Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: A Review
If you are looking for a substrate that is suitable for both plants and shrimp in your aquarium, you might want to consider Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum. This product is designed to provide optimal conditions for the growth and health of your aquatic flora and fauna. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this substrate, as well as compare it with some similar products on the market. We will also share some customer reviews and provide a link to purchase this product online.
What is Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum?
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a volcanic soil substrate that is collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso in Japan. It has a porous structure that allows for the colonization of beneficial bacteria, which help to break down organic waste and maintain water quality. It also supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH level, which is ideal for most plants, tropical fish, and shrimp that are normally kept in planted aquariums.
What are the benefits of Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum?
Some of the benefits of using Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum in your aquarium are:
– It encourages strong plant growth by providing nutrients and allowing roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate.
– It provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, as they can hide in the small granules and avoid predators until they are large enough to emerge.
– It does not discolor the water and helps to control organic discoloration that occurs when natural driftwood is used.
– It is easy to use and does not require rinsing before adding to the tank.
What are the drawbacks of Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum?
Some of the drawbacks of using Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum in your aquarium are:
– It may lower the pH level too much for some fish or plants that prefer alkaline water conditions.
– It may release ammonia during the initial setup, which can cause a spike in nitrogen levels and harm your livestock. You may need to cycle your tank before adding any fish or shrimp.
– It may become compacted over time, which can reduce water flow and oxygen exchange. You may need to stir or aerate the substrate occasionally to prevent this.
– It may be more expensive than some other substrates on the market.
How does Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum compare with other substrates?
To help you decide if Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the best substrate for your aquarium, we have compared it with three other popular substrates: ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia, Seachem Flourite Black, and CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted. Here is a table that summarizes their main features:
| Substrate | Type | Active/Inert | pH | Color | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum | Volcanic soil | Active | Neutral to slightly acidic | Black | 4.4 lbs |
| ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia | Organic soil | Active | Acidic | Dark brown | 9 lbs |
| Seachem Flourite Black | Clay gravel | Inert | Neutral | Black | 15.4 lbs |
| CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted | Mineral gravel | Inert | Neutral to slightly alkaline | Black with red highlights | 20 lbs |
As you can see, each substrate has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some points to consider when choosing between them:
– If you want an active substrate that lowers and buffers the pH level, you can choose between Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum and ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia. Both are suitable for Caridina shrimp and plants that prefer acidic water. However, ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia may lower the pH more than Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, so you need to monitor your water parameters carefully. Also, ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia may last longer than Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, but it is also more expensive.
– If you want an inert substrate that does not affect the pH level, you can choose between Seachem Flourite Black and CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted. Both are suitable for Neocaridina shrimp and plants that prefer neutral or slightly alkaline water. However, Seachem Flourite Black may have more surface area for beneficial bacteria than CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted, but it also requires rinsing before use. Also, CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted may have more nutrients for plants than Seachem Flourite Black, but it also may contain some dust and debris.
What do customers say about Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum?
To give you an idea of what other customers think about Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, we have selected some representative reviews from Amazon.com. Here are some positive and negative comments from verified buyers:
Positive:
– “I love this substrate. It looks great, plants grow well in it, and my shrimp love it. It does lower the pH a bit, but that’s what I wanted for my tank. It does not cloud the water at all, and it’s easy to vacuum. I highly recommend it.”
– “This is a great product for planted tanks. It has a nice texture and color, and it holds the plants well. It also provides a good environment for beneficial bacteria and shrimp. It does not leach ammonia or nitrites, and it keeps the water clear. It’s worth the price.”
Negative:
– “I was disappointed with this substrate. It lowered the pH too much for my fish, and they started to die. It also released a lot of ammonia in the beginning, and I had to do frequent water changes. It also compacted over time, and it was hard to clean. I would not buy it again.”
– “This is not a good product for shrimp tanks. It has sharp edges that can cut the shrimp’s feet, and it can trap debris and waste. It also does not buffer the water well, and the pH fluctuates a lot. It also looks dull and boring. I regret buying it.”
Conclusion
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a substrate that can provide optimal conditions for both plants and shrimp in your aquarium. It has a porous structure that allows for the colonization of beneficial bacteria, supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH level, encourages strong plant growth, provides a refuge for newborn shrimp, does not discolor the water, and is easy to use. However, it may also lower the pH level too much for some fish or plants, release ammonia during the initial setup, become compacted over time, and be more expensive than some other substrates.
If you are interested in buying Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, you can click on this link to purchase it online from Amazon.com. We hope this article has helped you to decide if this is the best substrate for your aquarium. Thank you for reading!
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