---
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: "₨2168"
currency: SCR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.sc/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks
store_origin: SC
region: Seychelles
---

# Optimizes plant nutrient uptake Maintains neutral to slightly acidic pH 4.4 lbs porous granules 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:** ₨2168
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Elevate your aquarium game with the substrate pros trust!

## 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?** ₨2168 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sc](https://www.desertcart.sc/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

- • **Shrimp Safe Haven:** Provides newborn shrimp with protective shelter from predators
- • **Crystal Clear Water Quality:** Prevents discoloration and manages organic buildup for pristine aquarium clarity
- • **Lightweight & Non-Compacting:** Easy root penetration supports robust plant growth and nutrient absorption
- • **Rapid Beneficial Colonization:** Porous structure accelerates nitrifying bacteria growth for a thriving ecosystem
- • **pH Perfected for Aquatic Life:** Engineered to sustain ideal neutral to slightly acidic pH for plants, fish & shrimp

## Overview

Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 4.4 lb lightweight, porous substrate designed to foster rapid colonization of beneficial bacteria, maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH, and support strong aquatic plant growth. It offers newborn shrimp protection and preserves water clarity by preventing discoloration, making it an essential foundation for healthy, vibrant freshwater planted tanks.

## 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: So nice for fish tanks!! 🐟💕🐟💕 - 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!! 💕🐟💚

## 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 |
|---------------|-------|
| Brand | Fluval |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 17,134 Reviews |
| Item Form | Granules |
| Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Liquid Volume | 4.4 Liters |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| UPC | 015561126939 |

## 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)
![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 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Vo9jz4JYL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color, Size** options.

## 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!! 💕🐟💚

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nice product, just be careful.
*by T***N on January 28, 2026*

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.

## Frequently Bought Together

- 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
- majoywoo Natural Coral Driftwood for Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decorations, Assorted Driftwood Branch 6-10" 3 Pcs, Reptile Decor…
- Ohtomber Aquascape Tools Aquarium Kit - 4PCS Terrarium Supplies Include Long Tweezers for Terrarium, Feeding Tongs, Aquarium Scissors, Algae Scraper for Fish Tank Cleaning Plant Trimming

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sc/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks](https://www.desertcart.sc/products/15284700-fluval-12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum-for-freshwater-fish-tanks)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Seychelles*
*Store origin: SC*
*Last updated: 2026-03-09*