Plant and Shrimp Stratum by Fluval is an incredibly porous mineral-rich substrate collected from the foothills of a volcano, Mount Aso in Japan. Containing micro and macro plant nutrients the Plant and Shrimp Stratum allows excellent root growth which can easily spread through the substrate reaching vital available nutrients resulting in suburb plant growth. Because of the substrates light, porous, and not compacting properties it easily allows beneficial nitrifying bacteria to thrive and colonies amongst the vast porous surface area of the Fluval’s Plant and Shrimp Stratum. Furthermore, the spaces between are ideal for newborn shrimps to take refuge until there big enough to escape predation. Because of the Fluval Stratum's properties to natural supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH which is ideal for most tropical fish, shrimp, and plants.