---
product_id: 432144737
title: "12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color"
brand: "fluval"
price: "₨1689"
currency: SCR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.sc/products/432144737-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted
store_origin: SC
region: Seychelles
---

# Mineral-rich volcanic soil Lightweight 1mm granules for root penetration Dormant nitrifying organisms activate nitrogen cycle 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** ₨1689
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Transform your tank into a thriving underwater jungle with Fluval Bio-Stratum!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** ₨1689 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/432144737-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted)

## 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

- • **Root-Friendly Granules:** Fine, non-compacting powder lets delicate roots spread effortlessly for optimal growth.
- • **Ammonia Level Stabilizer:** Keep your aquatic environment healthy by rapidly reducing harmful ammonia.
- • **Vibrant Plant Growth Boost:** Supercharge your aquarium with lush, colorful foliage that thrives naturally.
- • **Enhanced Biological Filtration:** Porous substrate granules foster beneficial bacteria, improving water clarity and quality.
- • **Instant Nitrogen Cycle Activation:** Jumpstart your tank’s ecosystem with bioactive soil that breaks down waste fast.

## Overview

Fluval Bio-Stratum is a 4.4 lb mineral-rich volcanic soil substrate designed for planted aquariums. Infused with dormant nitrifying bacteria, it activates the nitrogen cycle upon water contact, rapidly reducing ammonia and stabilizing water conditions. Its lightweight 1mm granules promote healthy root growth and serve as a biological filtration medium, enhancing water quality and supporting vibrant, robust aquatic plants.

## Description

Fluval Bio-Stratum features beneficial "bioactives" that efficiently break down waste, jumpstart the nitrogen cycle, and swiftly diminish ammonia levels, ensuring stable water conditions in new aquariums and sustaining health in established ones. Its fine powder granules serve as an extra biological filtration source, fostering enhanced water quality through their porous and non-compacting nature. Explore our range of fish tank accessories, including aquarium filters, filter media, heaters, air pumps, lights, rocks, thermometers, and stands. With a legacy dating back to 1975, Fluval revolutionized the aquarium industry with the world's first 3-stage filter utilizing synchronous motor technology—an innovation still influential today. Our commitment to innovation continues, as we persistently strive to develop cutting-edge aquarium products that set benchmarks in quality, style, and functionality. Fluval's mission transcends product creation; we aim to inspire aquarists of all levels to appreciate and uphold the hobby's beauty and importance for generations to come.

Review: Great product and our aquatic plants love it - My aquarium plants are thriving and have grown out of the water. 0 plant feeds used, no added air and or carbon. They love this stuff and it’s a lot easier to use. Warning, DO NOT vigorously move these. I got a few long handled aquarium tools for plants and decorations etc., my algae eater doesn’t hurt the little beads of dirt. Great product
Review: Just Spend the Extra Money and Buy It - The best substrate on the market— it’s important to gently* rinse the soil pebbles to avoid the cloudiness thst takes an extra few days to filter, and small puffs of dirt will pop up during shifting for plants— the value for the money is great— pay a little extra of the red bag. It also boosts the water quality. Effective and effortless in growing plants! The picture show is not my tank, but the perfect representation.

## Features

- Promotes Robust Plant Growth: This aquatic soil helps enrich plant development and fosters vigorous growth with vibrant coloration, ensuring your aquarium thrives with lush foliage
- Activates Beneficial Water Conditions: Infused with dormant nitrifying organisms, our aqua soil activates upon contact with water, swiftly breaking down waste and initiating the nitrogen cycle for a balanced aquatic ecosystem
- Stabilizes Water Conditions: Rapidly reducing ammonia levels, Fluval soil helps stabilize water conditions in new aquariums, ensuring a healthy environment for your aquatic inhabitants
- Enhances Root Penetration: Featuring lightweight 1 mm powder granules, our non-compacting substrate allows delicate roots to effortlessly penetrate and spread, promoting optimal plant growth
- Improves Water Quality: Porous granules facilitate extensive bacterial colonization, serving as an additional biological filtration source, while a potent blend of nutrients and minerals ensures improved water quality for your aquarium ecosystem

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B09XVP3HGK |
| ASIN  | B09XVP3HGK |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
| Best Sellers Rank | #4,501 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #5 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Color | Bio-Stratum |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,106) |
| Date First Available | April 13, 2022 |
| Date First Available  | April 13, 2022 |
| Directions | Follow individual packaging instructions. |
| Included Components | All items listed in description. |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 16.93 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 11.81 x 7.05 x 2.76 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Item model number | 12696 |
| Item model number  | 12696 |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer  | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Model Name | Fluval Bio Stratum 4.4lb |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions  | 16.93 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches; 4.4 Pounds |
| Size | 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses for Product | Indoor |
| Style | Substrate |
| Target Audience Keyword | Fish, fish |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item Form:** Granules
- **Item Weight:** 4.4 Pounds
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- **UPC:** 015561126960

## Images

![12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oBFkaLAqL.jpg)

## Available Options

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

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product and our aquatic plants love it
*by J***S on December 4, 2025*

My aquarium plants are thriving and have grown out of the water. 0 plant feeds used, no added air and or carbon. They love this stuff and it’s a lot easier to use. Warning, DO NOT vigorously move these. I got a few long handled aquarium tools for plants and decorations etc., my algae eater doesn’t hurt the little beads of dirt. Great product

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just Spend the Extra Money and Buy It
*by B***E on January 22, 2026*

The best substrate on the market— it’s important to gently* rinse the soil pebbles to avoid the cloudiness thst takes an extra few days to filter, and small puffs of dirt will pop up during shifting for plants— the value for the money is great— pay a little extra of the red bag. It also boosts the water quality. Effective and effortless in growing plants! The picture show is not my tank, but the perfect representation.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hoya babies love this stuff
*by M***Y on December 12, 2025*

Great product for propagating hoya cuttings quickly and reliably. So far I've propped a dozen cuttings into this product and had no rot. As an experiment I propped two hoya cuttings from the same plant (hoya Walter Graves) into separate mediums - one in this fluval and the other in coco husk/coir. After one month the one in coco remained alive but had no roots, while the one in fluval had very strong, substantial, branching roots about 1/2" long. I replanted the stunted one into fluval and now that one is also thriving. Only cons are that it's a little messy, may stain light fabric and somewhat pricey. I've been mixing with perlite to stretch the product but given the cost of hoyas, this product is well worth the price. I'll definitely be buying more as needed.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color
- 4Pcs Aquascaping Tools, Jeimier Aquascape Kit, Long and Strong Aquarium Tweezers, Scissors, Algae Scraper, Aquarium Plant Tools, Fish Tank Plant Trimming Kit
- API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, White, Single, Multi-colored

---

## 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/432144737-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted](https://www.desertcart.sc/products/432144737-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Seychelles*
*Store origin: SC*
*Last updated: 2026-02-23*