Fluval Stratum

[NanotankBank]

Howdy,

So I recently started preparing for a 5gal no tech shrink aquarium, and my biggest problem is substrate. To make up for the filter I want to have a heavily planted tank, and I’ve heard that Fluval Stratum is a great resource to use, however it can mix badly with sand and cause other issues. So my question is, Would I be able to put the Fluval stratum into media bags and place them at the bottom of the aquarium, then top it with 1-2” of sand and still achieve the good plant growth?

[Patrick_G]

Yes you can do that and it’ll solve the problem of the black Stratum migrating up through your nice white sand. 

Here’s a little tank I’d with unbagged stratum capped with pool sand, you can see that a bit of stratum migrates but it’s not too bad. 

 

[NanotankBank]

On 12/26/2022 at 7:49 PM, Patrick_G said:

Yes you can do that and it’ll solve the problem of the black Stratum migrating up through your nice white sand. 

Here’s a little tank I’d with unbagged stratum capped with pool sand, you can see that a bit of stratum migrates but it’s not too bad. 

 

Perfect, any types/brand of bags that you recommend? Small enough that the Fluval won’t go through, but the roots can. Also that tank is very similar to what I want mine to look like, minus the filter! Very nice!

[Patrick_G]

On 12/26/2022 at 4:57 PM, NanotankBank said:

Perfect, any types/brand of bags that you recommend? Small enough that the Fluval won’t go through, but the roots can. Also that tank is very similar to what I want mine to look like, minus the filter! Very nice!

That ones filterless but I did have a heater for some sparkling Gourami. 
 

Aquarium Co-op sells the right bags. Let’s see if the link works filter bags

second try: Aquarium Filter Media Bag

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/filtration/products/aquarium-fish-tank-media-filter-bag

 

 

Edited December 27, 2022 by Patrick_G