Collected from the mineral-rich foothills of Mount Aso Volcano in Japan, Fluval Stratum makes an ideal alternative substrate for planted aquariums and those featuring shrimp. Encourages strong plant growth - roots easily penetrate and spread throughout substrate to obtain key nutrients Porous structure allows for rapid colonization of beneficial nitrifying bacteria Helps support neutral to slightly acidic pH - ideal for most plants, tropical fish and shrimp normally kept in planted aquariums Provides newborn shrimp with a refuge from predators until they are large enough to emerge Will not discolor water and helps control organic discoloration when natural driftwood is present For use in freshwater aquariums