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.

Specifications

Item: V12693

Type: volcanic soil substrate from the foothills of Mount Aso, Japan

Granule size: 3–5 mm — sized for plants with larger root systems

Effect on water: supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH; will not discolour

Also: porous, so it colonises with nitrifying bacteria; gives newborn shrimp a refuge

Formats: Fluval supply this line as 4.4 lb / 2 kg, 8.8 lb / 4 kg and 17.6 lb / 8 kg

Water type: freshwater

Setup & Use

Rinse it gently in a colander before it goes in — enough to take the dust off, not enough to agitate and break the granules.

Fluval’s own sum for how much you need: length × width × depth, all in centimetres, divided by 1000, gives the weight in kilograms. A 60 × 30 cm tank at 5 cm deep is 60 × 30 × 5 ÷ 1000 = 9 kg.

It is a volcanic soil, so it supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH and softens the water. Test KH for the first few weeks: that shift is the point of the substrate, but you should know it is happening. It will not discolour the water.

Freshwater only.

Freshness & Storage

Every batch we dispatch carries a minimum of 6 months’ remaining shelf life. Store this product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap or inner foil closed tightly after each use.

Filter media and substrates carry no manufacturing or expiry date — their working life begins on first contact with water, not on the shelf.

Returns & Replacement

Returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery, provided the item is unused and in its original packaging. Manufacturer-sealed items cannot be returned once the seal is broken, and sale-priced items are not refundable.

If your item arrives defective or damaged, message us on WhatsApp with your order number, or email us if you would rather, and we will replace it. Approved replacements are delivered within 3 to 5 business days. Transit damage is covered by insurance on every shipment. If tracking shows delivered but nothing reached you, tell us within 72 hours, which is the reporting window Indian couriers allow. Damage caused during installation or use is not covered; replacement spares for such cases are chargeable.

Full terms are on our Cancellation & Returns page.