Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 8 Kg

Description

Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 8kg — Large bag of Mount Aso volcanic soil for 60 to 90 cm planted tanks

Buying soil for a 60 cm tank in small bags is an expensive way to do it, and the 8 kg bag exists for exactly that reason. Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 8 Kg (SKU: NAN27) is the largest size of Fluval’s volcanic soil substrate from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso in Japan, made for planted aquariums and shrimp tanks. Fluval’s claims are consistent across the range: roots penetrate and spread easily to obtain nutrients, the porous structure lets beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonise quickly, and the soil helps support a neutral to slightly acidic pH suited to most plants, tropical fish and shrimp. Freshwater use only.

Using Fluval’s formula of length × width × depth in centimetres divided by 1,000, 8 kg lays about 4 cm in a 60 × 30 cm aquarium, and the UK distributor guide pairs this bag with a 4 kg (NAN26) for a 90 cm tank at 3 to 4 cm. The soil does not discolour water, helps control driftwood tint, gives newborn shrimp a refuge, and stays light and non-compacting. It may raise ammonia slightly when new, gradually lowers pH in soft water, and should be replaced every one to two years. A 2 kg bag (NAN25) covers nanos and top-ups.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• 60 cm planted tanks: One bag gives a 60 × 30 cm aquarium about 4 cm of soil.
• 90 cm and larger scapes: Combine with a 4 kg bag, or use two 8 kg bags for deep sloped layouts.
• Shrimp colonies at scale: Breeding tanks and racks where fry cover and stable pH matter.
• Full rescapes: Replacing a spent Stratum bed after one to two years.

How to Use

• Rinse in batches: A gentle rinse in a colander, a few kilograms at a time, removes dust without breaking granules.
• Shape before water: Lay the slope, fill halfway with treated water, plant, then fill the rest slowly.
• Maintain gently: Hover a gravel cleaner above the surface; disturb debris with a baster, not a vacuum.
• Watch the first weeks: Test ammonia in a new tank and expect pH to drift slightly down in soft water.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• 8 kg of Mount Aso volcanic soil: The economical size for 60 cm tanks and up.
• Roots and bacteria thrive: Porous, nutrient-rich granules that stay loose.
• Neutral to slightly acidic: Suits the plants, fish and shrimp of a typical planted tank.
• Shrimp-friendly: Refuge for newborn shrimp among the granules.
• Clear water: Does not discolour and helps control driftwood tannins.

Product Details

• Brand: Fluval
• SKU: NAN27
• Barcode (GTIN/UPC): 0015561126953
• Product Type: Soil & Substrate > Planted Aquarium Soil
• Model: Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum (item 12695)
• Net Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
• Origin: Volcanic soil from the foothills of Mount Aso, Japan
• Coverage: One bag for a 60 cm aquarium at 3–4 cm; 8 kg + 4 kg for 90 cm; formula L × W × depth (cm) ÷ 1,000 = kg
• Water Type: Freshwater only
• Lifespan: Replace every 1–2 years
• Other Sizes: 2 kg (NAN25), 4 kg (NAN26)
• Target Environment: Planted and shrimp aquariums