Fluval Stratum

[MinnieMojito]

Quick question…I’ve always used inert substrate with fertilizers, but recently decided to try Fluval Stratum in my five gallon. What a mess! Can I always expect a gas-off and cloudiness every time I agitate it? I’m currently getting plants little by little, and it’s been a nightmare installing them into this stuff. (Note: It’s a fully cycled filter from another tank. - Please don’t come for me cycle police.🐠)

 

Edited March 26, 2022 by MinnieMojito

[nabokovfan87]

Did you rinse it?

Eventually it calms itself. Use some filter floss and then polish the water to clear out the cloudiness if you're having a persistent issue.

[MinnieMojito]

I wish I could say that I did rinse it, but that’s not something I normally do with my substrate. The cloudiness has since cleared, so I’m more concerned about the gas-off. Is that normal with this substrate? (ie. when agitated, bubbles come out of it) 

[nabokovfan87]

On 3/25/2022 at 7:48 PM, MinnieMojito said:

The cloudiness has since cleared, so I’m more concerned about the gas-off. Is that normal with this substrate? (ie. when agitated, bubbles come out of it) 

It can be normal yes, it happens with sand and stuff too sometimes.  If you're worried about gas specifically, take rocks and the sponge out of the tank, move the substrate around gently with your hand to push debris into the column and then perform a water change,

Edited March 26, 2022 by nabokovfan87