Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for Freshwater Fish Tanks 8 8 lbs Aquarium Substrate for Strong Plant

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. Read more

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!! 💕🐟💚 Read more

Okay this stuff works great. But you need to be very careful when placing it in an aquarium. One do not mix it around at all! Or rinse it first! If you do, it'll be like mud. And you will never get your water clean. I made the mistake and had to throw the bag out and clean the whole aquarium out. You need to put the substrates on the bottom of the aquarium, straight from the bag, and then you need to slowly fill up the aquarium. But you need to take a plate to disperse the pressure of the water as you're pouring it in. And as the water temperature rises you need to keep the plate at the surface. So you're just slowly.. ever so slowly... with a lot of "patience" - pouring the water onto the plate at the surface so it gradually fills up without really disturbing the substrates at all. If you do get discoloration which you probably will, at this point, it'll subside within a few hours. At this point, you can take a paper towel and go around the inside of your tank and wipe it off, put carefully so not to stir up any of the substrates. I also at this point if you're usinga HOB filter (on the back of your tank). You can put a paper towel around the filter medium inside the filter. And you can empty that about every half an hour. I have to do that about 3 - 4 times and then your water will be clear. Be very careful when you're taking that out of the filter to put it right into a bowl or something. Because your tank is probably going to get a little cloudy again. If you're using a sponge filter., same. I don't put those in until last when I change it over from the back filter to the sponge filters. Hope this helps. It's a great product. Read more

Highly recommend this. My tank looked a little cloudy when I first set up my tank but in just a few hours I could see it clearing up. I went with some recommendations on not rinsing the substrate and I'm not regretting it. I've never used any substrate like this or attempted to plant a tank but after several decades I thought it would be time to try something different - I've always loved the look of planted tanks but felt to intimidated. However, I grew some balls and just went for it. So far my tank is looking so clear and my overhead plants are growing like crazy, the roots are have reached the bottom where the substrate is and my fish are happy and healthy as ever. Honestly, very pleased with this purchase and it's worth the hefty price. Recommend Read more

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. Read more