--- product_id: 15284700 title: "Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs." brand: "fluval" price: "¥14559" currency: JPY in_stock: true category: "Fluval" url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks store_origin: JP region: Japan --- # Optimized for neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for plants & shrimp Safe shelter substrate for newborn shrimp protection Porous granules for rapid nitrifying bacteria colonization Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. **Brand:** fluval **Price:** ¥14559 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🌿 Elevate your planted aquarium game with Fluval Stratum – where plants thrive and shrimp feel at home! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. by fluval - **How much does it cost?** ¥14559 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/15284700-fluval-12693-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’s Safe Haven:** Provides newborn shrimp with natural protection from predators until they mature. - • **Crystal Clear Water, Always:** Prevents water discoloration and manages organic staining, even with driftwood décor. - • **Lightweight & Non-Compacting:** Easy to handle substrate that promotes rapid beneficial bacteria colonization for a thriving tank. - • **Maintains Perfect pH Balance:** Engineered to sustain neutral to slightly acidic water conditions, ideal for diverse freshwater ecosystems. - • **Boosts Aquatic Plant Vitality:** Porous structure enables deep root penetration and nutrient absorption for lush growth. ## Overview Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 4.4 lb premium freshwater aquarium substrate designed to foster rapid colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria, maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for plants, fish, and shrimp, and provide a safe environment for newborn shrimp. Its porous, lightweight granules support robust plant root growth and nutrient uptake while preserving water clarity by preventing discoloration, making it the go-to choice for professional and hobbyist planted aquariums. ## Description Fluval Stratum serves as the optimal substrate for freshwater aquariums, fostering the flourishing growth of aquatic plants. Its porous structure facilitates easy root penetration and nutrient absorption, enabling live plants to thrive by accessing essential nutrients. Supplementing with Fluval Plant Micronutrients ensures a comprehensive array of macro and micronutrients, essential for plant vitality. This substrate's lightweight, non-compacting composition is highly conducive to the rapid colonization of nitrifying organisms. These swiftly inhabit the extensive porous surface, contributing to superior water quality conducive to genuine plant growth. Fluval Stratum's inherent properties also help maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for various plant species, tropical fish, and shrimp typically found in planted aquariums. Moreover, it provides a secure haven for newly introduced aquarium shrimp, shielding them from predators until they reach a sufficient size to venture into the main tank. Designed to preserve water clarity, Fluval Stratum does not cause water discoloration and effectively manages organic discoloration often associated with natural driftwood aquarium décor. Explore Fluval's diverse range of aquarium products, from filters to decorations, suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks of all sizes.br>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 ## Features - 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 - 4.4 lb bag ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B00JGQIY48 | | ASIN | B00JGQIY48 | | Allergen Information | Nut Free | | Best Sellers Rank | #1,719 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #7 in Aquarium Gravel | | Brand Name | Fluval | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (18,391) | | Date First Available | July 18, 2014 | | Department | Unisex-Adult | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00015561126939 | | Included Components | All Items listed in Description | | Item Form | Granules | | Item Highlight | Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH | | Item Type Name | HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 2KG | | Item Weight | 4.4 pounds | | Item model number | 12693 | | Liquid Volume | 4.4 liters | | Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. | | Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. | | Manufacturer Part Number | 12693 | | Model Number | 12693 | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Pet Type | Fish | | Product Dimensions | 3 x 6 x 11 inches; 4.4 pounds | | Target Species | Fish, Shrimp, Plant | | UPC | 015561126939 | | Unit Count | 70.4 Ounce | | Warranty Description | Warranty | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Fluval - **Item Form:** Granules - **Item Weight:** 4.4 pounds - **Liquid Volume:** 4.4 liters - **Number of Packs:** 1 ## Images ![Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8168fqUinKL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color, Size** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: Do i need to cap this?** A: absolutely not......you would never cap "sand". it has no nutrient retention whatsoever. When you layer substrates, IF you layer substrates, you would use something like sand to do the capping. Like, you can do sand over dirt (regular non-fertilized garden soil)......that is excellent. First of all, never spend 35 dollars on a bag of sand.....u can get a 50 lb bag of "play sand" at home depot for 3 bucks.....same damn thing. Sand is Sand. Ive learned over the years that most substrates are common soil aggragates that are repackaged and marked up up 700%. A great great soil is MVP turface. 50 bucks for a 50 pound bag. But in my honest opinion, the best substrate for a planted tank is dirt, withn a 1-2 inch layer of either sand or gravel over it. Never met a plant that wont thrive in old fashioned dirt. Of course the big name companies dont want u to know that though. **Q: How much do I need for a 100 gallon tank?** A: I suppose it depends on the layout of the tank (tall vs wide), but I used the 8.8lb bag for a 10g plant tank and it was perfect. About 2.5" or so deep. Hope this helps... **Q: Is this a good idea if you going to be siphoning in you aquarium?** A: As for syphoning - I wouldn't recommend deep syphoning the plant substrate. Just lightly vacuum as needed. In plant tanks I put fine black sand (aquarium safe) on one side of the tank (mainly one front corner) and feed the fish over that corner. That will concentrate food, waste, etc. onto the sand which can be properly vacuumed for cleaning. **Q: would the 4.4 be enough for a 7 gal?** A: Will 4.4 be good for 5 Gallon Fluval Chi? How often do I have to change this? ## Frequently Bought Together - Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - majoywoo Natural Coral Driftwood for Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decorations, Assorted Driftwood Branch 6-10" 3 Pcs, Reptile Decor… - Ohtomber Aquascape Tools Aquarium Kit - 4PCS Terrarium Supplies Include Long Tweezers for Terrarium, Feeding Tongs, Aquarium Scissors, Algae Scraper for Fish Tank Cleaning Plant Trimming --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.jp/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks) --- *Product available on Desertcart Japan* *Store origin: JP* *Last updated: 2026-10-03*