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Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, 8.8-Pound

TLDR Review: Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum

Item: Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: August 10th, 2025

Pros

•Significantly improves tank health and effectively supports a variety of aquatic plants like crypts, vals, anubis, and lily bulbs.
•Helps maintain low pH levels and stable water parameters, ideal for hard tap water management.
•Positively impacts plant health and growth; users report plants doubling in size within days.
•Versatile for shrimp and plant health, reportedly enhancing overall aquatic life.
•Reasonably priced compared to other aquarium soils, considering the benefits.
•Effective when combined with lava rocks and sand for optimal results.
•Easy to use and apply in aquariums.

Cons

•Can cause water to remain excessively cloudy for over 24 hours, contrary to claims of quick clearing.
•Produces black water when disturbed, which may recur with any movement.
•The substrate's light weight can complicate cleaning and maintenance.
•Difficult to clean as small clay balls can clog siphons and trap debris.
•Some users experienced no improvement in shrimp health or population compared to other substrates.
•Frustration from users whose aquariums became unmanageable, prompting abandonment.

Bottom Line

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is generally praised for enhancing plant health, maintaining stable water parameters, and being a cost-effective choice among aquarium soils. However, users noted issues with water cloudiness and substrate maintenance, indicating a trade-off between results and upkeep. If using this product, consider combining it with gravel or other substrates to manage pH levels and ensure a cleaner aesthetic.

Lowest at Amazon

$17.10 at Amazon

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$8.98 at Walmart