Fluval Stratum vs. Flourite black for planted tank?

I'm moving my 3gal shrimp inhabitants into a 6gal, but I want to add more substrate to the tank. There is already a planted tank substrate in my tank, but I want to start fresh with a new substrate. I was planning to use planted tank substrate, and layer black sand over this to make it less messy/easier to plant carpeting plants in.
Currently stuck between Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, and Flourite Black.
What are your thoughts?

 

I had plants grow well in Florite - crypts, ludwigia - and haven't used the other. I think they are very different products.

Florite does not have any nutrients and I believe Stratum does so cycling a tank is different.

 

What kind of shrimp?

 

I had plants grow well in Florite - crypts, ludwigia - and haven't used the other. I think they are very different products.

Florite does not have any nutrients and I believe Stratum does so cycling a tank is different.

Hmm this was my fear. I was leaning toward stratum, but I am afraid that it will mess up my cycle if I move the inhabitants + decor + precycled filter directly into the new tank.

What kind of shrimp?

Dwarf cherry shrimp! 5 reds, 5 blues.

 

Your shrimp will do better if the new tank runs a couple months before you put them in .

Good luck.

 

Your shrimp will do better if the new tank runs a couple months before you put them in .

Good luck.

Is it necessary to do that if I transfer the filtered water, filter, plants, and decorations directly? Or is this because of the substrate itself?

 

It's so biofilm can grow on things in the tank so they have stuff to eat. I never did what you're proposing but if you are going to move them when you set up the tank, the plants and decorations will have some biofilm on them already.

Maybe somebody who knows what they're talking about will chime in and let us know if it will be enough. I never feed shrimp but I know some people do. Maybe feeding would be a good idea when you first move them.

 

It's so biofilm can grow on things in the tank so they have stuff to eat. I never did what you're proposing but if you are going to move them when you set up the tank, the plants and decorations will have some biofilm on them already.

Maybe somebody who knows what they're talking about will chime in and let us know if it will be enough. I never feed shrimp but I know some people do. Maybe feeding would be a good idea when you first move them.

hmm I usually feed mine about once a week, so I think I will just feed them right after I move tanks.
Knowing that Stratum can lower pH and mess with cycles, I think that I will stick with the Fluorite. I might even mix some of the pre-existing substrate in before I cap them with sand. (Cannot remember what it is, but it is also a planted tank substrate)
Thank you for your help!