--- product_id: 432144737 title: "Fluval 12696 Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs." brand: "fluval" price: "79112CFA" currency: XOF in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Fluval" url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/432144737-fluval-12696-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted-tanks-4 store_origin: SN region: Senegal --- # Mineral-rich volcanic soil Lightweight 1mm granules for root growth Dormant nitrifying organisms activated Fluval 12696 Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. **Brand:** fluval **Price:** 79112CFA **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🌿 Transform your tank into a thriving underwater jungle with Fluval Bio-Stratum! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Fluval 12696 Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. by fluval - **How much does it cost?** 79112CFA with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/432144737-fluval-12696-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted-tanks-4) ## 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 - β€’ **Ammonia Level Stabilizer:** Rapidly reduces harmful ammonia for a balanced, healthy aquatic environment. - β€’ **Vibrant Plant Growth Boost:** Enrich your aquarium with lush, colorful foliage that thrives. - β€’ **Root-Friendly Granule Design:** Non-compacting 1mm powder granules promote effortless root penetration. - β€’ **Enhanced Biological Filtration:** Porous substrate supports beneficial bacteria for superior water quality. - β€’ **Instant Nitrogen Cycle Activation:** Jumpstart your tank’s ecosystem with bioactive nitrifying organisms. ## Overview Fluval 12696 Bio-Stratum is a mineral-rich volcanic soil substrate designed to promote robust aquatic plant growth and vibrant coloration. Infused with dormant nitrifying organisms, it activates upon water contact to jumpstart the nitrogen cycle and rapidly reduce ammonia levels, stabilizing water conditions. Its lightweight, porous 1mm granules enhance root penetration and foster beneficial bacterial colonization, improving overall water quality and creating a balanced, healthy ecosystem for plants and aquatic life. ## 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 technologyβ€”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: Fragile particle structure necessitates easy handling - We bought this medium on the author's recommendation, Linsay Sisti, in her book "The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation". We intended to use this medium to propagate some of our indoor tropical plants. While it is too early to offer definitive results, it is apparent that the propagules are accepting the medium as they root. The brown color of the granules is pleasing, and so far, there is no odor. Three varieties of Chlorophytum are now propagating in Fluval 12697 and are progressing nicely, showing no sign of disease. Please note that Chlorophytum (Spider Plant) is very easy to propagate. We have noted that the new roots are nearly reaching the bottom of the container, while the crowns look very healthy. Nothing propagated requires a pH adjustment, and in several instances, the container medium is one-third filled with water to encourage rooting, as Sisti suggests for using a Fluval stratum. Review: Finally have healthy thriving aquarium plants - In the past I've typically just had sand or gravel in my aquarium and didn't have much luck keeping aquatic plants alive, some would do okay but most would die despite adding an aquatic plant fertilizer. I prefer the look of sand instead of the look of plant substrate in my aquarium so when I learned I could just cap the plant substrate with sand I decided to try it and bought this Fluval plant substrate as I've seen it highly recommended. I've had it in my aquarium capped with white sand for about a month now, I bought various aquatic plants to try out with it shortly after adding the substrate to the tank and so far all plants are thriving, some have grown substantially to where I now need to start trimming the overgrowth. I was thinking about purchasing root tabs to help with the plants but now I don't think I'll need them with this Fluval substrate. I'm happy I can now successfully keep healthy aquatic plants and my fish and shrimp are loving them as well. ## 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 | | Allergen Information | Allergen-Free | | Best Sellers Rank | #4,827 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #9 in Aquarium Gravel | | Brand | Fluval | | Brand Name | Fluval | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,550 Reviews | | Included Components | All items listed in description. | | Item Type Name | Aquarium Substrate Gravel | | Item Weight | 4.4 pounds | | Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. | | Manufacturer Part Number | 12696 | | Model Number | 12696 | | Pet Type | Fish | | UPC | 015561126960 | | Unit Count | 70.4 Ounce | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Fluval - **Item Weight:** 4.4 Pounds - **Manufacturer:** Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. - **UPC:** 015561126960 ## Images ![Fluval 12696 Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718p5Ra+COL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color, Size** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fragile particle structure necessitates easy handling *by G***A on February 12, 2026* We bought this medium on the author's recommendation, Linsay Sisti, in her book "The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation". We intended to use this medium to propagate some of our indoor tropical plants. While it is too early to offer definitive results, it is apparent that the propagules are accepting the medium as they root. The brown color of the granules is pleasing, and so far, there is no odor. Three varieties of Chlorophytum are now propagating in Fluval 12697 and are progressing nicely, showing no sign of disease. Please note that Chlorophytum (Spider Plant) is very easy to propagate. We have noted that the new roots are nearly reaching the bottom of the container, while the crowns look very healthy. Nothing propagated requires a pH adjustment, and in several instances, the container medium is one-third filled with water to encourage rooting, as Sisti suggests for using a Fluval stratum. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finally have healthy thriving aquarium plants *by S***. on June 6, 2026* In the past I've typically just had sand or gravel in my aquarium and didn't have much luck keeping aquatic plants alive, some would do okay but most would die despite adding an aquatic plant fertilizer. I prefer the look of sand instead of the look of plant substrate in my aquarium so when I learned I could just cap the plant substrate with sand I decided to try it and bought this Fluval plant substrate as I've seen it highly recommended. I've had it in my aquarium capped with white sand for about a month now, I bought various aquatic plants to try out with it shortly after adding the substrate to the tank and so far all plants are thriving, some have grown substantially to where I now need to start trimming the overgrowth. I was thinking about purchasing root tabs to help with the plants but now I don't think I'll need them with this Fluval substrate. I'm happy I can now successfully keep healthy aquatic plants and my fish and shrimp are loving them as well. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing for tissue culture plants *by K***M on October 31, 2025* Great quality fluval i have recieved . I am usong this to mix and setablish some tissue culture plants . It comes in great quantity.its worth the money. Its very easy to use without creating any mess like potting soil or other mixtures of plants . I highly recomend this who wants to propogate plants or cuttings. It also keeps plangs fungus free and very less chances to get thsm root rot. ## 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 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sn/products/432144737-fluval-12696-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted-tanks-4](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/432144737-fluval-12696-volcanic-soil-bio-stratum-for-planted-tanks-4) --- *Product available on Desertcart Senegal* *Store origin: SN* *Last updated: 2026-07-29*