---
product_id: 432144737
title: "Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color"
brand: "fluval"
price: "31259 Ft"
currency: HUF
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 13
category: "Fluval"
url: https://www.desertcart.hu/products/432144737-fluval-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-planted
store_origin: HU
region: Hungary
---

# Mineral-rich volcanic soil Stabilizes ammonia & water quality Activates nitrogen cycle fast Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color

**Brand:** fluval
**Price:** 31259 Ft
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🌿 Transform your tank into a thriving underwater jungle with Fluval Bio-Stratum!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color by fluval
- **How much does it cost?** 31259 Ft with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hu](https://www.desertcart.hu/products/432144737-fluval-12696-natural-mineral-rich-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-planted)

## Best For

- fluval enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted fluval brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Ammonia Stabilizer Pro:** Rapidly reduces toxic ammonia levels for a healthier, stress-free aquatic environment.
- • **Root-Friendly Granules:** Lightweight 1mm powder granules let delicate roots penetrate deeply and spread naturally.
- • **Bio-Filtration Powerhouse:** Porous substrate doubles as a bacterial haven, enhancing water clarity and quality.
- • **Vibrant Plant Growth Boost:** Supercharge your aquarium with lush, colorful foliage that turns heads.
- • **Instant Ecosystem Activation:** Dormant nitrifying organisms kickstart your tank’s nitrogen cycle on contact—no waiting.

## Overview

Fluval Bio-Stratum is a 4.4 lb mineral-rich volcanic soil substrate designed for planted aquariums. It promotes robust plant growth and vibrant coloration by providing essential nutrients and minerals. Infused with dormant nitrifying bacteria, it jumpstarts the nitrogen cycle and rapidly reduces ammonia, stabilizing water conditions. Its lightweight, porous 1mm granules enhance root penetration and serve as an additional biological filtration source, improving overall water quality and ecosystem health.

## Description

Fluval Bio-Stratum features beneficial "bioactives" that efficiently break down waste, jumpstart the nitrogen cycle, and swiftly diminish ammonia levels, ensuring stable water conditions in new aquariums and sustaining health in established ones. Its fine powder granules serve as an extra biological filtration source, fostering enhanced water quality through their porous and non-compacting nature. Explore our range of fish tank accessories, including aquarium filters, filter media, heaters, air pumps, lights, rocks, thermometers, and stands. With a legacy dating back to 1975, Fluval revolutionized the aquarium industry with the world's first 3-stage filter utilizing synchronous motor technology—an innovation still influential today. Our commitment to innovation continues, as we persistently strive to develop cutting-edge aquarium products that set benchmarks in quality, style, and functionality. Fluval's mission transcends product creation; we aim to inspire aquarists of all levels to appreciate and uphold the hobby's beauty and importance for generations to come.

Review: Great product and our aquatic plants love it - My aquarium plants are thriving and have grown out of the water. 0 plant feeds used, no added air and or carbon. They love this stuff and it’s a lot easier to use. Warning, DO NOT vigorously move these. I got a few long handled aquarium tools for plants and decorations etc., my algae eater doesn’t hurt the little beads of dirt. Great product
Review: Hoya babies love this stuff - Great product for propagating hoya cuttings quickly and reliably. So far I've propped a dozen cuttings into this product and had no rot. As an experiment I propped two hoya cuttings from the same plant (hoya Walter Graves) into separate mediums - one in this fluval and the other in coco husk/coir. After one month the one in coco remained alive but had no roots, while the one in fluval had very strong, substantial, branching roots about 1/2" long. I replanted the stunted one into fluval and now that one is also thriving. Only cons are that it's a little messy, may stain light fabric and somewhat pricey. I've been mixing with perlite to stretch the product but given the cost of hoyas, this product is well worth the price. I'll definitely be buying more as needed.

## Features

- Promotes Robust Plant Growth: This aquatic soil helps enrich plant development and fosters vigorous growth with vibrant coloration, ensuring your aquarium thrives with lush foliage
- Activates Beneficial Water Conditions: Infused with dormant nitrifying organisms, our aqua soil activates upon contact with water, swiftly breaking down waste and initiating the nitrogen cycle for a balanced aquatic ecosystem
- Stabilizes Water Conditions: Rapidly reducing ammonia levels, Fluval soil helps stabilize water conditions in new aquariums, ensuring a healthy environment for your aquatic inhabitants
- Enhances Root Penetration: Featuring lightweight 1 mm powder granules, our non-compacting substrate allows delicate roots to effortlessly penetrate and spread, promoting optimal plant growth
- Improves Water Quality: Porous granules facilitate extensive bacterial colonization, serving as an additional biological filtration source, while a potent blend of nutrients and minerals ensures improved water quality for your aquarium ecosystem

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B09XVP3HGK |
| ASIN  | B09XVP3HGK |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
| Best Sellers Rank | #7,806 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #9 in Aquarium Gravel |
| Brand Name | Fluval |
| Color | Bio-Stratum |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,038) |
| Date First Available | April 13, 2022 |
| Date First Available  | April 13, 2022 |
| Directions | Follow individual packaging instructions. |
| Included Components | All items listed in description. |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 16.93 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 12.48 x 6.81 x 2.76 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Item model number | 12696 |
| Item model number  | 12696 |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Manufacturer  | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Model Name | Fluval Bio Stratum 4.4lb |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions  | 16.93 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches; 4.4 Pounds |
| Size | 4.4 Pound (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses for Product | Indoor |
| Style | Substrate |
| Target Audience Keyword | Fish, fish |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Fluval
- **Item Form:** Granules
- **Item Weight:** 4.4 Pounds
- **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- **UPC:** 015561126960

## Images

![Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QT6T31N8L.jpg)
![Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oBFkaLAqL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product and our aquatic plants love it
*by J***S on December 4, 2025*

My aquarium plants are thriving and have grown out of the water. 0 plant feeds used, no added air and or carbon. They love this stuff and it’s a lot easier to use. Warning, DO NOT vigorously move these. I got a few long handled aquarium tools for plants and decorations etc., my algae eater doesn’t hurt the little beads of dirt. Great product

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hoya babies love this stuff
*by M***Y on December 12, 2025*

Great product for propagating hoya cuttings quickly and reliably. So far I've propped a dozen cuttings into this product and had no rot. As an experiment I propped two hoya cuttings from the same plant (hoya Walter Graves) into separate mediums - one in this fluval and the other in coco husk/coir. After one month the one in coco remained alive but had no roots, while the one in fluval had very strong, substantial, branching roots about 1/2" long. I replanted the stunted one into fluval and now that one is also thriving. Only cons are that it's a little messy, may stain light fabric and somewhat pricey. I've been mixing with perlite to stretch the product but given the cost of hoyas, this product is well worth the price. I'll definitely be buying more as needed.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reliable results every time
*by B***E on November 30, 2025*

I have a few freshwater planted nano tanks, all 20 gallons or smaller, and I have used this or the Shrimp Stratum as the base substrate in every single one. As long as you do not stir it up too much, it keeps the water clear and does exactly what it is supposed to do. If you want to cap it with sand, you do not need to rinse it first. It will not turn the water brown unless it is handled incorrectly. Plants grow really well in it and when the nutrients eventually run out, which takes a long time, you can just add root tabs and keep the tank going for years. My tanks stay crystal clear and the plants look great. I recommend this to anyone who wants to keep live plants in their aquarium.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color
- 4Pcs Aquascaping Tools, Jeimier Aquascape Kit, Long and Strong Aquarium Tweezers, Scissors, Algae Scraper, Aquarium Plant Tools, Fish Tank Plant Trimming Kit
- API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, White, Single, Multi-colored

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*Product available on Desertcart Hungary*
*Store origin: HU*
*Last updated: 2026-01-30*