The Puffer Forum

Hello.

What information is there about Fluval Stratum? I have a bag of this stuff. It came with my nano tank (I use for snails). Can I add this stuff to my puffer tank? Does it eventually dissolve?

The information I have says that it will lower PH, so it's probably peat based. The bag itself says not to mix it with other substrate. My substrate is sand.

Can I use this stuff in my puffer tank, which is a sand substrate planted aquarium. I plan to add it to places where my loaches avoid... the center front of the tank.

Or, should I toss it in the trash?

Do you want lower pH?

I wouldn't mind lower PH, but I doubt I have enough of this substrate to make any difference.

I talked to someone about this. Fluval Stratum is lighter than sand, so my fish will eventually toss it all around the tank, and it will sit above the sand. It will also fall apart, causing clouds. They suggested I use it inside the canister filter as a filter medium, in a nylon sock.

Why would you want something in a canister you would not have in your tank?

I see no point in a substrate to reduce pH. Any shift will be short-term and then what do you do? Quite frankly, that is wrong-headed. If the mineral profile of your tap water in not right for the fish or inverts, use RO or RODI water and rebuild it correctly. Soft and floaty substrates are a disaster waiting to happen. Give it away or throw it away.

Do not shoot yourself in the foot.