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How To Clean Fluval Stratum Quickly To Make It Lasts!

Fluval stratum is one of the most commonly used substrates within the aquarium keeping hobby with it being an excellent option in a wide range of different tank setups.

Not only has fluval stratum got an excellent reputation within the aquarium keeping hobby but its excellent performance and fair price relative to how well it performs has resulting in it being one of the quickest growing substrate options within the hobby.

Due to fluval stratum being such a popular substrate used all over the world, we often see people reaching out to ask how they should clean their fluval stratum in their aquariums.

With so many people reaching out each month, we decided to publish this article to try and help as many of our readers as possible.

Why Does Fluval Stratum Need Cleaning?

The main reason that fluval stratum becomes dirty is due to the fact that it is a very good at trapping poop, detritus, leftover food, algae, and other aquarium waste within the substrate.

If this aquarium waste is not removed from the fluval stratum on a regular basis, it will start to break down and release harmful toxins and chemicals back into the water of your tank.

As you can imagine, this is something that you will want to avoid at all cost as it can quickly lead to an ammonia spike within the aquarium which if left unchecked can be fatal to the fish, plants, and other animals living within the tank.

In order to avoid this from happening and keep your aquarium clean and safe for all of its inhabitants, it is important to regularly clean your fluval stratum substrate.

Are You Supposed To Rinse Fluval Stratum Before Adding It To Your Tank?

A lot of people often ask us if they are supposed to rinse fluval stratum before adding it to their tank and the answer is yes, you should definitely rinse fluval stratum before adding it to your aquarium.

The main reason that you want to rinse fluval stratum before adding it to your tank is to remove any excess dirt, dust, and debris that may be present on the substrate.

If you do not rinse fluval stratum before adding it to your tank, this excess dirt and debris can quickly cloud up the water in your aquarium making it difficult to see your fish and other animals.

In addition to this, the extra dirt and debris can also clog up your filter media and other equipment which can lead to expensive repairs or replacements down the road.

How To Clean Fluval Stratum!

The best way to clean fluval stratum is by using a method known as the dry start method. The dry start method is a great way to clean fluval stratum because it allows you to remove any excess dirt and debris from the substrate without having to remove all of the water from your aquarium.

In order to properly clean your fluval stratum using the dry start method, you will need to remove all of the decorations and other items from your aquarium.

Once you have removed all of the decorations and other items from your aquarium, you will then need to siphon out about 50-60% of the water from your tank.

After you have removed the appropriate amount of water from your aquarium, you will then need to remove all of the fluval stratum from your tank.

Once you have removed all of the fluval stratum from your tank, you will then need to rinse it off using clean freshwater.

After you have rinsed off your fluval stratum, you will then need to allow it to dry completely.

Once your fluval stratum is completely dry, you will then need to add it back into your aquarium along with the appropriate amount of water.

After you have added the fluval stratum and water back into your aquarium, you will then need to add all of your decorations and other items back into the tank.

Once you have added all of your decorations and other items back into the tank, you can then start to add your fish and other animals back into the aquarium.

Can You Vacuum Fluval Stratum?

You can vacuum fluval stratum, but it is not recommended. The main reason that you do not want to vacuum fluval stratum is because it can quickly remove all of the beneficial bacteria that are present in the substrate.

These beneficial bacteria are responsible for breaking down aquarium waste and other toxins which helps to keep your aquarium clean and safe for all of its inhabitants.

If you vacuum fluval stratum, you will remove these beneficial bacteria from the substrate which can lead to an ammonia spike and other problems within your aquarium.

A large number of people who use fluval stratum will use a substrate vacuum for spot cleaning as this reduces the negative effects of the vacuum while allowing you to quickly clean your tank but this should be kept to a minimum.

How Frequently Should You Clean Fluval Stratum?

You should clean fluval stratum every 4-6 weeks. This will help to prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and waste in the substrate which can quickly lead to problems within your aquarium.

If you have a heavy fish load or if you do not regularly clean your aquarium, you may need to clean your fluval stratum more frequently.

Most people should be fine with the 4-6 week time period but depending on your exact tank setup, you may have to clean your fluval stratum every 2 or 3 weeks but this will be rare.

How Often Should You Change Fluval Stratum?

You should change fluval stratum every 6-12 months. This will help to ensure that your substrate stays fresh and does not become too compacted over time.

If you have a heavy fish load or if you do not regularly clean your aquarium, you may need to change your fluval stratum more frequently.

Most people should be fine with the 6-12 month time period but depending on your exact tank setup, you may have to change your fluval stratum every 3 or 4 months but this will be rare.

The frequency that you clean your fluval stratum can also reduce how frequently you actually have to change your fluval stratum too. This balancing act can allow some people to keep their fluval stratum in their tank for more than 12 months with relative ease.

Key Points To Follow For The Dry Start Method!

  1. Remove all of the water from your aquarium.
  2. Siphon out about 50-60% of the water from your tank.
  3. Remove all of the decorations and other items from your aquarium.
  4. Rinse off the fluval stratum using clean freshwater.
  5. Allow the fluval stratum to dry completely.
  6. Add the fluval stratum and water back into your aquarium.
  7. Add all of your decorations and other items back into the tank.
  8. Start to add your fish and other animals back into the aquarium.
  9. Vacuum fluval stratum if needed but it is not recommended.
  10. Clean fluval stratum every 4-6 weeks.
  11. Change fluval stratum every 6-12 months.

Conclusion

Cleaning your fluval stratum is an important part of keeping your aquarium clean and healthy. You should clean your fluval stratum every 4-6 weeks to prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and waste. If you have a heavy fish load or if you do not regularly clean your aquarium, you may need to clean your fluval stratum more frequently. You should also change your fluval stratum every 6-12 months to ensure that your substrate stays fresh and does not become too compacted over time.