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December 11th, 2009 by Sean Kerring

There are many considerations to look into when putting up your own aquarium. These include the aquarium type, filters, accessories, and the substrate. Substrate choices are widely varied. The choices range from gravel to sand and from aragonite to crushed corals, among others. Among the most popular substrates is aquarium gravel.

Which substrate does your fish tank need?

Different types of substrates are needed by different aquariums. Whether you have a tropical tank, a marine tank, a fish-only aquarium, or a planted aquarium, you have to know which substrate types work best. Aquarium gravel may be ideal for fish-only tanks and even planted aquariums.

The importance of an aquarium substrate

Some people prefer having a plain glass bottom for their fish tanks. But if you want a more natural look, adding the right substrate can improve the look of your tank successfully. The substrate also protects your fish from the irritating glare of the aquarium lights, especially when reflected from the glass bottom.

Aquarium gravel for aquarium owners

One of the most popular substrates used by many aquarists nowadays is gravel. Many pet stores sell gravel in various types, making it a convenient choice. Gravel is also easy to maintain, easy to clean, and does not affect the quality of the water as well.

If you only have fish in your aquarium, you can use aquarium gravel since it provides an ideal environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria. You can find coarse options and finer varieties of gravel in pet stores, from 3mm to 4mm in sizes.

Colored aquarium gravel has risen in popularity especially for decorative means. It is best to choose plain gravel, however, as painted ones tend to lose their color over time. If the gravel is clear-colored, you can easily check if some rotten food particles have been left underneath.

Guide in using aquarium gravel substrate

Make sure that you maintain the ideal height or depth when placing gravel in your fish tank. Two inches to three inches is enough, since a depth of more than three inches may increase the appearance of hydrogen sulfite due to rotten food particles and other impurities.

Make sure that you go for finer gravel varieties if you have bottom feeders. It is easy for fish food to settle to the glass bottom if you use bigger gravel rocks. For tanks with bottom dwellers such as crustaceans, aquarium gravel may also be used.

Sean Kerring is an aquarium enthusiast and breeder who has been wirking with and raising fish for over twenty years, when his parents gave him his very first fish tanks. He always tries to use innovative and differently colored aquarium lights to change the themes of each of his tanks, including different aquarium substrate materials.