{"product_id":"fluval-bio-stratum","title":"Fluval Bio-Stratum","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"aq-pd\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.aq-pd{font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:#1a1a1a;line-height:1.6;max-width:900px;}\n.aq-pd h2{font-size:1.2em;font-weight:700;margin:1.4em 0 .5em;padding-left:10px;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;}\n.aq-pd p{margin:.6em 0;} .aq-pd a{color:#1155cc;text-decoration:underline;} .aq-lead{font-size:1.05em;}\n.aq-features{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:.6em 0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(250px,1fr));gap:8px;}\n.aq-features li{background:#E3F2FD;border-left:3px solid #1E88E5;padding:8px 12px;font-size:.95em;}\n.aq-compare{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:.6em 0;font-size:.92em;}\n.aq-compare th,.aq-compare td{border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:8px 10px;text-align:center;}\n.aq-compare th{background:#1E88E5;color:#fff;font-weight:600;} .aq-compare td:first-child{text-align:left;font-weight:600;}\n.aq-specs-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:.93em;margin:.4em 0;}\n.aq-specs-table th,.aq-specs-table td{border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:7px 10px;text-align:left;} .aq-specs-table th{background:#E3F2FD;width:34%;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Order online and pick this up at the store. This item does not ship.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"aq-lead\"\u003eFluval Bio-Stratum is a premium planted-aquarium substrate made from 100% natural, mineral-rich volcanic soil from Mount Aso in Japan and infused with beneficial nitrifying bacteria. Its non-compacting 1 mm powder granules give even the finest plant roots room to spread while feeding them a powerful mix of nutrients, minerals, and trace elements for strong, vibrant growth. Explore our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003elive aquarium plants\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Bio-Stratum\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"aq-features\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolcanic soil with BioActive bacteria:\u003c\/strong\u003e dormant nitrifying bacteria activate in water to break down waste and kickstart the nitrogen cycle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRapid ammonia reduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e helps stabilize water conditions in new aquariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-compacting 1 mm granules:\u003c\/strong\u003e let even the finest, most delicate roots penetrate and spread easily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePorous for biological filtration:\u003c\/strong\u003e promotes extensive bacterial colonization for better water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant-friendly chemistry:\u003c\/strong\u003e supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH and softens water, ideal for plants, shrimp, and tropical fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean and treated:\u003c\/strong\u003e will not stain water, and a unique curing and heat treatment ensures no parasites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinsing is not required. Add Bio-Stratum as your base layer, aiming for a planting depth of roughly 1 to 2 inches, then fill the tank slowly by pouring water onto a plate or bag so you do not disturb the bed. It works beautifully on its own in smaller freshwater aquariums or as a nutrient-rich top layer in larger tanks. A little cloudiness is normal at first and clears as the filter runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable Sizes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"aq-compare\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuggested Coverage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.4 lb (2 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNano to 10 gallon planted tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.8 lb (4 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard 20 to 29 gallon tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.6 lb (8 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarger 40 gallon and up, or deep beds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"aq-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFluval\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBio-Stratum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVolcanic soil substrate with beneficial bacteria\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGranule Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 mm powder, non-compacting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest For\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanted freshwater aquariums, shrimp, and tropical fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003epH Effect\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupports neutral to slightly acidic, softens water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSizes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.4 lb, 8.8 lb, and 17.6 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMade In\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJapan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to rinse it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Bio-Stratum is made to be added without rinsing. A little cloudiness at first is normal and clears within a few hours as the filter runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAim for a 1 to 2 inch base layer. As a rough guide, the 4.4 lb suits nano to 10 gallon tanks, the 8.8 lb suits 20 to 29 gallon tanks, and the 17.6 lb suits larger setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it good for shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Its plant-friendly, slightly acidic and softened water suits planted tanks with shrimp and tropical fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo the bacteria really survive in the bag?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are conditioned into dormancy before packaging and awaken once the substrate contacts aquarium water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Fluval","offers":[{"title":"4.4 lb (2 kg)","offer_id":49200634790107,"sku":"12696","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8.8 lb (4 kg)","offer_id":49200634822875,"sku":"12697","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"17.6 lb (8 kg)","offer_id":49200634855643,"sku":"12698","price":46.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/718p5Ra_COL.jpg?v=1788121085","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-bio-stratum","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}