Aquarium Substrate: Gravel Basic

Gravel is one of the most common aquarium substrates used for the aquarium tank floor. Aquarium gravel is available in a range of colors and sizes. Not only is it rather pretty, it can anchor your plants (which you might not need to buy plant substrate for) too.

Use Gravel Substrate To Enhance Your Fish’s Color

Choosing the right color is important. For example, blood-red gravel can look rather artificial, especially if your tank is set up like a little underwater Sherwood Forest with verdant emeralds and greens. Moreover, any red fish you may have will look dull and uninspired viewed next to your gravel substrate.

Opinion has it that dark gravel better highlights a fish’s colors. Apparently, fish adjust their colors to match those of their surroundings, and light gravel tends to wash out a fish’s true colors.

You can choose a variety of aquarium gravel and substrate here.

How Much Gravel Is Appropriate For Your Tank?

Generally, use about one pound of gravel per one gallon of water. The final depth should measure one inch, otherwise anchoring your plants can get difficult.

Cleaning Your Aquarium Gravel Before Using

Clean your gravel to prevent scum from forming on the water surface. Do not use soap, as even its residue can kill fish.

Place the gravel in a colander, and rinse it thoroughly under running water till the water turns clear. If you’re concerned about wasting water, soak the gravel in a tub and keep rinsing until the water is clear.

Before using gravel of unknown origin, boil it for 15 minutes to kill unwanted bacteria. But do check if the pebbles are plastic coated as boiling them will destroy the coating.

Not All Gravels Are Equal

Be aware that not all gravel is inert. For example, coral, seashells, and limestone release carbonated into the water, thereby affecting its pH and buffering levels. A quick test: drip acid (vinegar for example) onto a batch of the gravel in question. If it forms or bubbles, the gravel will leach carbonates.

And to be absolutely safe, fill a bucket of gravel with water and measure the pH over a period of a week. If the pH remains stable, the gravel is safe for use.

You may also want to check for sharp edges on pebbles or gravel bits that can scratch your fish hiding in the substrate.

The Final Touch: Now that you’ve got your gravel placed nicely at the bottom of your tank, the last thing you want to do is slosh water into it and send your nice arrangement flying in all directions! The trick: pour the water onto a plate or into the cup of your hand. This evenly distributes the flow of the liquid so that your gravel remains intact.

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