---
product_id: 20009236
title: "12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH"
brand: "fluval"
price: "KD 44.10"
currency: KWD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/20009236-12695-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks-17
store_origin: KW
region: Kuwait
---

# 17.6 lbs nutrient-rich volcanic soil Maintains neutral to slightly acidic pH Safe shrimp refuge & predator shield 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** KD 44.10
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

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

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** KD 44.10 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.kw](https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/20009236-12695-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks-17)

## 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 essential shelter, ensuring survival and thriving populations.
- • **Optimized Water Chemistry:** Maintains ideal neutral to slightly acidic pH, supporting diverse freshwater ecosystems.
- • **Boosts Aquatic Plant Vitality:** Porous volcanic substrate enables deep root growth and nutrient absorption for lush, vibrant plants.
- • **Aesthetic & Functional Clarity:** Prevents water discoloration even with natural driftwood, keeping your tank crystal clear and Instagram-ready.
- • **Rapid Beneficial Bacteria Colonization:** Porous structure accelerates nitrifying bacteria growth, enhancing water clarity and quality.

## Overview

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 17.6 lb premium volcanic soil substrate designed for freshwater planted aquariums. It promotes robust plant growth through superior nutrient delivery and root penetration, supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for tropical fish and shrimp, and provides a safe refuge for newborn shrimp. Its porous structure fosters rapid colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria, ensuring optimal water quality and clarity without discoloration, even in tanks with natural driftwood décor.

## 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: Highly recommended - Always use this substrate and never go wrong with it. Love it. First day is cloudy and the second day is clear. Trust the process. It works wonders with natural plants and fish.

## 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 | B00JMA9S52 |
| Allergen Information | Nut Free |
| Best Sellers Rank | #985 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #1 in Aquarium Substrate |
| Brand | Fluval |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 17,553 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00015561126953 |
| Included Components | All Items listed in Description |
| Item Form | Granules |
| Item Type Name | HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 8KG |
| Item Weight | 8.07 Kilograms |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 12695 |
| Model Number | 12695 |
| Pet Type | Fish |
| Target Species | Shrimp |
| UPC | 015561126953 |
| Unit Count | 281.6 Ounce |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer warranty. |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item Form:** Granules
- **Item Weight:** 8.07 Kilograms
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- **UPC:** 015561126953

## Images

![12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71glBJWuJ7L.jpg)
![12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GSBYpMhqL.jpg)
![12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91AeSdeomVL.jpg)
![12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91+6ib5KBCL.jpg)
![12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91RH-snQjNL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color, Size** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Will this break down into mush after a year or two like other planted tank substrates?**
A: I have multiple tanks where I've used potting soil that have been up 2 years. I've never used ferts either. Skip this junk and go true soil.

**Q: how long does it take for it to buffer the pH in the tank?**
A: I purchased Fluval Stratum from a local pet store, who recommended it because of my tap water's parameters: 7.8 PH, 150 GH, and 180 KH. I added this substrate to my new tank in the evening.  The next morning my PH was 6.2, maybe even lower.  My test strips only go down to 6.2 PH.  My GH 0, and KH 0.  I have been testing the water for the past week and PH is 6.8 one day and back down to 6.2 the next.  GH bounces between 0 and 25, and KH bounces between 0 and 40.  I did an 80% water change two evenings ago but the next day, the water dropped back down to PH 6.2, GH 0, KH 0.  This substrate was so expensive, that I hesitate to remove it and start over, but I will if water changes don't remedy the situation.  Glad my fish are still in my old tank or they would probably be dead.  My situation seems drastically different from other people's experience.  If you purchase Fluval Stratum, I would put it in a bucket with some of your water and test it for a few days, before putting it in your tank and getting your tank all set up and planted.

**Q: I have a hard time keeping shrimp, will this help?**
A: It's a good substrate for shrimp

**Q: Will hard decorations or rocks on top of this substrate crush it?**
A: Not at all with my experience its the best substrate I ever use my plants look so healthy when I used it I definitely recommend it

## 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended
*by S***. on April 29, 2026*

Always use this substrate and never go wrong with it. Love it. First day is cloudy and the second day is clear. Trust the process. It works wonders with natural plants and fish.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Water does get clearer by the day once set up
*by A***R on June 27, 2022*

*** Update Week 2. I wanted to share the progress of use of fluval shrimp stratum. As week by week went on water is crystal clear. You may want to add two bags if you want plants since the pellets are so light my plants wouldn’t stay in the stratum. They would float right up to surface of water. Any time you add landscape the pellets will give off a dust or float. Don’t be alarmed, the dust settles back down quickly. So instead of getting another bag, I used plant anchors. They seem to be happy with plant anchors thus far. My PH was a bit high so I had to correct that before adding any fish. So it’s ready to add fish now and I can’t wait. I think it looks great with the landscape. I’m not done with my landscaping I still have the other corner to work. I have a couple of itty bitty baby tetra neons in there you can’t see them. They’re hiding, but if you make a little well in the pellets they like to hide in it. They don’t seem bothered by the stratum at all. I highly recommend this stuff, but best I to get two bags of whatever size you get, to get about 3 inches so your roots to plants will take to it easier is very light weight. Or do plant anchors. I bought this with the anticipation to set my tank up as a planted fresh water aquarium. Live plants apparently love this stuff and that it’s a good substrate for shrimp if you want to have any. Many reviews have complaints about cloudiness of water. I did this as a whole new tank setting up. I don’t recommend if you have fish already in yours. You treat it like you’re setting up a new one laying your landscape in, Anyway, I didn’t pre rinse. I don’t feel it’s necessary it only just makes the pellets soggy. The first day yes water will appear black and muddy. Let your filter do the work!! You may have to change your bio max bag out to a new one it does work. I have to get a new bio max filter since it worked hard to get this water cleared up since set up. First day, dark, black cloud. I even thought did I mess it it up? I should have taken a picture to show comparison and I forgot. Don’t be impatient or think you did something wrong. Just be patient let your filter do the work!! 5 hours later, a light cloudiness. I Next day, crystal clear water. You need patience for this! It’s not immediate. It may take anywhere from 6 hours-48 hours. It took 48 hours for mine to clear up. I need to clean off outside of my tank glass. I didn’t use the lay the bag over the pellets with a small bowl to fill tank with water method. I did just straight in with water pouring very slowly and softly. Water will fizz at first and it’s normal. And then I added the necessary water treatments to make it safe for fish for tap water, since I used tap water. Now I can’t wait until I set up the rest of my landscaping and add fish. I’ll post updates on when it’s done being set up.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Fluval 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks, 17.6 lbs. – Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant Growth, Supports Neutral to Slightly Acidic pH
- API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, White, Single, Multi-colored
- API ROOT TABS Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 0.4-Ounce 10-Count Box

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*Product available on Desertcart Kuwait*
*Store origin: KW*
*Last updated: 2026-05-16*