Gravel

[amazingbioloboydp]

I was just sitting staring at my fish and wondering.WHy do they need gravel?Whats so important about it. I think it might be easier to clean the tankif they didnt have it but im sure there is an important reason for it...ANy idea.

 

[heresmike]

Gravel is really only there to make it look pretty, to hide the poo, and for something to stick your plants in. There is a certain amount of beneficial bacteria in the gravel too, but there are plenty of other places for that to accumulate. Lots of discus keepers go with a bare bottom tank because discus require very clean water, and it's easier to keep the bottom clean with a bare bottom tank. Also, when raising fry, bare bottom tanks are usually used for that reason, as well as so the fry don't get trapped in the gravel. So, IMO if you don't want gravel, you wouldn't necessarily need it.

 

[modernhamlet]

Substrate (of which gravel is an example):

1. Provides a place for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. With an undergravel filter, this is the primary place for colonization.

2. Is often needed by certain fish for them to act normally. Many bottom dwellers would not do well on glass. Lake Tanganyika shell dwellers are a great example.

3. Is necessary for most live plants. It's also used to stabilize other decorations in the tank.

4. Just plain looks a lot better.


There are times, as in most fry tanks, when you don't want a substrate. However, for most tanks, it's a fairly obvious choice. Substrates have more pros than cons and are worth far more than the small amount of trouble they can be to maintain.

 

[drobbins27]

Gravel can also calm the fish. My black gravel keeps my fish calm, whereas bright coloured gravel or no gravelly may stress the fish. Just a thought,

 

[G_Sharky]

It makes it more natural well that's if you choose a natural color like dark or light brown and not something like Blue which I did and regret cause it doesn't blend in with my plants....

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Darker colored or natural gravel help calm fish because they don't stand out as much.

Times when you shouldn't have gravel are when you're breeding egglayers and rearing fry.

 

[lilhurleybunny]

I used to have a five gallon with no gravel and just some marbels in it. And it looked really ugly lol.

I have multi bright colored gravel which i regret buying because i think soild and dark colors look very classy .

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

thanx you guys that was really helpful.....

 

[drobbins27]

In my opinion, darker gravel looks more natural, and a lot better. Brightly coloured gravel looks too "Los Vegas-ish" to me, stand out too much and takes away from the fishes beauty.