Amount of Gravel for 29gal

[skiltrip]

I am going to buying new gravel for a standard 29gallon tank. i haven't put together a tank in a while, so i forget exactly how much gravel i will need to buy.

how many 5 lb. bags of gravel will it take to do my 29 gallon tank? keep in mind i am using the finer gravel, so i may need more to get the same depth.

 

[The-Wolf]

what are the dimensions and how deep do you want to go?

 

[Fish Buddy]

Usually it's a pound to a pound and a half of gravel to the gallon. I would go with 40 pounds if you say it's finer stuff.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi skiltrip

Are you going to be using #3 natural builders gravel, which is the most commonly used fine gravel? If so, I've used it for years and usually figure on using one pound per gallon of water. If your lfs stocks it, the cheapest way to get it is in a 50 pound bag, rather than loose. If you get it from Home Depot or somewhere similar, be sure you have gravel that is smooth, with no sharp edges.

The beneficial bacteria live in the top 1/2 to 3/4 inch of the gravel, so adding more than that is entirely optional.

But while you are making the change, why not consider switching to sand? I've hesitated to do this for years, but am now making the change in all my tanks. I'm so delighted with the result that I would never think of going back, and my fish love it too. Home Depot's Play Sand is less than $3 per 50 lb. bag.

 

[skiltrip]

Thanks inchworm... not sure what the grade is, but it's gravel from my LFS, the finest gravel they make actually.

I did intend to switch over to sand, but the guy at the LFS said it's a pain and could destroy my powerfilter pretty easily, and that the fine gravel was a better option.

he said the cichlids could still dig easily with the finer gravel, and it's easier to take care of.

i know a lot of this is personal opinion and past experience, and for some people, maybe sand is no big deal.

tell me more about sand and why you'd never go back. do you use powerfilters, and if so, have you had any problems with them sucking sand up into it?

 

[wer34]

i would say a 25lb bag of gravel should be sufficient