Fluval Bio Stratum 8kg
Item Number: 12698
UPC Code: 015561126984
Description
Made from 100% natural, mineral-rich volcanic soil from Mount Aso in Japan and infused with beneficial nitrifying bacteria, Bio-Stratum is specifically formulated to provide immediate biological activity and maintain ideal conditions for a thriving planted aquarium. Characterized by its non-compacting 1 mm powder granules, Bio-Stratum allows plants with even the finest and most delicate roots to easily spread throughout the porous substrate while absorbing a powerful mix of nutrients, minerals and trace elements that promote explosive growth and overall health.
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Features
- Promotes healthy plant development, vigorous growth and vibrant color
- Infused with dormant beneficial nitrifying bacteria that, once in contact with water, are activated to break down waste and kickstart the nitrogen cycle
- Rapidly reduces ammonia levels to help stabilize water conditions in new aquariums
- Lightweight 1 mm granules are non-compacting and allow even the finest and most delicate roots to easily penetrate and spread throughout substrate
- Porous granules promote extensive bacterial colonization and act as an additional source of biological filtration for improved water quality
- Includes a powerful mix of plant-friendly nutrients, minerals and trace elements
- Helps support a neutral to slightly acidic pH – ideal for live plants as well as tropical fish and shrimp commonly kept in planted aquariums
- Softens water naturally, reducing carbonate hardness
- Will not stain water and helps control organic discoloration
- Unique curing and heat treatment process helps extend soil life and ensures no parasites are present
- Ideal for use in smaller freshwater aquariums or as a top layer in larger tanks
Questions & Answers
The nitrifying bacteria have been conditioned to enter a dormancy phase prior to packaging that allow them to survive in dry conditions. Once the substrate is added to your aquarium water, the bacteria awaken.
First, measure your tank’s length and width in cm – for example, 90 x 60 cm. Then, consider the thickness of substrate you want – for example, 8 cm. The amount of Bio-Stratum you need (in kg) is equal to length x width x thickness divided by 1000. In our example, 90 x 60 x 8 / 1000 = 43.2 kg of Bio-Stratum needed.
We recommend gently rinsing Bio-Stratum in a large colander or similar device without agitating the substrate to remove fine dust particles.
Bio-Stratum is a natural soil product, and like any other organic matter, adding it to an aquarium has the potential to slightly increase ammonia levels. If the aquarium is established, this should not present a problem. We recommend using an Ammonia Test Kit (Item #A7869) to ensure your aquarium is safe for fish.
It’s likely that your water is very soft and has a low buffering capacity.
It’s likely that your water is very hard and has a high buffering capacity.
It is safe to mix Bio-Stratum with other soil substrates, such as Stratum. We do not recommend mixing Bio-Stratum with any other substrates, as they can cause Bio-Stratum to break down prematurely.
For plants with particularly fine roots, the dry start method is recommended.
The pH of Bio-Stratum is mildly acidic, and over time slowly impacts the pH of aquarium water. Note that the buffering capacity of the water influences the soil’s effect on it: if the aquarium KH is moderate, the water will remain more neutral, and if the aquarium KH is low, the water will become more acidic.
Bio-Stratum contains humic acid, which naturally clears water of organic discoloration.
The nitrifying bacteria have been conditioned to enter a dormancy phase prior to packaging that allow them to survive in dry conditions. Once the substrate is added to your aquarium water, the bacteria awaken.
First, measure your tank’s length and width in cm – for example, 90 x 60 cm. Then, consider the thickness of substrate you want – for example, 8 cm. The amount of Bio-Stratum you need (in kg) is equal to length x width x thickness divided by 1000. In our example, 90 x 60 x 8 / 1000 = 43.2 kg of Bio-Stratum needed.
We recommend gently rinsing Bio-Stratum in a large colander or similar device without agitating the substrate to remove fine dust particles.
Bio-Stratum is a natural soil product, and like any other organic matter, adding it to an aquarium has the potential to slightly increase ammonia levels. If the aquarium is established, this should not present a problem. We recommend using an Ammonia Test Kit (Item #A7869) to ensure your aquarium is safe for fish.
It’s likely that your water is very soft and has a low buffering capacity.
It’s likely that your water is very hard and has a high buffering capacity.
It is safe to mix Bio-Stratum with other soil substrates, such as Stratum. We do not recommend mixing Bio-Stratum with any other substrates, as they can cause Bio-Stratum to break down prematurely.
For plants with particularly fine roots, the dry start method is recommended.
We do not recommend cleaning Bio-Stratum like gravel or sand, as doing so will cause the soil to break down prematurely. Instead, hover a small gravel vac over the substrate while gently stirring up surface detritus with a turkey baster or your fingers.
Bio-Stratum needs to be replaced over time as the nutrients are depleted and the soil compacts. The required replacement frequency varies depending on the type and amount of plants – in general, we recommend replacing the soil every 1-2 years.
The pH of Bio-Stratum is mildly acidic, and over time slowly impacts the pH of aquarium water. Note that the buffering capacity of the water influences the soil’s effect on it: if the aquarium KH is moderate, the water will remain more neutral, and if the aquarium KH is low, the water will become more acidic.
Bio-Stratum contains humic acid, which naturally clears water of organic discoloration.