Good to see even Eric, a Fluval employee having problems planting into Stratum. Took me a while but here's the method I use. Don't cut the roots too short, leave at least 2 inches. Decide where you want the plant to be then pick a spot 3 inches away. Using tongs hold the plant exactly as Eric showed then push the plant into the substrate as far as you can, even covering the entire plant. Without releasing pressure drag the plant sideways to the intended spot, this has the effect of dragging all of the roots under the substrate. Stratum is so light that this will not damage the plant at all. Now when you pull the plant back up to the correct depth all of the root system remains buried in the substrate which anchors it in place. I have even managed to relocate fully grown Amazon Swords using this method by leaving the roots maybe 4 inches long and dragging them 5 or 6 inches sideways to their correct location.

its best to cap it with sand... trust me. Crystal clear tank in first 24 hours and you keep nutrients locked in, no cleaning substrate required... thank me later!

@02rids

3 жыл бұрын

Doesn't the sand cause a seal between the surface of the plant and substrate?

@coolstuff7372

3 жыл бұрын

@@02rids sand causes a seal on the top layer keeping the nutrients in the stratum below it... when u put plants in the roots will dig into the stratum thew the sand. Keeps tank less messy as well

@mrbodyrot

Жыл бұрын

Never rinsed mine filled it up super slow with a quarter inch piece of airline tubing, tank was crystal clear on the first day as soon as the water was in it.

@mamaica1234567890

8 ай бұрын

But when it comes out of the sand it's ugly

@coolstuff7372

8 ай бұрын

@mamaica1234567890 it shouldn't be coming out of the sand. Maybe you used too little sand? You can always add more sand using a waterbottle on spots that need filling

Great tips fluval, I made some little pots up with this product and put a plant in the pot, they are doing well!

Love fluval. Their products are amazing and I've been using them since the last 4 years. Whenever it comes to filtration, aquariums, tools and substrate like aquaclear, flex, chi, bow, P and T heaters and stratum (products from fluval that I've been using), Thank you Fluval for helping out so much the fish keeping hobby!

@fluval

10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the positive feedback! 😊

I so love this stuff! One of my all time fave substrates peroid! You want great plats in your tank this is the stuff makes life so much easier and the fact it reduces tannins in the water is a plus!

Gonna move and redo my planted shrimp tank today. Gonna seed it with the dirty prefilter 👏 👌

@AlterraCorp

2 жыл бұрын

Im redoing my 15 gallon tall betta tank. I originally had white sand in it but I really want that lunch natural feels this substrate provides

I really hope to pick up some of this when I go Canada. Thanks Fluval

@fluval

7 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome. In the meantime make sure to visit fluvalaquatics.com and select your country on the homepage, from there go to Support and reach out to us, perhaps it is available where you currently are...

@supremeleaderarmy9164

3 жыл бұрын

@@fluval Iv bought two 8kg bags of this product and EVERYONE says different methods on rinsing or not rinsing it, could u please tell me what to do?

@supremeleaderarmy9164

3 жыл бұрын

@@fluval Never mind i watched the video

I just bought a bag of this at Petco for my fluval spec 5! I cant wait for the water to clear so I can start planting and adding my shrimp :)

@marcusbabcock458

4 жыл бұрын

Plants do not care if it is cloudy!!!

@nottodaynotever8019

4 жыл бұрын

@@marcusbabcock458 it cleared up within 24 hours that's a damn good filter I already planted and added shrimp

@Fsuholley

4 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@anthonygiarrusso4312

4 жыл бұрын

Mine has been cloudy for 4 days now what filter do you use? I've been running a soonge filter. Just added an aquaclear hang on back today on the 4th day and planted plants

@nottodaynotever8019

4 жыл бұрын

@@anthonygiarrusso4312 I use the stock sponge filter that the fluval spec came with it really keeps my water clear!

Fluval Stratum is great! Love it!

Awesome video I use fluval substrate in my 29 gallon aquarium and the plants love it I get so much growth it’s insane definitely a good product!

I like these volcanic, mineral rich, porous substrates.

@golden1_1dragon12

6 жыл бұрын

colinbarsby porous Maximus

@SEAsia_RTS

4 жыл бұрын

@@golden1_1dragon12 Maximus Claudius Julius Caesar

You have about the best job on earth!

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I enjoy it!

I used the stratum because it came with my fluval flora. I had the same pair of tongs that came with the tank and even the same plant. I was having a lot of trouble getting the plants to stay. I was pushing them down pretty far as you suggested in the video. The problem was that once I released them from the tongs, they'd stick to the tongs and float up.

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

That could be related to where the plant is being grasped by the tongs and if there are leaves that are between. For stem plants you should pluck a few bottom leaves off the bottom end of the stem being planted.

@udeeksh

6 жыл бұрын

Make sure you plan in a dry substrate which is just sprayed with water. That helps a lot. Once you have planted all the plants, fill water.

@MakeupMobster

6 жыл бұрын

Udeeksh Sood thank you for the tip. I filled with water and then planted and I think that was the problem

Can I add more fluval stratum to my established tank? Instead of being flat, I want to give it mountain layout. Thanks

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, there is no issue in adding more to scape the substrate .

Hi I have a question, can I use am undergravel filter with this substrate?

What kind of plant is carpeting the bottom of the tank i just got the 15 flex and im looking for a plant to cover the bottom like that

@eL1TaL8iVaN

5 жыл бұрын

Zach West hydrocotyle sp

Note it really does get murky when starting and I tried rinsing it out a few times

@smollsquishytaeil

3 жыл бұрын

This is what I wanted to know lol

@robertwaller7527

3 жыл бұрын

Never clean substrate in tap water. It removes all the goodness for the plants

@shaylucas9421

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertwaller7527 can you use filtered tap water? 😊

@robertwaller7527

3 жыл бұрын

@@shaylucas9421 I wouldn’t! I just put it straight into the tank. The filter ends up cleaning the water in a couple of hours.

@xaloz999

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertwaller7527 not when you already got fish in there

At 04:05 most of the plant is out of the substrate, if you start the filter the plant will reach the surface for sure. The roots must be inside the substrate, even if you put some of the plant's leaves into the substrate they will find their way to the light in a few days.

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

George, in a newly planted tank featuring these types of plants in this type of substrate it is expected, follow up and some replanting is normal.

Would love to upgrade my older filter.

Been using this substrate for a month now i n my 30 liter shrimp aquarium. works awesome and looks really good. Love to have this in my 100liter but it costs too much. ill stick with this soil in the smaller aquariums.

@justinclement5417

10 ай бұрын

26 gal? That's what 100 is. Maybe you should pick up more frugal hobby because I have a 40 gallon shrimp breeding tank I just picked up and it should cost me no more than $40 to fill it with stratum

@Miina87

10 ай бұрын

good for u then, this substrate probably cost more in my country @@justinclement5417

This lowers pH and then buffers it. My water out of the tap is 6.0 and I want to hang around 7.2-7.4 pH - what would I need to add to my tank to buffer and stay around 7.2 pH with fluval stratum? Also, I added a 4.4 pound bag of stratum and the water is clear and nice looking (i put it over sand and dug holes to let it go down next to my plants, in a 75 gallon tank) and it spiked the ammonia to 1.0 ppm. How long until it stops spiking ammonia?

@fluval

11 ай бұрын

There's a few ways to raise your pH - crushed coral or liquid additives, for example - but be aware that as your tap water is so much lower than your desired level, you'll need to spend quite a lot of time maintaining and checking the pH! With regards to increased ammonia levels from Stratum, it depends on your tank's biological filtration capacity! Adding a quality biological booster like Fluval Cycle Biological Enhancer will help the ammonia level return to normal more quickly.

Fluval really does make excellent products. Stratum is a really good substrate! I’ve experimented with almost every top brand aquarium soil; Dennerle, ADA, Tropica, etc, etc, Fluval Stratum is a better value.

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, thanks for sharing!

@andyh8239

3 жыл бұрын

@@fluval Im trying this substrate for a second time. Being a high CEC substrate, does it obsorb Phosphates out of the water, or is something else responsible for low phosphates? (diatoms?)

@justinclement5417

10 ай бұрын

​@@andyh8239it absorbs dioxide phosphate some

Question, after a few years when this becomes dirt do I have to fully replace it or could i just add root tabs?

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

We recommend fully replacing the soil after about 1.5 - 2 years, as it breaks down over time!

I bought this for a tank I will be setting up that will have plants, a beta and maybe shrimp. I was going to use the extra in my goldfish tank that is planted and has shrimp in it, until the bag came in and the back said it wasn't good for goldfish? Why isn't it good for all fish?

I was like on no maybe the lifting thing is bad thing I'm glad lol I got the correct soil for small aqua scaping

Hey. Great video. Just set up my flex 15 with hardscape and Stratum. I may have moved the rocks around too much after I added the substrate. Eric mentioned that moving rocks etc around too much could “destroy” the substrate. What does that mean? Unusable for planting? Or just really hard to plant in? Wondering if I need to start over again. (Not end of the world, only day 2 of plantless/fishless cycling.) as way of describing, part of the Stratum is perfectly powdery. Looks like river silt.

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Stephanie! When we say "destroyed", we mean it becomes broken down and less efficient for plants. The shape and density of Stratum allows plant roots to easily penetrate through it and absorb necessary nutrients. When Stratum is broken down and becomes powdery, it will compact much more rapidly and become more difficult for plants to grow in. We don't believe you'll need to restart your tank, as you'll likely only have disturbed a small portion of the soil - the rest should still be good! 👍

Does Fluval stratum have nutrients that are in typical root tabs? I wonder if I need to add root tabs to new installation of Fluval stratum.

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

There are available nutrients, for heavily rooted plants specific root tab nutrition is still beneficial.

Yo, do a review of aqua forest lava soil, it’s small clumps of volcanic rock that is a pleasure to plant in. It does not break down because it is rock however the elements will deplete, I found it perfect after hours of online searching. You guys should check it out! It is quite cheap and looks cool too!

I only use sand substrate then adding some Osmocote 14-14-14 for balance nutrients.

Awesome video :) Could you please tell me what kind of plant is on the bottom of the tank at 0:25? Thank you!

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

It is H. tripartita sp. Japan.

i just grabbed a bag of this stuff today i also got the small fluval c02 kit what are some plants i should try?

@fluval

7 жыл бұрын

We suggest you review various plants on line to see if they are compatible with your lighting. The aquarium you see in the video has the species of plants listed, they are mid to lower light level requiring.

I didn't rinse it at all and my water never got cloudy. It got slightly cloudy the 2nd day but that's the same for all tanks. I'm thinking rinsing it loosens it up too much which in turn makes your water cloudy when you set up a tank.

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Very gentle rinsing in a colander is recommended.

@NatCatKitty

2 жыл бұрын

I did it both ways and still got tons of dust. That’s ok because I mean it all settled down in a couple hours and even more the next day

@justinclement5417

10 ай бұрын

​@@NatCatKittyso what's the problem then?

@NatCatKitty

10 ай бұрын

@@justinclement5417 I dunno I can’t even remember why I posted this lol

Can i keep a nerite snail with this?

Yes, I was wondering what that plant creeping along in tge tank was and do u sell on yr site?🇨🇦

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

It is: Hydrocotyle tripartita 'Japan'. No, unfortunately we do not sell live stock on our site. Lovely plant and adapts well to a variety of conditions.

@NewWave-ds4vn

4 жыл бұрын

@@fluval Will you guys ever release a new version that doesn't require rinsing?

i have ada amazonia ver 2 in tank already, can i add fluval stratum on top of that to raise the height?

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Yes that is possible.

how many 4 lb bags of fluval substrate do you think it would take to properly cover the bottom of a regular ten gallon tank?

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Larry, here is the link to fluvalaquatics.com page on fluval stratum. Depth of substrate preferred and width of aquarium factor in, please check the tech specs segment for a general recommendation, safer to get 1 X 8lb. bag: www.fluvalaquatics.com/ca/product/12693-plant-and-shrimp-stratum/#.WjAsj9KnHcs

I just bought some fluval dark, should I get fluval stratum for a bottom layer? Haven't started redoing tank yet.

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

We do not recommend mixing different substrates with Stratum due to its' fragile nature.

Hi Fluval Your the best youtuber

@fluval

7 жыл бұрын

Ultimate, thank you!

I've bought some of this but my tank is going to be mostly sand based. Is there a reason you can't mix the substrate with another?

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

volcanic compressed type soil substrates are delicate, mixing with other substrates usually breaks the soil down.

My tank looks like coffee.

I purchased the 8.8 lb bag of the Fluval Substrate having only used about half the bag's content for my 5.5 nano tank. My question is will keeping the rest in a sturdy zip lock bag be sufficient to maintain its "freshness" and potency and if so how long will this method work? Thank you.

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Great question! If you keep your extra Stratum in a sealed bag, it will remain 'fresh' indefinitely. The nutrients contained in the substrate are only depleted once the substrate is introduced to an aquarium and live plants are added.

I was wondering how long this substrate takes to settle down? and should I turn on the filter to clear out the water since mine is very dirty and cloudy.

@RandySoWavvy

4 жыл бұрын

Grace Cha turn the filter on and give it a day if it’s still cloudy do a water change

@gh0stxo96

2 жыл бұрын

@@RandySoWavvy hey can u put ur fish in the water if it’s not settled i just got a betta and i wanna know if it’s ok i hate seeing him in his tiny home and can u give me some tips if u know any of good things to use like decorating and if the substrate i got is good for him or not

If this breaks down over time, do you need to add more or completely redo the tank when it does.

@fluval

Ай бұрын

Hello! You can add more over time, but eventually the soil will compact and need to be completely replaced. The frequency with which this needs to be done depends massivelymostly on the plant species kept and your dosing / maintenance schedules!

Can we mix. Fluval substrate with decorative pebbles (that are used to decorate aquarium bottom) will it affect the growth of Java moss plant

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Java moss does not in fact require a substrate to grow as it does so virtually on any surface. Mixing pebbles with Stratum usually results in Stratum breaking down as it is delicate in nature.

Is it possible to use hydroponic clay pellets as a aquarium substrate? Maybe for a portion of the tank.

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

They are usually inert, as such safe but do not have the nutrient content some other substrates do.

I have the fluval flex 15 gallon, how many bags or kilograms of this substrate will I need?

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

You may use this link to the product page that takes you to the spec tab for this item on fluvalaquatics.com www.fluvalaquatics.com/ca/product/plant-and-shrimp-stratum-2/ 1 X 4.4KG bag should be sufficient unless you want more depth versus what is listed.

I have the 34l fluval flex, Is it advisable to try planting as I have a bristlenose pleco is it likely to destroy plants. I havent yet tried any planting but would like to try. Any advice appreciated also is it a must to add CO2 when using this substrate?

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Yes a bristlenose is likely to destroy plants, you can try stem plants and make sure to keep some wood in the aquarium as well as good feeding regimen for the ancistrus, it can work but never for certain. CO2 use will benefit some species of plants more than others, in general, higher light requiring faster growth plants benefit the most from its use, the type of substrate is not really a variable in regards to your question.

Great video! I have a question about using this for a shrimp tank. I have this in a tank and it’s dropped the alkalinity to a 0 and the pH to well below a 6.0 (the lowest my kit reads). How can I buffer that in order to maintain the ideal water parameters for neocaridina shrimp? From what I know cherries should have like 1-8 KH and a pH of 6.8-7.5. My tap water pH is about a 7.2 and super hard but drops immediately with this substrate well below the recommended levels. Thanks!

@terryterry1655

Жыл бұрын

try replacing the water with new one

@justinclement5417

10 ай бұрын

​@@terryterry1655great answer genius

Can you put white pool sand on top of this i already have 1 black sand tank and want a white sand tank too?

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

Antoine, it is not recommended to do so as any other substrate on top of compressed volcanic soil such as this will tend to compress it and defeat one of the main advantages of using it.

How long till it runs out of nutrients and how can I replace the nutrients without root tabs

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

Liam, that would be dictated by a variety of factors. You may always add additional substrate additives as a first layer when filling and as you mention use both root tabs and micro nutrient liquid supplements. The main macro nutrient remains as carbon which is best provided by carbon dioxide injection.

I have two big black Moors in a planted tank with fluval substrate, will this hurt them? I’ve seen mixed reviews about what substrate is okay (if any) for fancy goldfish.

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Kaily, Fluval Stratum will not harm your goldfish! :)

will 4 kgs be enough for a 15 gallon tank? (14.5 X 9 inches tank)

@benoneill7708

5 жыл бұрын

Harsh Narayan do the math bro not that hard

How would you gravel Vac the fluval stratum? Or would you leave it be?

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

By siphoning very gently over the surface, not inserting the vac into stratum and churning it up, that would both create a mess and cause it to break down.

How long can I have this in my tank without adding the water as I want to hardscape my tank just haven't got my plants yet ??? Many thanks

@jackievarughese3945

4 жыл бұрын

I left a bag of stratum open, exposed to the air and some of the soil balls had this whitish color on them. Not sure what happen but im guessing its dust

So you recommend planting before cycling the tank?

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely , before , during and after. Ammonium will benefit live plants, they readily use that nitrogen source.

Is it really necessary to rinse the substrate? What happens if you add it directly like how we use ADA?

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Rinsing has to be done very gently, you can add water directly but do expect to deal with some cloudy water conditions, which will clear up.

So you dont need any sort of soil for underneath the substrate at all? And you dont have to actually vacuum the substrate, just glide over it? I'm trying to do planted tanks for my betta tanks (and future tanks) and wanted to be sure. All the info I have found is either not clear enough or is contradicting with others.

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

Vacuuming the bottoms with this type of soil need to be done carefully, it is light by nature, keeping the siphoning device above the substrate so only debris rises is sufficient.

Can I add this to an already established tank with livestock? I want to top up the old substrate without taking everything out and starting again.

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Emma, yes you can! You may experience temporarily higher ammonia levels and the water will be a bit cloudy, but both will clear up in no time!

I've purchased Bio and Stratum. All I want to know is how to layer both of those products, and I cannot find the information ANYWHERE! Where are the instructions for this?

@fluval

4 ай бұрын

Hi there! Bio-Stratum, with its smaller granule size, is intended for use as a top layer, or as the main substrate in smaller aquariums. You can find this information, and much more, here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZX531NWMerCxhMo.html

I'm using fluval stratum and it's great but I'm just wondering how long it will take to cycle, my aquarium us 14L and has crypts, pearl weed, banana leaf lily's, rotala rotundifolia, java fern, java moss, duckweed, I've dosed seachem excel and stability aswell as water from another aquarium.

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

You should be able to add a couple of hardy plant friendly fish and monitor ammonia and nitrite conditions, you will be able to control any trends upwards with partial water changes and careful feeding.

@sherryp8967

6 ай бұрын

One or two months. Depending on results from your API test kit.

If your pH lowers because of the stratum, might not your fish get shocked every water change where your tap water remains a higher pH or can they adjust to this?

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

It is typically a gradual lowering over time, partial water changes should be conducted regularly.

What plant did you use for carping in the established one?

@fluval

11 ай бұрын

It's Hydrocotyle tripartita! ☘

If I move the substrate around in the tank slightly will it mess up? Because I have a Java fern that’s pretty young in the front of the tank and just learned that it’s gonna get big. I think I’ll just move it further into the corner and move that small anubias out of the way. I plan on being gentle because I don’t want to crush it but is it ok being moved slightly so that I can put the roots back into it. Thanks if you answer me.

@user-qo6il9vg3n

2 жыл бұрын

Also want to add that I know they say not to plant Java ferns in substrate but I don’t have the rhizome covered, same with my anubias. And I have a gravel washer that I use but it never touches the substrate. I just use it as a water changing tool. And hover above the substrate to get any fish waste and other things of the sort.

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, you can definitely move your substrate around in the tank although, it may make the water slightly cloudy and discolored. After some time, the suspended particles will either sink to the bottom of the aquarium or will pass through your filter. 👍

@user-qo6il9vg3n

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluval thanks

Why should I not use another substrate with Stratum? Genuine question as to whether water chemistry could be affected or something of that matter.

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Compressed soil substrates are delicate, if you mix a hard edged gravel type substrate with it, it will break down quickly. The same goes for placing on top of soil type substrates. As for water chemistry, that depends on the substrate it self, some gravels with substantially harden water.

I bought 2 17 pound bags of fluval stratum and was left with half a bag, can I just keep it for later or will it go bad/expire?

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Danny, you can definitely keep your remaining Stratum for another time!

Hi Fluval, I'm wanting to try this product in a tank where I need to maintain ph 6.5-7, kh 0-5 and low gh 1-3. If I am doing wc's with a mix of RO + soft water HMA - with water going in as ph6.8, kh5, gh1 etc. So where should the stratum settle the kh and ph please? Does it maintain low kh (0/1) and low ph (6.1-2) like other competitor active soils? OR does it maintain ph close to neutral as long as the kh is strong enough. Other soils, I've tried settle the water too acidic for my needs, ie ph 6-6.2 and kh 0/1. Thanks

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, Stratum helps support a neutral to slightly acidic pH as well as maintain a low KH between 0-1. We hope this helps! 😊

@MrKenc80

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluval thank you, I'll give it a go.

Can I use the fluval stratum for bettas and panda corys?

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Yes you may.

I am using this stratum in my Fluval 15 Flex. My tank is planted. I just added some Scarlett Temple Red plants. Do I need to supplement with iron or does the stratum have enough?

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Getting an iron test kit and supplementing is necessary and recommended.

@4CaityHope

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

How do I clean the substrate during my weekly water change/maintenance

@otakugisa

4 жыл бұрын

4:40 watch the video

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Which substrate are you using?

@MT-qf7nu

4 жыл бұрын

Iv not setup my tank yet just trying to figure out which foreground, midground, background plants will work best with dragon stone housing betta fish and a couple of ghost shrimps but I am looking at fluval stratum 4 kg

i rinsed mine out and just added it to my tank but the water is super dark and cloudy, like the color of the substrate. is this ok and will it clear up?

@stormtrooper2010

4 жыл бұрын

Yes just let it settle out it will be fine, then you can see what you are doing to plant into it. However if you want the water to clear up faster, you could do a few partial water changes until it is less cloudy, DO NOT disturb the substrate when you pour the new water in. Use a colander or possibly some bubble wrap to pour the water over this will disperse the water rather than making a crater as you pour it in. - Also let it sit and run the filter on max with some filter floss this will also clear things up quicker, then swap out that floss for fresh floss before you are done with your initial setup.

@lovelyegg1128

4 жыл бұрын

stormtrooper2010 thank you so much

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it will. To speed the process up you can run some fine filter media in your filter, as it clears remove the media and rinse it thoroughly to remove the fine particles.

@lovelyegg1128

4 жыл бұрын

Fluval Aquatics thank you my filter is coming thursday😊

I'm using Stratum with your Betta Premium tank set up with some basic plants. I was told by my aquarium I purchased from to not syphon at all!, but just to do 25% water changes with a cup as the fish waste is actually ok with Stratum. Is this correct? I have numerous plants in the stratum which doesnt leave much room to even collect surface waste as you mention.

@fluval

6 ай бұрын

Hi there! In general, we recommend avoiding using a gravel vac with Stratum, as doing so can cause the soil to break down prematurely. Carefully removing any visible waste from on top of the soil is a good idea, but if the tank is too densely planted to allow for that, it's fine to just leave it! 👍

@DanielSing90

6 ай бұрын

@@fluval Amazing! Thank you guys.

Do I have to wait until the water is completely clear before putting my betta in

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kayla, a slight haziness will not be a negative for your betta, it will clear up.

Can i put a cover of river sand on the fluval substrate

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

That would compress the soil and cause premature breakdown, we don't recommend it for that reason.

is there anything you need to do different to your water for ur ph

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Logan, that really depends on what your pH is and what it is you plan to keep? Please advise us of those two things and we can certainly provide some guidance.

How much Phosphorus do you dose, if any?

Nice video fluval :) Will fish like kuhli loaches find this substrate comfortable? Thanks

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, as will most tropical fish, since the substrate will create a neutral PH balance.

So basically I am moving house,and to do so I will need to drain my tank completely, it has 6 plattie’s in it, and I wish to add this substrate I will be keeping my fish In a bucket while I do this and add the same water and filter is it safe to and fish Straight after adding the soil?

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, fill the tank carefully, put a large plate on the bottom and gently stream in the water.

I hv used fluval stratum for 1yr in starting plants grow well i hv used fertilizer too now plants r not growing , should i hv to change the soil ?

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Likely within the next year you should start to replace sections that will start to visibly compact and break down.

What depth of this substrate should I be using for optimum plant growth? I'm putting it in a 100 gallon tank with substrate maybe 6 inches deep in places. Is it OK to pack out the bottom with gravel and put the stratum on top? It's going to be expensive to use 6 inch depth of stratum and maybe unnecessary?

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Andy! We don't recommend mixing other substrates with Stratum, as they can prematurely cause the soil to break down. We suggest using at least 1.5" of Stratum, and more for plants with extensive root systems like Cryptocoryne! 6" of substrate is probably a bit more than most plants will use!

@andystokes8702

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluval I think you have missed the point of what I'm asking. I intend to bank the substrate up to perhaps 6 inches in places. You say that 1.5 inches is good, would it be OK to put 4.5 inches of gravel down first and the stratum on top? I don't intend to mix the stratum with anything else but using 6 inches depth of stratum is probably excessive and unnecessary. Is there a problem with putting gravel down first then putting 1.5 inches of stratum over the top rather than using 6 inches of stratum which works out very expensive,

I had a real hard time having the plants stay seated in this. It's like planting in Styrofoam peanuts, as the substrate is so light. When you release the plant with the pincers, the stratum pushes out of the way and the plant uproots.

@astudentpilotlife

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, so I try the angle method

@l2kxboost

2 жыл бұрын

Changed my sub to this and I am having the same issue. As soon as I think I have it where I want it, it comes afloat lol. Maybe a small rock will anchor it down? Any advise?

@skrimper

2 жыл бұрын

@@l2kxboost just bury the plant a little deeper and when releasing the tongs/tweezers, give it a little wiggle so the Stratum settles around the plant as you pull the tongs out. Works great, have only had 1-2 plants get uprooted and I'm almost positive that was from my rabbit snails digging them up before the roots could grow some

So I have this in my tank with live plants but it is better with soil at the bottom of it for the plants?????

@fluval

Ай бұрын

Hi there! Fluval Stratum and Bio-Stratum are great choices for aquatic plants. No other substrate / soil is needed!

@mrtrella83

Ай бұрын

@@fluval ok I’m just a beginner trying to get my tank started and I’m having trouble here lol

You should make the same thing but the the PH 7.0

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Omar, to make sure your pH stabilizes at approximately 7.0 you may adjust your water change frequency to do so taking into account the KH of the water you are working with.

I'm gonna use Fluval Stratum for the first time in my 3 gallon tank for a couple Guppies and Snails, how long do I need to cycle the tank for?

@fluval

Жыл бұрын

We recommend testing the water regularly to see when the tank is cycled and ready for fish! 👍

I have a Question! I bought this and planted plants with driftwood and was wondering how do you clean the tank when it gets dirty

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

When doing partial water changes use a small gravel washer and pass just about the substrate not to pick it up but to siphon only the surface detritus off carefully.

@karennation3580

4 жыл бұрын

@@fluval arent you supposed to pull up substate in the syphon tube and pull gunk out? In other words this dosnt hold up but turns to mush!

@iloveladiesman217

3 жыл бұрын

@@karennation3580 not with this stratum! it's not like other substrates in that way :)

Why does my fluval stratum substrate turn white after a water change? 190L tank, i use filtered tap water at 20°c and 2-3ml of tap conditioner...? Help please

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

That is not normal or expected, we can only speculate that this is because of an additive you are using.

Fluval Stratum will lower the pH of water. I have high general hardness of water. Will the substrate lower this a little?

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Dominic! Stratum will indeed lower the pH of your water, but the extent to which it will do so depends on your water and its buffering capacity, as well as the amount of stratum used. If your water is very hard, perhaps consider using peat to lower the pH!

I promise I have a few tanks and I did not pre wash the stratum.. i poured it out right into my tanks and slowly flooded my tanks and my tanks were crystal clear in 8 to 10hrs...

Can you put sand underneath substrate for plants to grip better

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

John, yes absolutely, as bottom layer that is possible to do.

How would you clean the substrate without crushing or destroying it?? Could you use a small syphon??

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

You could gently siphon a little above the surface while gently moving a thin trimming tool through the top layer, that would be sufficient.

@abbyb8265

5 жыл бұрын

Ok thanks!

I have a 29 gallon tank and i would like to plant some carpeting plants and how many kilograms of fluval substrate should i use in my 29 gallon tank

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Please visit fluvalaquatics.com for guidance, kindly use this link to the product page for Fluval Stratum and scroll down to the tech specs box, within you will find a use guideline.

@fluval

6 жыл бұрын

Sorry, here is the link: www.fluvalaquatics.com/ca/product/12695-plant-and-shrimp-stratum/#.Ws94gNTwbcs

Would you able to cap this with aquarium sand to help anchor plants or would this lead to complications or just unnecessary? Thanks!

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

Lorenzo, the sand should not be necessary. If you really want to add some sand then a glass dish can be added and filled with sand, submerged and placed in a particular spot if you wish.

@DomWhite

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluval the whole point is because it looks nicer I’m just asking if its all good to cover all of it up with sand

Can you do water changes in the stratum?

@fluval

Жыл бұрын

You can if you'd like, but it's important to be extremely gentle while doing so - only siphon the top inch or so, and be careful to not break up the granules!

Hi so i dont need the gravel to put on top

@fluval

4 жыл бұрын

You can include sand or fine gravel under this substrate but not on top of it due to its relatively delicate nature.

I had rinsed it a bit and placed it in my tank, but the dust seems to be setting on a wood piece I have in my tank. If I add plants wouldn’t it agitate the substrate and make the water dark again? Or should I try giving it another rinse? I’m nervous that turning on my filter will agitate it and make the water stay dark

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Damaris, disturbing the Stratum substrate will cause some cloudiness to the water but will not permanently discolor it. All of the larger pieces of suspended substrate will fall to the bottom of the aquarium and the rest of the suspended debris will be filtered out by your filter. The aquarium water will go back to being clear after roughly a day! We hope this helps. 😊

@damarisguevara4049

3 жыл бұрын

@@fluval you were right thank you ☺️

Hiii how do I add this to a established tank, is this possible with the ammonium

@fluval

Жыл бұрын

Hi there, great question! Adding any soil to an established aquarium is likely to cause an increase in ammonia levels. We recommend trying out Fluval Bio-Stratum, which includes nitrifying bacteria to help reduce the potential ammonia spike! Otherwise, performing a few partial water changes and dosing your aquarium with a quality biological additive like Fluval Cycle should keep the ammonia levels within a suitable range.

Is it ok for the dry start method ??

@fluval

3 жыл бұрын

When executed properly yes.

Can we add more substrate after planting

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

Yes but avoid burying the crown of plants that have them.

Will the water still clear up in a ten gallon tank with no filter?

@fluval

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, the slight clouding that can result when using this product would settle.

Excellent video, thanks. Hydrocotyle japan is usually sold by the pot. How many pots did you use in this please?

@fluval

2 жыл бұрын

Just one Steven!

@stevenb1021

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluval Thank you. It’s a really nice, delicate looking, carpet. Has it been growing for a long time?

I have a 100 l aquarium. The substrate is fluval stratum, 2 years old. Is there a rule after which time, the substrate should be changed?

@fluval

Жыл бұрын

Hi there! In general, we recommend replacing Stratum every 18 months or so. The replacement frequency of course varies depending on the types of plants you have, the planting density, and your maintenance routine!