--- product_id: 561389551 title: "Bio-Stratum, Bioactive Aquarium Stratum, for Planted Aquariums, 2kg | Aquarium Substrate for Planted Aquariums" brand: "fluval" price: "€ 28.32" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Fluval" url: https://www.desertcart.gr/products/561389551-bio-stratum-bioactive-aquarium-stratum-for-planted-aquariums-2kg-aquarium store_origin: GR region: Greece --- # Mineral-rich volcanic origin Bioactive bacteria for rapid nitrogen cycle Lightweight 1-3mm porous granules Bio-Stratum, Bioactive Aquarium Stratum, for Planted Aquariums, 2kg | Aquarium Substrate for Planted Aquariums **Brand:** fluval **Price:** € 28.32 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🌿 Elevate your aquascape with nature’s volcanic secret—grow vibrant, grow fast! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Bio-Stratum, Bioactive Aquarium Stratum, for Planted Aquariums, 2kg | Aquarium Substrate for Planted Aquariums by fluval - **How much does it cost?** € 28.32 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.gr](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/561389551-bio-stratum-bioactive-aquarium-stratum-for-planted-aquariums-2kg-aquarium) ## 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 - • **Bioactive Bacteria Boost:** Instantly activates to reduce ammonia and stabilize water for a healthy ecosystem - • **pH Perfect for Aquascapes:** Maintains neutral to slightly acidic water, ideal for plants, tropical fish, and shrimp - • **Versatile Layering Options:** Use as a main substrate in small tanks or a nutrient-rich top layer in larger aquariums - • **Volcanic Powerhouse Nutrients:** Harness the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso for vibrant plant growth - • **Root-Friendly Lightweight Granules:** 1-3mm porous substrate lets delicate roots penetrate and thrive effortlessly ## Overview Fluval Bio-Stratum is a premium, mineral-rich aquarium substrate sourced from Japan’s Mount Aso volcano. Its lightweight, porous granules promote vigorous root development and plant growth while maintaining ideal water pH for aquatic life. Infused with dormant bioactive bacteria, it jumpstarts the nitrogen cycle to rapidly reduce ammonia and stabilize water conditions, making it perfect for planted aquariums and aquascaping enthusiasts seeking lush, healthy underwater landscapes. ## Description Product Description Fluval Stratum has fast become the top substrate choice of planted aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Collected from mineral-rich foothills of Japan's famous Mount Aso volcano, Stratum contains a powerful mix of nutrients and minerals to stimulate growth for a wide variety of freshwater aquatic plants, while helping to maintain ideal water conditions for their overall health. Contains powerful mix of nutrients, minerals and trace elements exclusively available to plants. Promotes healthy plant development, vigorous growth and vibrant colours. Lightweight granules facilitate strong root development and provide easy access to nutrients locked within them. Supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for live plants as well as tropical fish and shrimp commonly kept in planted aqauriums. Softens water naturally, reducing carbonate hardness (regular KH testing is recommended). Will not stain water and help control organic discolouration. Bio-Stratum is infused with dormant bioactive beneficial bacteria that, once in contact with water, are activated to break down and waste and kickstart the nitrogen cycle. It rapidily reduces ammonia levels to help stabilise water conditions in new aquariums. Stage 1: Nitrogen introduced in fish food Stage 2: Fish waste turns into ammonium, ammonia Stage 3: Beneficial Bacteria converts to ammonium, ammonia to nitrite Stage 4: Beneficial Bacteria converts nitrite to nitrate Stage 5: Plants use Nitrate as fertiliser Non-compacting and lightweight 1-3mm powder format granules allow the finest and most delicate roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the porous substrate. Ideal for use as a main substrate in smaller aquariums, or used as a top layer in larger tanks. Unique curing and heat treatment process helps extend soil life and ensures no parasites are present. Directions Ideal for use in smaller freshwater aquariums or as a top layer in larger tanks Review: Its brilliant - This was recommended to me by a marine biologist and he was right. It's s bit messy at first and although it tells you to rinse it thats virtually impossible. But once it's in and the dust settles it's frankly amazing. My plants have grown incredibly fast, several inches in a week. The black also looks quite good on the base of the aquarium. so much more realistic than coloured gravel. It's now the only substrate that I will use. Review: Perfect substrate for aquascaping - A perfect aquarium substrate for any aquascaping. The dark brown offsets the beautiful foliage colours. Having used an alternative (but almost identical) substrate previously, which no longer seems available, this FLUVAL Bio Stratum is exactly what my aquarium plants needed; nutrients and an anchor to put their roots into. Adding new plants into the substrate takes a little practice to get the roots rooted. The previous lot of substrate I used lasted for five years before we needed to replace it all. I have no doubt that with regular care and the odd aqua vacuuming, this substrate we do exactly the same. Very easy to use, excellent value for money. ## Features - Warning:Not suitable for children under 3 years. For use under adult supervision - Warning:Toy inside. Adult supervision recommended - Fluval Stratum contains a powerful mix of nutrients, minerals and trace elements exclusively available to plants, promoting healthy development, vigorous growth and vibrant colours - Non-compacting aquatic soil, lightweight 1-3mm powder format granules that allow the finest and most delicate roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout the porous substrate - Supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for live plants as well as tropical fish and shrimp, commonly kept in planted aquariums - Infused with dormant bioactive beneficial bacteria that, once in contact with water, activates to break down waste and kickstart the nitrogen cycle, rapidly reduces ammonia levels to help stabilise water conditions - Ideal for use as a main substrate in small aquariums, or used as a top layer in larger aquariums ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B09XVP3HGK | | Allergen Information | Allergen-Free | | Best Sellers Rank | 3,106 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) 27 in Aquarium Water Treatments | | Brand | Fluval | | Brand Name | Fluval | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,569 Reviews | | Included Components | Stratum | | Item Form | Powder | | Item Type Name | Stratum | | Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds | | Item form | Powder | | Item weight | 4.4 Pounds | | Manufacturer | Rolf C Hagen UK Ltd | | Manufacturer Part Number | 12696 | | Model Number | 12696 | | Number of Items | 1 | | Pet Type | Fish | | Target Species | Aquatic Plants | | UPC | 015561126960 | | Unit Count | 1.0 count | | Unit count | 1.0 count | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Fluval - **Item form:** Powder - **Item weight:** 4.4 Pounds - **Manufacturer:** Rolf C Hagen UK Ltd - **Unit count:** 1 count ## Images ![Bio-Stratum, Bioactive Aquarium Stratum, for Planted Aquariums, 2kg | Aquarium Substrate for Planted Aquariums - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718p5Ra+COL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Size** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Its brilliant *by R***T on 9 April 2026* This was recommended to me by a marine biologist and he was right. It's s bit messy at first and although it tells you to rinse it thats virtually impossible. But once it's in and the dust settles it's frankly amazing. My plants have grown incredibly fast, several inches in a week. The black also looks quite good on the base of the aquarium. so much more realistic than coloured gravel. It's now the only substrate that I will use. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect substrate for aquascaping *by S***B on 26 April 2026* A perfect aquarium substrate for any aquascaping. The dark brown offsets the beautiful foliage colours. Having used an alternative (but almost identical) substrate previously, which no longer seems available, this FLUVAL Bio Stratum is exactly what my aquarium plants needed; nutrients and an anchor to put their roots into. Adding new plants into the substrate takes a little practice to get the roots rooted. The previous lot of substrate I used lasted for five years before we needed to replace it all. I have no doubt that with regular care and the odd aqua vacuuming, this substrate we do exactly the same. Very easy to use, excellent value for money. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth every penny *by E***N on 13 May 2026* it does make the water black but after a few hours it settles down and looks absolutely beautiful. This pack is a bit expensive but you 100% get value for you money. It was perfect for my 30L tank with about 25% left in the packet. Perfect for my plants ## 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.gr/products/561389551-bio-stratum-bioactive-aquarium-stratum-for-planted-aquariums-2kg-aquarium](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/561389551-bio-stratum-bioactive-aquarium-stratum-for-planted-aquariums-2kg-aquarium) --- *Product available on Desertcart Greece* *Store origin: GR* *Last updated: 2026-08-22*