Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum Review: A Great Substrate for Freshwater Planted Tanks
If you are looking for a substrate that can support the growth of your aquatic plants and shrimp, you might want to consider the Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum. This product is made from mineral-rich volcanic soil that provides essential nutrients and a porous structure for your plants and shrimp. In this article, we will give you an overview of the product details, features, benefits, application of the crowd, similar products comparison, and some representative product reviews. We will also provide you with a purchase link at the end of the article if you are interested in buying this product.
Product Details
The Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a substrate designed for freshwater planted tanks. It comes in a 8.8-pound bag that can cover about 10 gallons of tank space. The substrate consists of small granules that are dark brown in color and have a smooth texture. The granules are derived from the mineral-rich volcanic soil collected from the foothills of Mount Aso in Japan, which is the largest active volcano in the country.
Features and Benefits
The Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum has several features and benefits that make it a great choice for your planted tank. Here are some of them:
– It stimulates strong plant growth by allowing the roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate. It also provides a variety of key nutrients that plants need to flourish, such as potassium, iron, magnesium, and sulfur.
– It supports neutral to slightly acidic pH levels, which are ideal for most plants, tropical fish, and shrimp that are normally kept in planted aquariums. It also helps buffer the water against pH fluctuations caused by organic waste or tap water.
– It promotes the colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria, which rapidly populate the vast porous surface of the substrate. These bacteria help convert ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate, which can be absorbed by plants or removed by water changes.
– It provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, which can hide in the small pores of the substrate until they are large enough to emerge. This helps protect them from predators and increase their survival rate.
– It does not discolor the water and helps control organic discoloration when natural driftwood is present. It also does not contain any artificial dyes or chemicals that might harm your plants or animals.
– It enhances the visual appeal of your tank by creating a natural-looking environment that contrasts well with the greenery of your plants and the colors of your fish and shrimp.
Application of the Crowd
The Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is suitable for anyone who wants to create a healthy and beautiful planted tank with live plants and shrimp. It is especially recommended for beginners who want an easy-to-use substrate that does not require much maintenance or supplementation. It is also ideal for advanced aquarists who want to create a more complex aquascape with different types of plants and shrimp.
Similar Products Comparison
To help you compare the Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum with other similar products on the market, we have prepared a table that shows some of their main features and differences.
| Product Name | Price | Weight | Color | pH Buffering | Nutrient Content | Porosity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum | $19.97 | 8.8 lbs | Dark brown | Yes | High | High |
| CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate | $27.86 | 20 lbs | Black | No | High | Medium |
| Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel | $37.46 | 15.4 lbs | Black | No | Low | Low |
| ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia | $39.99 | 9 lbs | Brownish-black | Yes | High | High |
As you can see from the table, the Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum has some advantages over its competitors, such as its pH buffering ability, its high nutrient content, and its high porosity. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its higher price per pound, its lower weight per bag, and its tendency to become muddy over time.
Representative Product Reviews
To give you an idea of what other customers think about the Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum, we have selected some representative product reviews from Amazon.com. We have rewritten them to make them more concise and informative.
– Positive Review: “I love this substrate for my planted tank. It looks great, it’s easy to plant in, and it keeps the pH stable. My plants are growing well and my shrimp are happy. I would definitely buy it again.”
– Negative Review: “I was disappointed with this substrate. It made my water cloudy for weeks, even after rinsing it several times. It also broke down quickly and became mushy. My plants did not do well and my shrimp died. I would not recommend it.”
– Neutral Review: “This substrate is okay, but not amazing. It does what it’s supposed to do, but it’s not very durable or attractive. It also needs to be supplemented with root tabs or liquid fertilizers. It’s not bad, but not great either.”
Conclusion
The Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a substrate that can provide many benefits for your freshwater planted tank. It can stimulate plant growth, support pH stability, promote bacterial colonization, and provide shelter for shrimp. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its high price, low weight, and tendency to become muddy. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether this product is right for you.
If you are interested in buying the Fluval 12694 Plant and Shrimp Stratum, you can click on this [link] to purchase it from Amazon.com. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading!
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