Easy and Effective Ways to Learn About Aquarium Gravels

Gravel is by far the most popular of all media used as substratum for freshwater aquariums. Not only it serves as decorative purposes, facilitates the functioning of undergravel filters and keeps aquatic plants rooted; but its bacteria helps biologically remove waste from the water in your aquarium.

It is available in many size, shape, colors and materials. Natural gravel (mostly quartz and granite), epoxy coated gravel and tumbled glass are the materials commonly used to freshwater aquariums. Do make sure there is a label that states safe for use in aquariums as some do contain toxic minerals.

Avoid using coral, seashells, dolomite and limestone-based material as these will release carbonates in the tank and raise the pH buffering capacity. You can conduct a simple test to determine if your gravel is inert or not, by dripping an acid, such as vinegar, on the gravel. If it forms or bubbles, it is not inert and will leach carbonates and affects the pH.

All gravel should be washed thoroughly prior to use. Natural gravel can be boiled if you are not sure of its origin. However, epoxy or plastic coated gravel should never be boiled, as this will loosen their coating and release toxins into the water.

Tips on Choosing Gravels from a Wide Array of Colors and Sizes

Which Color of Gravel Should I Use?

• Do not pick a color just because you like it. Anyway, once you have added in your plants and other decorations, much of the gravel may not even be visible.
• Darker-colored gravel tends to show up the colors of the fish better, while lighter color may make the fish appear washed-out. Due to a natural biological defense mechanism to protect themselves against predators, some fish can darken or fade their color to blend into their surroundings to avoid detection.

What Size of Gravel Should I Use?

• Particle sizes can range from sand to two-inch pebbles, but the more popular sizes are between one-eighth of an inch and a half-inch in diameter.
• If the particles are too small, they can compact and make it difficult for plants o grow, or clog up the slots in undergravel filter plates. On the other hand, if the pebbles are too large, food can get trapped between the stones, out of reach of fish, and gradually rot and pollute the tank. Some fish may even get stuck!
• The size of the gravel used also affects the biological filtrations system. Nitrifying bacteria adhere to gravel, so finer gravel provides a larger surface area for these beneficial bacteria to grow.

How Much Gravels Should I Use?

• The amount of gravel you should use depends on whether you want just enough gravel to cover the bottom of the tank, or allow your fish to dig a little without exposing the glass bottom.
• And if you are using an undergravel filter, you will need about one to three inches of gravel on top of the filter plates for it to function properly.
• If you are a serious aquatic plant enthusiast, it’s best to have a gravel bed of about three to six inches deep to promote enough support for the plants’ roots.
• Terracing the gravel by having it stacked deeper in the back and lowering gradually towards the front is one way to provide depth. It also assists in the cleaning process as debris tends to collect the front, making it easier to remove with a gravel vacuum. However, the gravel will even out after some time. To prevent this from happening, use rocks or slate to keep the gravel in place.

When buying aquarium gravels, it’s important to look what they can actually benefit your fish and their environement. Don’t let the glistering reflection blind you from choosing what’s best for your aquarium.

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