Thanks for this vid. I had never considered comparing volume before, only went by the weight of the product and price of course. This will definitely come in handy when I'm ready to set up my first planted tank!
Great video sir! Between you and Cory I think I'm going to have to break out of my comfort zone and get a planted tank going. Your tanks are so beautiful and I think my wife would grant me another tank if one of them looked like yours lol. Thanks for all the hard work!
Wow had no clue this was happening. After you point it out it seems obvious but didn’t really give it a thought when originally buying my substrate. Awesome vid, will have to check out the others.
Thanks for this! I ordered and received both today, and plan on mixing them, but had no idea if it could be done, or if it was a crazy idea! Great idea to put Flourite in front and Fluval in back!!!! Mind blown! ❤️👍
thanks for the great info I use the Flourite black sand mixed with sandblasting sand 3 to 1 seems to work good for my planted tanks and looks great i love the black
Great video! At this point years later, the Seachem Flourite Dark I got for $19, whereas the Fluval Stratum is $42. So at the price they are today, it's more about what you want than a price difference... But if you hadn't tried them before the Flourite would appear a lot cheaper than the Stratum even though they're about equal value.
Great video Joel. I’ve been thinking of capping a soil like that (because I want plants) with a sand for a burrowing Fish. Would love your recommendations.
i tried the stratum and i loved it because it wasnt overly messy, it cleared up after a few hours and grew my plants really well but it took awhile for the plants to root themselves enough that they wont float because it was a little on the lighter side. im currently trying out the flourite because they had a bigger bag in stock then the stratum and not too sure how i feel about it right now because my tank is a mess but i do like the look of it much better then the stratum
Cool video. Ive just bought a small amount of Stratum to put in my tank in the planted areas. Is it ok to cover it with a small amount of sand? As this is the main substrate in my tank.
Isn't it true that the flourite doesn't alter your PH, where as the other does? I also heard that the flourite doesn't break down nearly as fast as the other planting soils.
Yes that is correct. The Fluval Stratum buffers and will slightly lower your PH so if you have caridina shrimp that prefer the lower PH this is a great option. I keep Neocaridina shrimp and I use the Seachem Flourite Black because it’s inert and will Not Change the PH. I use distilled water and remineralize my water with the Salty Shrimp GH/KH so I do not need a substrate that alters Ph it would mess up my water parameters.
#FluvalsTrippin! (Did I get the hashtag right?) Great video. I like using dirt + EcoComplete/sand but really tempted to use Stratum in a future build. Thanks for another great video!
Finally! Thank you so much awesome video! Been waiting for this. I think there might be an error Joel, on Amazon right now, 17.6 pound of stratum is 42.99. How did you get stratum for so cheap?
There’s one Amazon listing that starts with the 4.4 pound bag & on that one the individual price when you go up to the 17.6 pound bag is 42.89; however there is another listening where you get TWO 17.6 pound bags for $71.99 or THREE bags for $102.99.
In Canada, the 17.6 pound of stratum sell for 66.58, and 15.4 pound of flourite sell for 30.54, since 2 bags flourite equal to 1 bag of stratum, I would say no difference between these two products...
If a picture is worth 1000 words, this video writes a book - great comparison. I particularly appreciate that you highlighted the benefits and uses of each type and pointed out that you use both. (nifty containers)
How much has the fluval broken down for you? I hear it can get pretty muddy if substrate keeps being moved or plants being uprooted? Looking to start a 24g building and stuck with choosing what substrate since is gonna be mostly a shrimp tank
Well, mine ain't breaking down. Though, I have noticed that the newer stuff over the last 2 years or so breaks down a lot less than the older version. Possible you got older bags and that might be the difference. (I did get a chance to talk to the production guy, and they have made some slight process changes...)
Makes sense...many of the people I talked to have had their tanks up and running with the stuff for the last few years..which is an important piece of info I accidentally left out in the beginning..I rather deal with any break down that might possibly happen then capping it..my personal opinion I like the ascetics of the little round granules!
Was hoping for a more comprehensive comparison than just volume and value. Like visual appeal, pros and cons of each, more suitable for specific types of plants etc.
Hi Corvus, I’m setting up a 75 gallon planted tank. I’ve chosen Fluval stratum as my substrate. The plants are 1 Red Flame Sword, Bacopa, Crypt Wentil, Straurogyne Repens, assorted Anubias, Tiger Lotus, and Elodea. I will also have 2 medium pieces of Mupani and 2 small pieces. My 1st question is how deep should I make the substrate? My 2nd question is how do I prevent the bad bacteria gases accumulated in the substrate? I would appreciate any help you can give, I know how busy you are.
J Lathem - in my tank, at first, the Fluval did not settle much. Over time, like a year it settled a little bit. It does break down some, similar to soil in a potted plant over time. But not much, like maybe 1/2 an inch. The plants in the Fluval stratum tank grow like crazy compared to my gravel tanks, same fertilizer schedule.
Other fun facts: Clay substrate (fluorite) is negatively charged which is great for attracting ammonium ions in water which we all know plant roots love over nitrates. The red fluorite is apparently high in iron (you mentioned that on a fish talk podcast) which can be used as a base layer. The mad scientist “Dr” Kevin Novak says that clay based substrate is best for creating facultative anaerobic denitrification zones as well. On the other hand, the volcanic substrate (stratum) is more porous than the clay fluorite and can house more aerobic beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
Eric K Yeah clay does a pretty good job. Humus has higher CEC and AEC than clays however. And like you mentioned better structure for bacteria and plant roots. Andisol soils technically are superior to other soil types. Their clay is derived from volcanic Ash. Molisols are a close second to Andisols. The zone is Anoxic, which means the bacteria utilize primarily nitrate for their oxygen source. Facultative just means the bacteria can live with or without O2. True anaerobic usually means not electron acceptors are present, such as nitrate, O2, or sulfate. These are just industry standards vs the aquarium hobby. In the hobby we use the terms interchangeably.
Alright, I got the king “fish freak “ in the conversation, ha! Nice to have someone that is currently IN college weigh in, thanks! Isn’t humus soil considered rich in organics which could increase your chances of sulfates being utilized in anoxic zones, thus creating hydrogen sulfide? By the way, have you listened to any of Kevin Novak’s videos? I can’t tell if he’s for real or just a bit too anecdotal to be taken seriously. I’ve been experimenting with his kitty litter baskets in hopes to create anoxic denitrification zones, but so far I haven’t had much success. Would love to pick your brain on it.
Eric K Yeah Kevin is probably right to some degree. Under specific environments. Humus can be high in organics, but not always. I hear of people getting hydrogen sulfide, but never actually witnessed it in large amounts. Personally I do get methane with deep ADA substrates. You can smell it. A faint bog smell. I am not sure that bentonite has a better structure than volcanic Ash clays. It can actually hold onto nutrients too well and limit their mobility. Maybe this is why it is better at creating these zones. Maybe it allows for a larger colony to thrive, but that doesn't mean it's better at actually reducing, just has a better chance of doing so. Just a hypothesis, but I remember learning that bentonite can make nutrients, even potassium, less mobile. Seriously, after learning it and then using several different soil types, nothing tops ADA Aquasoil for plant growth. And it is an Andisol soil.
Hey thanks so much for your feedback. It’s much appreciated. If I have any success with these kitty litter / clay media baskets in my sump, I’ll make a video on it and I’ll try to send you a link to the video to get your critiques if you don’t mind. Hope you were able to get some waves in Oahu on your last trip there (you mentioned you surfed). Sounds like you’re land locked out there during the school year!
I love Fluval Stratum. Used it for 3 years. And now we have a video showing people that it is not expensive, since you get more in volume. So thank you Joel!
I knew it was wrong the minute I typed it! Sorry about that, I think I got your area mixed up with Mark :) So that price would be $61 Canadian, damn that sucks! Maybe I should up my Patreon for you now LOL
The thing I’ve heard is fluval stratum will break down over time where fluorite will not? So in the long term it balances out. It’s all personal preference and what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re looking for an inexpensive hobby, although there are ways to save a little, this is not it. 😁
A liter is 1 kg of water at its maximum density (at 4°C and 1 bar ~ 1 atmospheric pressue), or 1 decimeter³ = 0,001 meter³ = 1000 centimeter³ ... A gallon (are we even talking about US liquid gallons?!) is 231 inches³ (how do you remember all these random conversions :P) or 8.34 pounds of water at 62°F.
@@CorvusOscen hell yes!!! I seen so many forums saying its inert and stuff but I just did my 40 breeder and my plants already look so much better in just a week time.. I had fluorite
@@CorvusOscen Right because that's why when I tested my ammonia I had a lil spike after 24hrs.. people seem to hate on stratum I actually like it alot... I bought stratum because your tanks and your video stating on your beliefs that ada and stratum are exactly the same thing just diffrent makers. ty for that vid by the way. I just got into the hobby about a year ago and am absolutely addicted.. (Could Be Worst Things) but I plan on going to auqashella 2020 and would be grateful to get to meet you.
Now, 2 years after this video, Stratum is about 2x the price of Flourite. Which would bring them to just about the same price per volume. Also I believe stratum breaks down into mulm over time, but flourite stays the same.
The stratum buffers and can alter the PH of your tank , the Seachem is an inert substrate so it won’t break down or alter the PH. Probably since the stratum buffers That’s why it costs more maybe but I’m not sure. I use the Flourite Black in my Neocaridina tank.
Isn’t the trade off more about stability of the substrate? Flourite being stable so doesn’t need to be replaced, but does nourish the plants. I would think hobbyists on a tight enough budget to optimize on price with clay cat litter or dirt.
Soo flustering! Especially since I live 4-5 hours away from him, how can 400 miles account for that high of raise in the price?! I'm currently setting up a new shrimp tank so I just said F it and bought ADA LOL $50 later, I hope I won't need 2 bags.
Cathy Robidoux im in ontario as well. I also cant find fluval in stores for less than 60 whereas flourite is 40...however if you work in a business that you can order from hagen, you can get the bag at 35...ive done this from my work. ;)
@@cathyrobidoux9140 Its called "Canadian Distributor". They are buying and reselling with exclusive rights. Most of the Canadian market is wired this way. Compare Big Als US vs CAN. Big Als actually got the .com online legally blocked from selling to Canadians because their brick and motor shops would go under.
I actually ordered my Fluval Stratum from Staples.ca, which was the best price I could find in Canada - still way over the price in the US, almost on par with ADA. Looks like I got the last of the Fluval Stratum? After a bit of digging I found an active link you where you can still drill down into their online aquatic/reptile products: www.staples.ca/en/Pet-Supplies/cat_CG3167_2-CA_1_20001 What I like best is that you can ship to the store and pick up at no cost.
What would someone want to dilute their aqausoil with Flourite? Flourite has a low CEC (5), where aquasoils are in the 40s, and Flourite is pretty much intert all on its own. That and if one moves plants around a lot, the Flourite will grind and break down the aquasoil. Makes no sense to me. I run remineralized RODI water and after 2 years of replanting and moving stuff around, my Stratum is still in really good condition, it's not breaking down at all. After running Flourite for years, aquasoil just does such a better job all around.
@@CorvusOscen - Just to share respectfully share another perspective. I think it's silly to put something in your aquasoil that could potentially break it down faster if you replant frequently. My thinking is you run all aquasoil with RODI, its take a long time to break down because it's not buffering the water (my Stratum is working on 2 years and still is in great condition). Worst-case scenario is that the aquasoil loses its nutrients after a while, however, because it has a high CEC or around 40, it will soak up liquid ferts, if you dose those, prolonging nutrients longevity. One could go years before having to change it. If you put Flourite in your soil, it will break down the aquasoil faster... and once your aquasoil turns into mush, you are left with a Flourite which only has a CEC or around 5. So Fourite destroys the more expensive substrate and you're left with a lower CEC. Flourite does lasts forever, but then you are stuck with a crappy substrate forever. hahaha. I ran Flourite for 5-6 years. I think the product is crap and misleading. I hope you don't find my perspective offensive. Just trying to share with others :)
Hhhmmm, I might be trippin. Didn't get stratum, only cause the Petsmart (#freeplug) by me had Floramax (#freeplug2) buy 2 get 1 free. Still learning all this plant nonsense, I'm sure I'll get something wrong, learn, don't do it again, repeat.
Pointless to compare these two. We’re talking apples and oranges. Fluval Stratum is a true aqua soil, rich in nutrients. Flourite is an inert, clay gravel…with no nutrients at all except for a little iron. Many aquarists use Fluval and cap that with the Flourite. Fluval for its rich nutrients and a Flourite cap because it’s very attractive. Also, it’s difficult to anchor plants in the soft, loose Fluval. The Flourite is heavier and helps to secure the plants. Some acquarists use only one or the other. If using only Flourite, one must fertilize routinely with root tabs pushed into the gravel and also liquid fertilizer for the water column. This clay is known for absorbing and then slowly releasing nutrients, as needed. After a year or so, the Fluval is depleted of its nutrient value anyway, so many just skip the Fluval and go for a clay substrate which lasts a lifetime and only gets better time, aging and cycling.
Check out my aquascaped 60 Gallon Cube: czcams.com/video/9e-Tb7v_Tm4/video.html
Awesome, think this is the first time I've seen a volume comparison very helpful
Excellent video! Thanks for covering the pros of each substrate, extremely informative.
I really enjoy these kinds of videos from you! Keep it up 👍
This was so helpful. Thanks Joel
Thanks Joel for the clear comparisons of product. I appreciate it
Thanks for this vid. I had never considered comparing volume before, only went by the weight of the product and price of course. This will definitely come in handy when I'm ready to set up my first planted tank!
Thank you for the comparison, super helpful!
Couldn’t have come at a better time! Great breakdown between the two substrates
Well done, awesome comparison!
Thank for the info Joel!
Great video sir! Between you and Cory I think I'm going to have to break out of my comfort zone and get a planted tank going. Your tanks are so beautiful and I think my wife would grant me another tank if one of them looked like yours lol. Thanks for all the hard work!
Thanks for the great video, very informative.
Wow had no clue this was happening. After you point it out it seems obvious but didn’t really give it a thought when originally buying my substrate. Awesome vid, will have to check out the others.
Another great video and answer a Lot of questions I had about substrate being that I'm about to start up a planted tank
Thanks for this! I ordered and received both today, and plan on mixing them, but had no idea if it could be done, or if it was a crazy idea! Great idea to put Flourite in front and Fluval in back!!!! Mind blown! ❤️👍
This was the exact video i was looking for!
thanks for the great info
I use the Flourite black sand mixed with sandblasting sand 3 to 1 seems to work good for my planted tanks and looks great i love the black
well done. miss these kind videos
Very cool video, very well detailed with lots of important information.. Thank you for sharing.
I clicked the like button.
Very helpful, thank you!
This was exactly what I needed. I have looking for videos on substrate comparison. Keep up the good work #fluvaltrippin
I haven’t set up a planted tank yet since I’m intimidated by all the details. This video made it less intimidating. Thanks Joel!
Nice information. Smart way of showing the difference. Thanks.
Thanks Lumpy!
GREAT VIDEO!
Great video very informative. To tell you the truth I like these video better then the live streams. Thanks bro.
Fantastic. Thank you for the video. Very informative. Later!
Great video! At this point years later, the Seachem Flourite Dark I got for $19, whereas the Fluval Stratum is $42. So at the price they are today, it's more about what you want than a price difference... But if you hadn't tried them before the Flourite would appear a lot cheaper than the Stratum even though they're about equal value.
Great video Joel. I’ve been thinking of capping a soil like that (because I want plants) with a sand for a burrowing Fish. Would love your recommendations.
I have Eco-complete in 3 tanks and they all get brown algae . Do you think the substrate could be causing this?
Thanks
Mike
Awesome thank you
Just about to set up my system. I'm considering using tropica soil as a base, flourite on top and white sand on the very top. Thoughts?
Do u mix them up before putting in the tank ?
i tried the stratum and i loved it because it wasnt overly messy, it cleared up after a few hours and grew my plants really well but it took awhile for the plants to root themselves enough that they wont float because it was a little on the lighter side. im currently trying out the flourite because they had a bigger bag in stock then the stratum and not too sure how i feel about it right now because my tank is a mess but i do like the look of it much better then the stratum
Good topic, good video.
How much Stratum would you suggest to use for a 40 Long? Dimensions 48.25" x 12.75" x 16.875"
Can you use Fluval Stratum with the Seachem Flourite liquid??
Can flourite be put above river pebbles?
Is fluoride black okay for shrimp? I heard people say it's good but I want to be positive
Thanks for the great info I always enjoy your videos!
Thanks Kim!
What about Safe T Sorb? I know it is supposed to be a cheap alternative although it is inert.
Cool video.
Ive just bought a small amount of Stratum to put in my tank in the planted areas. Is it ok to cover it with a small amount of sand? As this is the main substrate in my tank.
Did you do this? I'm currently looking to do similar and wondered if this worked out for you
Woo hoo! An 11 min video, yes! I don’t have to take a whole morning off to catch up with you , ha!
How dense is that stuff? I wonder if I can use that to fill speaker stands.
Use lead.
Isn't it true that the flourite doesn't alter your PH, where as the other does? I also heard that the flourite doesn't break down nearly as fast as the other planting soils.
Yes that is correct. The Fluval Stratum buffers and will slightly lower your PH so if you have caridina shrimp that prefer the lower PH this is a great option. I keep Neocaridina shrimp and I use the Seachem Flourite Black because it’s inert and will Not Change the PH. I use distilled water and remineralize my water with the Salty Shrimp GH/KH so I do not need a substrate that alters Ph it would mess up my water parameters.
#FluvalsTrippin! (Did I get the hashtag right?) Great video. I like using dirt + EcoComplete/sand but really tempted to use Stratum in a future build. Thanks for another great video!
Finally! Thank you so much awesome video! Been waiting for this. I think there might be an error Joel, on Amazon right now, 17.6 pound of stratum is 42.99. How did you get stratum for so cheap?
VB 23 I'm was wondering the same thing
There’s one Amazon listing that starts with the 4.4 pound bag & on that one the individual price when you go up to the 17.6 pound bag is 42.89; however there is another listening where you get TWO 17.6 pound bags for $71.99 or THREE bags for $102.99.
In Canada, the 17.6 pound of stratum sell for 66.58, and 15.4 pound of flourite sell for 30.54, since 2 bags flourite equal to 1 bag of stratum, I would say no difference between these two products...
If a picture is worth 1000 words, this video writes a book - great comparison. I particularly appreciate that you highlighted the benefits and uses of each type and pointed out that you use both. (nifty containers)
Can you mix these two bags into 1 tank?
Yes
#fluvalbetrippin!
How much has the fluval broken down for you? I hear it can get pretty muddy if substrate keeps being moved or plants being uprooted? Looking to start a 24g building and stuck with choosing what substrate since is gonna be mostly a shrimp tank
Not too much at all. I find it really easy to work with.
Corvus Oscen great thanks for the reply brotha man!! Also keep up the great content!
Well, mine ain't breaking down. Though, I have noticed that the newer stuff over the last 2 years or so breaks down a lot less than the older version. Possible you got older bags and that might be the difference. (I did get a chance to talk to the production guy, and they have made some slight process changes...)
Makes sense...many of the people I talked to have had their tanks up and running with the stuff for the last few years..which is an important piece of info I accidentally left out in the beginning..I rather deal with any break down that might possibly happen then capping it..my personal opinion I like the ascetics of the little round granules!
Do you have a video where you mix the sand and the fluval in the same tank? I'd like to know how it looks!
Check any of the 150 gallon shrimp tank vids.
Was hoping for a more comprehensive comparison than just volume and value. Like visual appeal, pros and cons of each, more suitable for specific types of plants etc.
Fluval Stratum works best for me. Glad to know that I am getting more for my money.
are you??? You will not have to replace your Flourite. The Fluval Stratum will breakdown.
Can you put flourite on bottom and fluval stratum on top?
I do that often. So, I'd say yes
Hi Corvus, I’m setting up a 75 gallon planted tank. I’ve chosen Fluval stratum as my substrate. The plants are 1 Red Flame Sword, Bacopa, Crypt Wentil, Straurogyne Repens, assorted Anubias, Tiger Lotus, and Elodea. I will also have 2 medium pieces of Mupani and 2 small pieces. My 1st question is how deep should I make the substrate? My 2nd question is how do I prevent the bad bacteria gases accumulated in the substrate? I would appreciate any help you can give, I know how busy you are.
How are the volumes saturated with water? Does the Stratum loose more volume compared than the other?
J Lathem - in my tank, at first, the Fluval did not settle much. Over time, like a year it settled a little bit. It does break down some, similar to soil in a potted plant over time. But not much, like maybe 1/2 an inch. The plants in the Fluval stratum tank grow like crazy compared to my gravel tanks, same fertilizer schedule.
Barbara Jackson - Thanks Barbara. Useful information. :)
Better than Any rinkydink Fluval video on their CZcams page! Thanks!
Ha ha! Thank you very much!
Other fun facts: Clay substrate (fluorite) is negatively charged which is great for attracting ammonium ions in water which we all know plant roots love over nitrates. The red fluorite is apparently high in iron (you mentioned that on a fish talk podcast) which can be used as a base layer. The mad scientist “Dr” Kevin Novak says that clay based substrate is best for creating facultative anaerobic denitrification zones as well. On the other hand, the volcanic substrate (stratum) is more porous than the clay fluorite and can house more aerobic beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
Eric K Yeah clay does a pretty good job. Humus has higher CEC and AEC than clays however. And like you mentioned better structure for bacteria and plant roots. Andisol soils technically are superior to other soil types. Their clay is derived from volcanic Ash. Molisols are a close second to Andisols. The zone is Anoxic, which means the bacteria utilize primarily nitrate for their oxygen source. Facultative just means the
bacteria can live with or without O2. True anaerobic usually means not electron acceptors are present, such as nitrate, O2, or sulfate. These are just industry standards vs the aquarium hobby. In the hobby we use the terms interchangeably.
Alright, I got the king “fish freak “ in the conversation, ha! Nice to have someone that is currently IN college weigh in, thanks! Isn’t humus soil considered rich in organics which could increase your chances of sulfates being utilized in anoxic zones, thus creating hydrogen sulfide? By the way, have you listened to any of Kevin Novak’s videos? I can’t tell if he’s for real or just a bit too anecdotal to be taken seriously. I’ve been experimenting with his kitty litter baskets in hopes to create anoxic denitrification zones, but so far I haven’t had much success. Would love to pick your brain on it.
Eric K Yeah Kevin is probably right to some degree. Under specific environments. Humus can be high in organics, but not always. I hear of people getting hydrogen sulfide, but never actually witnessed it in large amounts. Personally I do get methane with deep ADA substrates. You can smell it. A faint bog smell. I am not sure that bentonite has a better structure than volcanic Ash clays. It can actually hold onto nutrients too well and limit their mobility. Maybe this is why it is better at creating these zones. Maybe it allows for a larger colony to thrive, but that doesn't mean it's better at actually reducing, just has a better chance of doing so. Just a hypothesis, but I remember learning that bentonite can make nutrients, even potassium, less mobile. Seriously, after learning it and then using several different soil types, nothing tops ADA Aquasoil for plant growth. And it is an Andisol soil.
Hey thanks so much for your feedback. It’s much appreciated. If I have any success with these kitty litter / clay media baskets in my sump, I’ll make a video on it and I’ll try to send you a link to the video to get your critiques if you don’t mind. Hope you were able to get some waves in Oahu on your last trip there (you mentioned you surfed). Sounds like you’re land locked out there during the school year!
Can you put fluval stratum on the bottom and the Flourite on top?
You could, but the flourite is heavier and will migrate underneath over time!
your idea is exactly what I was thinking too...I may try it...not sure yet.
Thats a great price for the Fluval... price in Australia for the same size bag is $59.95
8lb bag @ petsmart.ca: www.petsmart.ca/fish/decor-gravel-and-substrate/aquarium-substrate/fluval-plant-statum-aquarium-substrate-5162045.html
17lb bag @ staples.ca (WTF? Staples?) www.staples.ca/en/fluval-stratum-17-6-lb-ahg12695/product_2853095_1-CA_1_20001
How bout a comparison on the lifetime of the substrate???
You don't ever have to replace the Flourite......
Sweet internet thank you
Very welcome my friend!
Fluval gravel is actually magnetic. Been using it for a long time.
Really that cool
I love Fluval Stratum. Used it for 3 years. And now we have a video showing people that it is not expensive, since you get more in volume. So thank you Joel!
Hey Zack, hope you're having a fantastic day! Curious. How much is it for a bag in the Netherlands?
Hello Cathy! I am from Sweden actually. ;-) Anfd they cost 399 SEK where I live. :-)
I knew it was wrong the minute I typed it! Sorry about that, I think I got your area mixed up with Mark :) So that price would be $61 Canadian, damn that sucks! Maybe I should up my Patreon for you now LOL
Cathy Robidoux Eveything related to fish is more expensive in Sweden. It sucks for me to hear your prices. 😃
I love it too! It really is awesome stuff!
The thing I’ve heard is fluval stratum will break down over time where fluorite will not? So in the long term it balances out. It’s all personal preference and what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re looking for an inexpensive hobby, although there are ways to save a little, this is not it. 😁
What the hell is a qt.?
Never heard of that but there is always a surprise with the Imperial system lol
Quart. It's a quart. 4 quarts to a gallon.
What's a liter?
A liter is 1 kg of water at its maximum density (at 4°C and 1 bar ~ 1 atmospheric pressue),
or 1 decimeter³ = 0,001 meter³ = 1000 centimeter³ ...
A gallon (are we even talking about US liquid gallons?!) is 231 inches³ (how do you remember all these random conversions :P) or 8.34 pounds of water at 62°F.
I find a hogshead much more interesting. Units of measurement are all pretty arbitrary, unless we're talking atomic weight anyhow.
does fluval stratum come packed with nutrients like ada amazonia??
Totally
@@CorvusOscen hell yes!!! I seen so many forums saying its inert and stuff but I just did my 40 breeder and my plants already look so much better in just a week time.. I had fluorite
@@bettabegoodjr2104 Fluorite is pretty inert. If people tell you stratum is inert. Ask them if they have tested for NH4.
@@CorvusOscen Right because that's why when I tested my ammonia I had a lil spike after 24hrs.. people seem to hate on stratum I actually like it alot... I bought stratum because your tanks and your video stating on your beliefs that ada and stratum are exactly the same thing just diffrent makers. ty for that vid by the way. I just got into the hobby about a year ago and am absolutely addicted.. (Could Be Worst Things) but I plan on going to auqashella 2020 and would be grateful to get to meet you.
It’s hard to compare the volume because the individual particles are different sizes. Flourite black is a lot finer than the stratum
If anyone had the initiative we could get the same volcanic soil from around Mt. St. Helens...same stuff, just not imported. Volcanic compressed ash!
Wow that bag of fluval stratum is now $50 at Petsmart
New video idea***
Compare the 2 with the same mix of plants :)
I've done that many times, I find utilizing both together best
I am just curious since I haven't used it, but does the stratum compress and take up less volume when it is wet?
Bradley Geib - I didn’t find that happening. When I added water it stayed about the same
Over time all substrates will compact/settle. Usually not significantly however. Just depends on age, brand, structure.
32 bucks a bag is a steal... Over 70 dollars for the 17.6 lbs bag here in Canada...
Now, 2 years after this video, Stratum is about 2x the price of Flourite. Which would bring them to just about the same price per volume.
Also I believe stratum breaks down into mulm over time, but flourite stays the same.
It’s the opposite where I live
The stratum buffers and can alter the PH of your tank , the Seachem is an inert substrate so it won’t break down or alter the PH. Probably since the stratum buffers That’s why it costs more maybe but I’m not sure. I use the Flourite Black in my Neocaridina tank.
Isn’t the trade off more about stability of the substrate? Flourite being stable so doesn’t need to be replaced, but does nourish the plants. I would think hobbyists on a tight enough budget to optimize on price with clay cat litter or dirt.
Joel what the fudge. Flourite here, in Canada is $28+ tax at its cheapest and Stratum I can only find on Amazon and it's like $40+shipping!!!!
Cathy Robidoux yeah, stratum here is So Cal is almost twice the price as well
Soo flustering! Especially since I live 4-5 hours away from him, how can 400 miles account for that high of raise in the price?! I'm currently setting up a new shrimp tank so I just said F it and bought ADA LOL $50 later, I hope I won't need 2 bags.
Cathy Robidoux im in ontario as well. I also cant find fluval in stores for less than 60 whereas flourite is 40...however if you work in a business that you can order from hagen, you can get the bag at 35...ive done this from my work. ;)
@@cathyrobidoux9140 Its called "Canadian Distributor". They are buying and reselling with exclusive rights. Most of the Canadian market is wired this way. Compare Big Als US vs CAN. Big Als actually got the .com online legally blocked from selling to Canadians because their brick and motor shops would go under.
I actually ordered my Fluval Stratum from Staples.ca, which was the best price I could find in Canada - still way over the price in the US, almost on par with ADA. Looks like I got the last of the Fluval Stratum?
After a bit of digging I found an active link you where you can still drill down into their online aquatic/reptile products:
www.staples.ca/en/Pet-Supplies/cat_CG3167_2-CA_1_20001
What I like best is that you can ship to the store and pick up at no cost.
Also note how much longer fluorite lasts compared to stratum
Just depends on your needs I’ve used both. Just set up a tank with stratum.
Mate, that was 12 mins of content for a simple equation: cost per volume e.g. $X/kg v $X/kg. No extra containers required.
So, I learned 2 things. First Fluval stratum rules and second you need a heater in your shop. lol
What would someone want to dilute their aqausoil with Flourite? Flourite has a low CEC (5), where aquasoils are in the 40s, and Flourite is pretty much intert all on its own. That and if one moves plants around a lot, the Flourite will grind and break down the aquasoil. Makes no sense to me. I run remineralized RODI water and after 2 years of replanting and moving stuff around, my Stratum is still in really good condition, it's not breaking down at all. After running Flourite for years, aquasoil just does such a better job all around.
It's important for long term setups.
@@CorvusOscen - Just to share respectfully share another perspective. I think it's silly to put something in your aquasoil that could potentially break it down faster if you replant frequently. My thinking is you run all aquasoil with RODI, its take a long time to break down because it's not buffering the water (my Stratum is working on 2 years and still is in great condition). Worst-case scenario is that the aquasoil loses its nutrients after a while, however, because it has a high CEC or around 40, it will soak up liquid ferts, if you dose those, prolonging nutrients longevity. One could go years before having to change it. If you put Flourite in your soil, it will break down the aquasoil faster... and once your aquasoil turns into mush, you are left with a Flourite which only has a CEC or around 5. So Fourite destroys the more expensive substrate and you're left with a lower CEC. Flourite does lasts forever, but then you are stuck with a crappy substrate forever. hahaha. I ran Flourite for 5-6 years. I think the product is crap and misleading. I hope you don't find my perspective offensive. Just trying to share with others :)
Internet showdown!
Hhhmmm, I might be trippin. Didn't get stratum, only cause the Petsmart (#freeplug) by me had Floramax (#freeplug2) buy 2 get 1 free. Still learning all this plant nonsense, I'm sure I'll get something wrong, learn, don't do it again, repeat.
Tim's Tanks lol “Free plug”
25 seconds of information in 11:52 of footage.
You're welcome
Pointless to compare these two. We’re talking apples and oranges. Fluval Stratum is a true aqua soil, rich in nutrients. Flourite is an inert, clay gravel…with no nutrients at all except for a little iron. Many aquarists use Fluval and cap that with the Flourite. Fluval for its rich nutrients and a Flourite cap because it’s very attractive. Also, it’s difficult to anchor plants in the soft, loose Fluval. The Flourite is heavier and helps to secure the plants. Some acquarists use only one or the other. If using only Flourite, one must fertilize routinely with root tabs pushed into the gravel and also liquid fertilizer for the water column. This clay is known for absorbing and then slowly releasing nutrients, as needed. After a year or so, the Fluval is depleted of its nutrient value anyway, so many just skip the Fluval and go for a clay substrate which lasts a lifetime and only gets better time, aging and cycling.
Flourite is much cheaper for like the same thing so I go with flourite
Comparing two different products does not do you justice. And the one does not equal the other in weight or function.
Price vs volume comparison has validity in the market place.
Oh, so you bought the smaller bag of one, but the double supply of the other. See I am already onto that BS,
Bull Shit? You come here to tell me I'm bullshit? At least take the time to swear properly.
Internet!!!