---
product_id: 12883510
title: "Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH"
brand: "fluval"
price: "₩123690"
currency: KRW
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 11
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.kr/products/12883510-fluval-12694-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks
store_origin: KR
region: South Korea
---

# Boosts plant root growth Maintains crystal-clear water Safe shrimp nursery Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** ₩123690
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your aquarium ecosystem — where plants thrive and shrimp survive!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** ₩123690 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.kr](https://www.desertcart.kr/products/12883510-fluval-12694-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks)

## 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

- • **Shrimp Sanctuary:** Provides newborn shrimp a predator-free refuge
- • **pH-Perfect Balance:** Supports neutral to slightly acidic water ideal for plants & tropical fish
- • **Water Clarity Champion:** Prevents discoloration even with natural driftwood décor
- • **Bioactive Bacteria Magnet:** Porous substrate accelerates beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonization
- • **Root-Friendly Porous Structure:** Enables rapid nutrient absorption & vigorous plant growth

## Overview

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is an 8.8 lb volcanic soil substrate engineered for freshwater planted aquariums. Its porous texture promotes strong root development and rapid colonization of beneficial bacteria, maintaining optimal neutral to slightly acidic pH. Designed to support lush plant growth and provide a safe haven for newborn shrimp, it also preserves water clarity without discoloration, making it a must-have for bioactive, healthy aquatic environments.

## Description

Fluval Stratum is the ideal aquarium substrate for stimulating the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plant roots easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate, allowing live aquarium plants to obtain a variety of key, readily available nutrients that will make them flourish. The addition of Fluval Plant Micronutrients will ensure a full complement of essential macro and micro. The substrate's light, non-compacting, porous structure is also highly beneficial to nitrifying bacteria, which rapidly colonize the vast porous surface, providing optimal aquarium water quality for real 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. Fluval Stratum also provides new aquarium shrimp with the ideal refuge, allowing them to escape predation until they are large enough to emerge into the shrimp tank. This highly attractive substrate will not discolor water and helps control organic discoloration usually present when natural driftwood aquarium décor is used. For more fish tank accessories check out the other Fluval products including Fluval aquariums, aquarium filters, filter media, aquarium heaters, aquarium air pumps, aquarium lights, fake plants, aquarium thermometer, fish food, aquarium gravel, planted aquarium tools, fish tank decorations and aquarium stands. 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. 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. bag, an 8.8 lb. bag and a 17.6 lb. bag.

Review: Mandatory Element in my tanks - This has become a standard in my substrates, I blend it in with gravel, sand, whatever type I'm setting up. Planted tanks are the only way I roll, fully bioactive, and (virtually) changeless system set-up; soil is vital to plants and plants are vital to the chemistry. I've 2 products from this brand and I'm not inclined to change unless a real good reason manifests to do so. Neither product is what one may call 'cheap,' but it's certainly worth the money, my aquatic plants are so healthy that some specimens are abnormally big and have been a challenge to identify. (some of my seed stock didn't have anything but Chinese on the labels, so I had to wait until they grew to get them identified correctly.) The success I'm having with my tanks seems almost uncanny given I'm still something of a "newbie," these are my first tanks, all are less than a year old, and to have nailed it on the complete and healthy ecosystem model like a pro is testament to how great the science is developed and disseminated - and to the quality of products. Soil is everything, whether in my garden beds, potted plants, or aquatics - same rules apply. As I've said many times already, my water quality tests are always so spot on that it looks like I'm 'cheating,' and this stuff is one of the ingredients achieving all that.
Review: Perfect Soil for Planted Tank. Don't Pre-Rinse - This stuff is great, little pricey but you get what you pay for. I thought it would be messy but the small balls hold up well provided you don't crush them. Shrimp and fish health are not affected by it and boy does it look good in the tank. Plants love it and fish prefer it, especially when compared to bright gravels... The 1st picture was when I first started the tank with the soil and 2nd pic is 3 months later. I've had other tanks with sand/gravel...this soil makes a difference! Big tip: Place a small lid or use a paper towel to block water flow when initially filling up your tank. Minimize your splashing. Also I highly suggest you DO NOT pre-rinse this soil. I know the directions say so but don't do it. Big mess and unnecessary. As long as you don't pour big buckets of water on the soil your tank will clear up quickly. If you are going for a natural planted tank this is your soil.

## Features

- Promotes Robust Plant Growth: Stratum fosters vigorous plant development by facilitating easy root penetration and nutrient absorption, aiding in the acquisition of vital nutrients essential for growth
- Facilitates Rapid and Beneficial Colonization: Its porous structure enables swift colonization of beneficial nitrifying organisms, fostering a healthy aquatic environment crucial for the well-being of aquarium inhabitants
- Maintains Optimal pH Levels: Designed to sustain a neutral to slightly acidic pH range, ideal for supporting the growth of various plants, tropical fish, and shrimp commonly found in planted aquarium setups
- Offers Shelter for Newborn Shrimp: Stratum provides a safe haven for newborn shrimp, offering protection from potential predators until they reach a size where emerging into the main aquarium is viable
- Preserves Water Quality: Ensures water clarity by preventing discoloration and effectively manages organic discoloration, especially in the presence of natural driftwood, while being specifically formulated for use in freshwater aquariums

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00JMABYUO |
| ASIN  | B00JMABYUO |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
| Best Sellers Rank | #722 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #1 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Breed Recommendation | Small Breeds |
| Color | Stratum |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (16,762) |
| Date First Available | July 18, 2014 |
| Date First Available  | July 18, 2014 |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Department  | Unisex-Adult |
| Directions | Follow individual packaging instructions. |
| Included Components | All Items listed in Description |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  | No |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8 x 3 x 15 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13.66 x 12.09 x 3.46 inches |
| Item Weight | 4 Kilograms |
| Item model number | 12694 |
| Item model number  | 12694 |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer  | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer recommended age  | 1 month and up |
| Material | Volcanic Soil |
| Model Name | HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 4KG |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions  | 8 x 3 x 15 inches; 8.82 Pounds |
| Size | 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses for Product | Indoor |
| Style | Substrate |
| Target Audience Keyword | fish |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer warranty. |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item Form:** Granules
- **Item Weight:** 4 Kilograms
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- **UPC:** 015561126946

## Images

![Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xuz5C1O9L.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: I never received my package**
A: Fluval sent me the wrong size bag one time but when you contact them!
They are excellent in correcting it .

**Q: Will this work in small pots in my tank. I have a gravel tank and a sand tank. Not sure if im ready to go all the way.**
A: Yes it's the size of regular gravel just softer like compressed dirt balls. I put them in small glass bowls and put plants in it.

**Q: How many of the 8.8lbs do I need to get 1.5 inches of substrate in a tank that has a 20x12 foot print?**
A: 20x12 foot print is the footprint of a 10 gallon tank. I used a 8.8lb to get 2" easily. You should be fine getting 1 x 8.8lb bag.

**Q: Hi, is this substrate safe for all types of shrimp?  Thank you**
A: Fluval Plant and Shrimp is pH neutral, therefore with correct water pH is safe for all types of shrimp. It's also vey good for aquatic plants that are needed to create a proper environment for shrimp.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mandatory Element in my tanks
*by W***M on July 25, 2025*

This has become a standard in my substrates, I blend it in with gravel, sand, whatever type I'm setting up. Planted tanks are the only way I roll, fully bioactive, and (virtually) changeless system set-up; soil is vital to plants and plants are vital to the chemistry. I've 2 products from this brand and I'm not inclined to change unless a real good reason manifests to do so. Neither product is what one may call 'cheap,' but it's certainly worth the money, my aquatic plants are so healthy that some specimens are abnormally big and have been a challenge to identify. (some of my seed stock didn't have anything but Chinese on the labels, so I had to wait until they grew to get them identified correctly.) The success I'm having with my tanks seems almost uncanny given I'm still something of a "newbie," these are my first tanks, all are less than a year old, and to have nailed it on the complete and healthy ecosystem model like a pro is testament to how great the science is developed and disseminated - and to the quality of products. Soil is everything, whether in my garden beds, potted plants, or aquatics - same rules apply. As I've said many times already, my water quality tests are always so spot on that it looks like I'm 'cheating,' and this stuff is one of the ingredients achieving all that.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Soil for Planted Tank. Don't Pre-Rinse
*by J***. on December 16, 2025*

This stuff is great, little pricey but you get what you pay for. I thought it would be messy but the small balls hold up well provided you don't crush them. Shrimp and fish health are not affected by it and boy does it look good in the tank. Plants love it and fish prefer it, especially when compared to bright gravels... The 1st picture was when I first started the tank with the soil and 2nd pic is 3 months later. I've had other tanks with sand/gravel...this soil makes a difference! Big tip: Place a small lid or use a paper towel to block water flow when initially filling up your tank. Minimize your splashing. Also I highly suggest you DO NOT pre-rinse this soil. I know the directions say so but don't do it. Big mess and unnecessary. As long as you don't pour big buckets of water on the soil your tank will clear up quickly. If you are going for a natural planted tank this is your soil.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So nice for fish tanks!! 🐟💕🐟💕
*by L***A on December 28, 2025*

This is such a nice substrate for fish tanks!! The color is so earthy and looks VERY nice with green and live plants! 💚 There is no weird smell odor that comes from it. It is also very safe for fish because it is very small so they will not get stuck and injured. Overall AWESOME substrate and I would HIGHLY recommend this to all fish keepers!! 💕🐟💚

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*Product available on Desertcart South Korea*
*Store origin: KR*
*Last updated: 2026-01-24*