Fluval vs GloFish Aquarium Substrate Comparison

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This comparison sets two Fluval substrates against two GloFish gravels and a soil from the Hygger listing. Two of the six listings came from the research set, checked on 12 October 2026. The other four were checked on 18 October 2026. Every figure below is what the listing states on its check date, and where a title, bullet and spec table disagree, the values appear side by side.

Substrates are sold by weight, so the bag weight is the first figure to compare. One listing describes its product for betta tanks, and two name shrimp. Read the use statements before you choose a bag size.

Quick answer: which substrate matches the job

For a planted tank or a shrimp tank, the Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the listing that names both uses, in an 8.8 pound bag. For a betta tank, the Fluval Betta Stratum is listed for betta aquariums in a 1.76 pound bag. For a bright look with fluorescent accents, the GloFish gravels are the only products here that list a fluorescent color finish. The Hygger soil is the only one that gives a numeric pH range.

Comparison at a glance

Substrate	Weight (as listed)	Type and particle note	Use named in the listing	ASIN
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum	8.8 lb (4 kg)	Granules	Planted tanks and shrimp habitats	B00JMABYUO
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, pink, green and blue mix	5 lb	Gravel, fluorescent accents	Substrate or accent for GloFish tanks	B007TGMLW8
Hygger Premium Upgraded Aquarium Soil	6.6 lb (title) or 16 oz (spec)	1 to 5 mm mixed granules	Planted tanks, shrimp and most aquatic plants	B0GX1R9K9L
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, white, pack of 2	5 lb per pack, 10 lb total (spec)	Gravel, fluorescent accents	Complements GloFish tanks	B0FBZGB3LT
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, pearlescent, pack of 2	5 lb per pack, 10 lb total (spec)	Gravel, fluorescent accents	Complements tanks and decor	B0FBY158FL
Fluval Betta Stratum	1.76 lb (0.8 kg)	Volcanic soil granules	Betta aquariums	B0F22JPLTS

1. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, 8.8 lb Bag

The listing describes a freshwater planted tank substrate with granules that let plant roots spread and penetrate. The spec table gives the weight as 4 kg and the unit count as 140.8 ounces, which match the 8.8 pound title. The bullets say the porous structure gives nitrifying bacteria a surface to colonize, and that the substrate is designed for a neutral to slightly acidic pH range. The listing gives no number for the pH range.

The bullets describe the substrate as a refuge for newborn shrimp until they are large enough to leave it. They also say it will not discolor the water and that it helps manage the organic discoloration that driftwood can cause.

View the Fluval 8.8 lb listing on Amazon

2. GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Pink, Green and Blue Mix, 5 lb

The listing describes a gravel bag with a fluorescent-accented pink, green and blue mix. The spec table gives an item weight of 5 pounds and a product size of 4 x 5 x 9 inches, which is the package size in the listing. The spec table also lists the material as cotton, which does not fit a gravel product, so the material field should be read with caution.

The bullets say the gravel is a colorful base for GloFish ornaments and that the fluorescent accent shows under GloFish blue LED lights. They also say the gravel can be used as a substrate or as an accent along with GloFish plants and ornaments that are sold separately.

View the GloFish pink, green and blue listing on Amazon

3. Hygger Premium Upgraded Aquarium Soil, 1 to 5 mm, 6.6 lb

This is a soil rather than a gravel. The title gives a particle size of 1 to 5 mm and a weight of 6.6 pounds, and it describes the product as dust-free and no-rinse. The spec table, however, gives a unit count of 16 ounces and a brand field of Hygger CO2. The two weights do not agree, and the spec table is the one that differs from the title.

The bullets describe a blend of natural humus, activated carbon, silica and minerals, with a stated pH of 6.0 to 6.8. They say the soil has a dense, non-crumbly texture, and that it comes in a food-grade plastic bucket with a sealed lid. The spec table gives a 2-year warranty and the model number QUS-HC043.

View the Hygger soil listing on Amazon

4. GloFish Aquarium Gravel, White, Pack of 2

The title says 5 pounds, white, and pack of 2. The spec table gives an item weight of 10 pounds and a unit count of 160 ounces, which together match a 5 pound pack and a second pack. The model is 29022, and the manufacturer is GloFish. The bullets say the information below is per pack.

The bullets describe the gravel as a base for GloFish ornaments, with a choice of pink, green, white and black, and fluorescent highlights that show under blue LED lights.

View the GloFish white listing on Amazon

5. GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Pearlescent, Pack of 2

This listing gives a model number of AQ-78484 and a unit count that matches a 5 pound pack. The spec table gives an item weight of 10 pounds and a package size of 11.06 x 9.41 x 6.69 inches. The manufacturer field says Spectrum Brands Pet, and the date first available is November 7, 2021.

The bullets say the pearlescent gravel complements tanks and decor, and they repeat the GloFish blue LED statement. The directions field is cut off in the capture, so the listing’s own instructions should be read on the package.

View the GloFish pearlescent listing on Amazon

6. Fluval Betta Stratum Aquarium Substrate, 1.76 lb

The listing describes a substrate formulated for small betta tanks. The spec table gives an item weight of 1.76 pounds, which matches the 0.8 kg figure in the title. It describes a nutrient-rich volcanic soil that encourages root growth, and a porous structure that the listing says supports beneficial bacteria. The listing also says the substrate helps stabilize pH and soften water, which is a seller claim with no number attached.

The package size is 9.45 x 4.37 x 2.24 inches. The bullets describe the granules as lightweight and easy to handle, which the listing presents as a way to allow roots to penetrate with less compaction.

View the Fluval Betta Stratum listing on Amazon

How we chose these six

We kept each listing that describes a bottom substrate for an aquarium, whether soil or gravel. Two listings came from the research pool, a Fluval bag and a GloFish gravel. The other four came from the extra listings. The listings describe either a soil or a gravel, and the guide keeps that distinction in the table.

Substrate type: each product is described as soil, granules or gravel in the bullets or title.
Weight stated: each product gives a weight in the title or spec table.
Use stated: each product names at least one aquarium use.

Worked example: bag weights and pH statements

The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum bag is listed at 8.8 pounds, and the Fluval Betta Stratum is listed at 1.76 pounds. The larger bag is 5.0 times the weight of the smaller one, so the two Fluval products are sold at very different scales. The GloFish pack of 2 is listed at 10 pounds in total, which is about 5.7 times the weight of the Betta Stratum.

The Hygger soil shows the widest gap in the set. Its title gives 6.6 pounds, or 105.6 ounces, and its spec table gives 16 ounces, a difference of 89.6 ounces. The pH statements differ too. The Hygger bullets give a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8, while the Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum gives only a neutral to slightly acidic description, and the Fluval Betta Stratum gives no number.

What the listings do not say

None of the six listings gives a test result for fish or shrimp survival in the substrate.
The GloFish listings do not state a pH or a hardness figure.
The Fluval Betta Stratum does not give a depth to use in a tank.
The listings do not compare the soil and the gravel on cleaning ease.
No listing states how long the fluorescent color lasts in water.

Frequently asked questions

Which substrate is sized for a betta tank?

The Fluval Betta Stratum. Its listing says it is specially formulated and sized for small tanks, and that it supports the natural behavior and comfort of betta fish.

Does any substrate here give a pH number?

Yes, the Hygger soil gives a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. The Fluval products describe pH in words only, and the GloFish listings do not mention pH.

Are the GloFish products soil or gravel?

Gravel. Each GloFish listing calls its product aquarium gravel and describes fluorescent accents that show under GloFish blue LED lights.

How heavy is the Hygger soil?

The title says 6.6 pounds, but the spec table gives a unit count of 16 ounces. The two figures do not match, so check the package weight before you buy.

Can the listings tell me how much substrate a tank needs?

No. The weights are for the bag only. None of the listings gives a depth or a volume that the bag fills.

Conclusion

For a betta, the Fluval Betta Stratum is the listing built for that use, and its 1.76 pound bag is the smallest in the set. For a planted or shrimp tank, the 8.8 pound Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is the one that names both uses. The GloFish gravels suit a tank that already uses GloFish ornaments, and the Hygger soil is the only item here with a stated pH range, although its weight figures conflict.

Fluval vs GloFish Aquarium Substrate Compared