Aquarium substrate Fluval Bio-Stratum 8 kg — porous mineral substrate for planted tanks

Fluval Bio-Stratum 8 kg is a porous mineral substrate formulated for freshwater planted aquariums. The granulated mineral composition creates a stable base that supports root anchorage, encourages healthy root development and enhances water circulation through the substrate layer. Designed for aquascaping and planted tanks where a mineral-based medium is preferred, this substrate helps maintain conditions that support aquatic plants without adding fertilizers directly to the water column.

Advantages

Bio-Stratum's porous structure allows for efficient exchange of gases and nutrients around plant roots while helping maintain substrate permeability. The uniform granule size provides consistent support for rooting plants and reduces compacting over time. As a mineral substrate, it integrates well into aquascapes where natural-looking substrate and compatibility with root-feeding plants are important. The product is supplied in an 8 kg pack suitable for establishing a planted tank base layer.

Suitable for

• Freshwater planted aquariums and aquascapes
• Root-feeding aquatic plants and carpeting species
• Creating a porous base layer to improve substrate circulation
• Users preferring mineral-based substrates over soil or peat

Key specifications

• Form: porous mineral granules designed for aquarium use
• Pack weight: 8 kg
• Intended use: freshwater planted tanks and aquascapes
• Physical property: porous structure to enhance water and gas exchange
• Functional benefit: supports root anchorage and nutrient interaction at the root zone

How to use

Rinse the substrate briefly with dechlorinated water if desired to remove fine dust, then spread an even layer over the aquarium bottom to the depth required by your planting scheme. Place larger plants with established root systems deeper into the substrate and arrange mid- and foreground plants according to your aquascape plan. When filling the aquarium, pour water gently to avoid disturbing the substrate layer. Combine with suitable root tab fertilizers or liquid nutrients as needed to meet plant requirements, while monitoring water parameters after setup.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use Bio-Stratum as the base layer beneath a thin cap of finer substrate or sand if a specific aesthetic is desired. Monitor plant growth and supplement nutrients with root tabs for heavy root feeders. Avoid mixing with fine silt in the initial setup to maintain permeability; periodic gentle vacuuming of the top layer is sufficient to remove accumulated detritus without compacting the substrate.