--- product_id: 20009236 title: "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" brand: "fluval" price: "KD 37.98" currency: KWD in_stock: false reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/20009236-fluval-12695-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks store_origin: KW region: Kuwait --- # 17.6 lbs nutrient-rich volcanic soil Maintains neutral to slightly acidic pH Safe shrimp refuge & predator shield 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 **Brand:** fluval **Price:** KD 37.98 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Summary > 🌿 Elevate your aquarium ecosystem β€” where plants thrive and shrimp survive in style! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** 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 by fluval - **How much does it cost?** KD 37.98 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.kw](https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/20009236-fluval-12695-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 - β€’ **Shrimp’s Safe Haven:** Provides newborn shrimp with essential shelter, ensuring survival and thriving populations. - β€’ **Optimized Water Chemistry:** Maintains ideal neutral to slightly acidic pH, supporting diverse freshwater ecosystems. - β€’ **Boosts Aquatic Plant Vitality:** Porous volcanic substrate enables deep root growth and nutrient absorption for lush, vibrant plants. - β€’ **Aesthetic & Functional Clarity:** Prevents water discoloration even with natural driftwood, keeping your tank crystal clear and Instagram-ready. - β€’ **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 dΓ©cor. ## 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 dΓ©cor 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. ## 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 | #2,888 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #4 in Aquarium Substrate | | Brand | Fluval | | Brand Name | Fluval | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 17,530 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 ![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 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71glBJWuJ7L.jpg) ![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 - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GSBYpMhqL.jpg) ![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 - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91AeSdeomVL.jpg) ![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 - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91+6ib5KBCL.jpg) ![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 - 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 ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by W***M on July 25, 2025* ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by S***. on April 29, 2026* ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by B***G on February 28, 2026* ## 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 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/20009236-fluval-12695-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks](https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/20009236-fluval-12695-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks) --- *Product available on Desertcart Kuwait* *Store origin: KW* *Last updated: 2026-05-13*