Fluval Stratum aquarium substrate, sized for your 1-gallon nano tank. Build a natural-looking planted aquascape without buying a full-size bag of aquarium soil. This small bag is a convenient portion for compact freshwater layouts, with dark, porous volcanic soil that supports plant roots and creates a beautiful contrast with green aquarium plants.
Why Choose Fluval Stratum for a Nano Aquarium?
- Made for compact aquascapes: a small bag intended for a 1-gallon nano aquarium; actual coverage and bed depth depend on your tank’s footprint and layout.
- Plant-friendly volcanic soil: lightweight, porous granules allow plant roots to spread through the substrate.
- Natural dark finish: highlights green plants and colorful freshwater shrimp in appropriately sized, established aquariums.
- Active water chemistry: helps support neutral to mildly acidic water and may reduce carbonate hardness (KH).
What's Included
One small bag of Fluval Stratum aquarium substrate, portioned for a 1-gallon nano-tank setup. This is not a full-size retail bag. Tank, plants, shrimp, rocks and other accessories are sold separately.
How to Use in Your 1-Gallon Tank
- Measure the tank’s base and plan your preferred substrate depth; add more substrate if you want a thick planted bed or steep aquascaping slope.
- Gently rinse the soil to remove loose dust without crushing the granules, following Fluval’s care guidance.
- Spread the substrate across the tank bottom, then add your hardscape and aquarium plants.
- Add water slowly to minimize cloudiness, finish setting up filtration, and fully cycle the aquarium before adding animals.
- Test pH, KH and ammonia during setup; an active soil can change water chemistry, especially in a very small aquarium.
Shrimp-keeping note: Fluval Stratum is an active, potentially KH-lowering soil. It can suit planted setups designed around softer water, including many Caridina shrimp aquariums. For Neocaridina shrimp, check that the resulting pH, GH and KH remain appropriate and stable. A 1-gallon aquarium has limited water volume; stocking and long-term stability need particular care.
Complete Your Nano Aquarium
Pair your substrate with our freshwater aquarium plants, browse nano aquarium tanks, or compare more options in the aquarium substrate collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full-sized Fluval Stratum bag?
No. This listing is for one small bag intended for a 1-gallon nano aquarium, not a standard full-size retail bag.
Will one bag cover every 1-gallon aquarium?
Coverage varies by the shape and footprint of your tank and how deep you make the substrate bed. Deeply planted or sloped layouts may need additional soil.
Does Fluval Stratum change pH or KH?
It is an active substrate that can lower KH and support neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Test your aquarium water and choose substrate to match the livestock you plan to keep.
