintenance routine. **5. Ideal Granule Size:** The granule size is perfect for promoting strong root development in aquatic plants. It allows roots to penetrate easily, anchoring the plants securely and facilitating nutrient uptake. **6. Easy to Use:** Setting up the Fluval Bio Stratum is straightforward. It doesn't require any special skills or equipment. Just rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium, and you're all set. **7. Long-Lasting:** This substrate is built to last, ensuring that your investment pays off over time. It doesn't break down or disintegrate, maintaining its structural integrity for the long haul. **8. Ideal Weight:** The 4.4 lb bag is an ideal size for smaller to medium-sized aquariums. It provides enough substrate to cover the bottom evenly and create a lush underwater landscape. In conclusion, Fluval Bio Stratum Aquarium Gravel Substrate is a true gem for aquarists passionate about aquatic plant growth and maintaining a beautiful, balanced aquarium. Its ability to nurture plant health, create a stunning aquatic environment, and simplify water maintenance makes it a must-have substrate for any planted aquarium. Whether you're a seasoned hobbyist or just starting, this substrate can help you create a thriving and visually appealing aquatic world that you and your aquatic inhabitants will enjoy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023 by Morgan

  • Necessary for planted tanks
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
This substrate has made it so easy to create a healthy thriving planted aquarium and all of my fish absolutely love it. The dust settles quickly, it doesn't need to rinsed, and it can be used for a long time. It was a great investment an d it made my tank come to life!
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024 by CJB CJB

  • Looks great for my beta fishes tank
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
The media could not be loaded. Really love this substrate. Looks great with the live plants, easy to wash and clean, and the plants grow pretty well in it as well.
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024 by Sydney Rose

  • Perfect for 5 gallon tank
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
I was able to out about 1.5-2 inches of material for my 5 gallon tank, and have about 1/4 of the bag left. No complaints! Plants are thriving, and water levels are holding steady for my shrimps that are on the way!
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025 by Johnathan G. Johnathan G.

  • “Boost for Freshwater Aquariums”
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
The Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil has proven to be an excellent substrate choice for my freshwater aquariums, particularly those housing aquatic plants and shrimp. This substrate has consistently yielded impressive results, with my plants thriving and growing at an accelerated rate. One of the key advantages of this volcanic soil is its versatility. It can be either buried in the substrate or left exposed, and it continues to deliver positive benefits either way. This flexibility is especially convenient for aquarists with varying preferences in aquascape design. Furthermore, the rich mineral content of this substrate is a notable advantage. It provides essential nutrients that promote robust plant growth, ensuring that aquatic flora remains healthy and vibrant. In my experience, this has led to lush and flourishing underwater landscapes. For shrimp enthusiasts, it’s crucial to note that the Fluval 12696 substrate is suitable for shrimp aquariums, particularly for caridina shrimp. However, a prudent practice is to replace this substrate after approximately one year of use. Doing so can contribute significantly to the overall health and well-being of your shrimp population. In summary, Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil has proven itself as an outstanding choice for freshwater aquariums, especially those featuring aquatic plants and shrimp. Its adaptability, mineral-rich composition, and the positive impact on plant growth make it a valuable addition to any aquarist’s toolkit. Just remember to schedule substrate replacement every year for the best results in your shrimp tanks. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023 by Jorge Jorge

  • Good value 👍🏽
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
The media could not be loaded. This product did exactly what it was supposed to do. It’s clean, the color is on point and it looks good in the aquarium. The aquarium has been set up for about two months now, so it is helping with both the plants and the waste matter. 👍🏽✌🏽
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2024 by Hippiechick Hippiechick

  • Excited to add plants!
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
I've been wanting to have a live planted tank for a while now. This is a 5 gallon, and as you can see the water will be murky at first, but by the end of the day it completely cleared up. I added some gravel on top for aesthetics and to keep the "dust" down. My live plants will be arriving soon so I will update to see if they do well. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024 by Rachel P. Rachel P.

  • Best rooting substrate
Color: Bio-Stratum Size: 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) Style: Substrate
I use stratum to root pretty much all of my propagations, from pothos to syngoniums to philos, even alocasia corms (ESPECIALLY alocasia corms - I've had a 100% success rate with getting corms to sprout in stratum). The only thing so far I didn't have luck with was anthurium chonks, but I don't think that was related to the stratum. The most important thing to know is that you cannot let it dry out, or it will burn your prop. When I use this stratum as a rooting/propping medium, I use it with a semihydro setup with a reservoir for water. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024 by Cheyanna Cheyanna

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