Fluval Stratum Substrate Review – Good for Planted Tanks?
Aaron Boyd
All kinds of plants, be it aquatic or land plants, have some type of root system. The roots help draw nutrients and these nutrients keep the plant healthy and alive.
Land plants, we know, are planted in soil. But what about those plants that find a place in your fish tank?
How will they stand up and get their share of nutrients?
Well, a good substrate will do the job here. The substrate is not only needed for the plants alone but is beneficial for your fishes as well.
So, substrates are very important for your tank life and you must thus only select the best.
There, of course, are many choices that you have but one of those that have become immensely popular with aquarium users is none other than [amazon link=”B00JGQIY48″ title=”Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum” link_icon=”amazon” /].
Why should you opt for Fluval Stratum?
What makes it the best choice?
Well, we shall find answers to these questions through this Fluval Stratum review.
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Table of Contents
Fluval Stratum Review
The Fluval Shrimp Stratum is one of the best substrate for your tank. It is the best because not only it offers your tank plants the much-needed minerals and nutrients, it even helps in the development of healthy root.
This substrate is obtained from volcanic soil. Everyone who wants to enjoy great plant growth in their aquarium blindly trusts volcanic soil. They believe no other soil can ever even come close to it.
So, if you add a substrate of such high quality you can be sure you are providing your aquarium the best that you can.
Let us learn more about this rich substrate through the important features listed below.
Obtained From Volcanic Soil
I have already mentioned that Fluval Stratum is obtained from volcanic soil. Volcanic soil is rich in nutrients and minerals that help in healthy and quick plant growth.
It ensures that your plants always enjoy a perfect biological environment to grow in, despite being present in a tank.
When you add Fluval Stratum to your aquarium you can be sure the plant life within is enjoying all the macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients that they need.
The minerals that are present in the substrate’s volcanic ash make it rich in potassium, sodium, iron, and more. All of these are needed by your tank plants to grow well.
Helps Create a Great Eco-System
[amazon link=”B00JGQIY48″ title=”Fluval Stratum” link_icon=”amazon” /] offers a pH level that ranges from being neutral to a little acidic. This kind of pH level supports the healthy growth of all kinds of plant species.
If you are interested in creating a whole ecosystem then you will be glad to learn that this substrate is perfect for shrimps and tropical fishes as well.
You can easily rear infant shrimps in your tank containing Fluval Stratum as it offers the best shelter to them. It keeps them safe from predators as well.
Once the shrimps are big enough to take care of themselves, they can come out of their hiding.
Porous Surface Ensures Healthy Root Development
In this Fluval Stratum review, it needs to be mentioned that this substrate is good for plant growth also because it creates the right base.
Since it is porous in nature it offers the roots lots of space to grow freely. It makes sure the roots have enough room to breathe and thus aquatic plants are able to grow in a healthy way.
Furthermore, the texture of the substrate is light and thus water cycles out pretty easily. The nitrogen cycle is also then able to run properly.
The heterotrophic bacteria that are present in the substrate assimilate the fish wastes. The wastes are converted into biomass. This then serves as a nutrient to the aquatic plants.
So, when you use the Fluval Stratum it creates the ideal system of reusing and recycling.
No Discoloration
Yet another amazing thing about Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is that it is natural and contains no chemicals at all. Thus, when you add this substrate to your tank water you will notice no discoloration at all.
Yes, you may notice some fogginess in your aquarium but that will only stay until the substrate settles down well. After the substrate and water settle you will see the water appears clear yet again.
Even if your tank water was not clear earlier, the bacteria present in the Fluval Stratum and the tank cycle that it creates will make the water crystal clear.
One more thing that needs to be mentioned here is that unlike various other substrates, the Fluval Stratum needs no extra cleaning. This saves you both time and effort.
Various Package Choices
Now that you have gone through the feature list you surely must be lured into purchasing this substrate for your fish tank.
It is thus important for you to be aware of the various package choices that you have.
You can start by investing in the 4.4-pound pack and once you notice how well that is working you can then opt for the 8.8-pound pack or the 17.6-pound pack.
Also, of course, you will have to consider the size of your aquarium while making a purchase.
Pros and Cons
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Let us now learn about the pros and cons of the popular Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum.
- The most attractive thing about this substrate is that it is derived from volcanic soil. This makes it beneficial for the tank plants as it contains all the important minerals that they need for healthy growth.
- The substrate contains sodium, iron, oxides, and potassium. These support the great growth of plants.
- It has a porous surface which is good for healthy root development.
- It is chemical-free and does not result in discoloration of water.
- This substrate can make the tank water soft.
- It is slightly on the expensive side.
Video: “Fluval Stratum | Substrate for Planted Aquariums”
Conclusion
A substrate is absolutely essential for any fish tank. If you want to invest in the best substrate then Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum make the wisest choice.
And this is something the above given Fluval Stratum review clearly confirms.
So, wait no more, get the ideal size package of [amazon link=”B00JGQIY48″ title=”Fluval Stratum” link_icon=”amazon”/] for your fish tank and watch a perfect eco-system develop.
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