---
product_id: 15284700
title: "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"
brand: "fluval"
price: "KSh16943"
currency: KES
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks
store_origin: KE
region: Kenya
---

# Porous for rapid root & nutrient uptake Maintains neutral to slightly acidic pH Safe shelter for newborn shrimp 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

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** KSh16943
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your planted tank game — where science meets stunning aquatic life!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 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 by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** KSh16943 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.ke](https://www.desertcart.co.ke/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

- • **pH Perfected:** Engineered to sustain ideal neutral to slightly acidic pH for plants and aquatic life.
- • **Shrimp’s Safe Haven:** Provides newborn shrimp with essential protection until they’re tank-ready.
- • **Crystal Clear Confidence:** Prevents water discoloration, even with natural driftwood décor.
- • **Accelerate Aquatic Growth:** Porous structure boosts nitrifying bacteria colonization for a thriving ecosystem.
- • **Lightweight & Non-Compacting:** Easy to handle substrate that promotes healthy root penetration and nutrient absorption.

## Overview

Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 4.4 lb premium freshwater aquarium substrate designed to foster rapid plant growth and maintain optimal water chemistry. Its porous composition encourages beneficial bacteria colonization, supports neutral to slightly acidic pH ideal for plants, fish, and shrimp, and offers newborn shrimp a safe refuge. This substrate also preserves water clarity by preventing discoloration, making it a must-have for professional-grade 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

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: Perfect Soil for Planted Tank. Don't Pre-Rinse - 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.

## 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 |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,642 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #1 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
| Color | Stratum |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (17,058) |
| Date First Available | July 18, 2014 |
| Date First Available  | July 18, 2014 |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Department  | Unisex-Adult |
| Directions | Follow individual packaging instructions. |
| Included Components | All Items listed in Description |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  | No |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3 x 6 x 11 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 11.14 x 6.57 x 3.35 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Item model number | 12693 |
| Item model number  | 12693 |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer  | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | HAGEN PLANT&SHRIMP STRATUM 2KG |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions  | 3 x 6 x 11 inches; 4.4 Pounds |
| Size | 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses for Product | Indoor |
| Style | Substrate |
| Target Audience Keyword | fish |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item Form:** Granules
- **Item Weight:** 4.4 Pounds
- **Liquid Volume:** 4.4 Liters
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.

## Images

![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 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8168fqUinKL.jpg)

## 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?

## 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Soil for Planted Tank. Don't Pre-Rinse
*by J***. on December 16, 2025*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So nice for fish tanks!! 🐟💕🐟💕
*by L***A on December 28, 2025*

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!! 💕🐟💚

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*Product available on Desertcart Kenya*
*Store origin: KE*
*Last updated: 2026-02-23*