Gravel

[sandra_may]

Just wanted a bit of know how/advice in regards to gravel, firstly is there a way to work out how much I will need without just going to buy it and stop when I've got enough? The tank I'm getting is a Fluval Vicenza 260 which is 260 litres, the measurements are 121cm L x 46cm W x 64cm H. It has a bow front so the W length is the widest point if that makes sense? I think I'll need coverage to about 2 inches deep in order to plant plants, is this right?

Secondly is there a colour/type that is best or is it just personal preference? I like the Pettex Roman Gravel Harlequin Blend but my partner prefers something more natural/pebbley looking. Are there are pros and cons to either of these? Or anything else I should know before I make my purchase?

Thanks in advance.

San.

 

[flyhawk]

well if your looking a plants it would be good to get an enriched substrate
because the plants will need extra nutrients
good substrates examples are
flourite
ecocomplete
and there are many others to
if you want more info and opinions
for plants move this to the planted tank
section

 

[chrisrm]

Just wanted a bit of know how/advice in regards to gravel, firstly is there a way to work out how much I will need without just going to buy it and stop when I've got enough? The tank I'm getting is a Fluval Vicenza 260 which is 260 litres, the measurements are 121cm L x 46cm W x 64cm H. It has a bow front so the W length is the widest point if that makes sense? I think I'll need coverage to about 2 inches deep in order to plant plants, is this right?

Secondly is there a colour/type that is best or is it just personal preference? I like the Pettex Roman Gravel Harlequin Blend but my partner prefers something more natural/pebbley looking. Are there are pros and cons to either of these? Or anything else I should know before I make my purchase?

Thanks in advance.

San.

it i s personal preferance and depends on how much you want to spendand what sort of fish you want to keep, the natural looking gravel from diy shops is fine as long as its not sharp, and is cheap roman gravel is a lot more expensive. but it depends what look you want?

have you concidered sand?

 

[fishmad135]

im not sure about the first part of your question but, i would say that colour of gravel is up to your personal likes. But some types of fish a complemented by dark gravel like neon tetra etc. sorry about being vague... im a bit tierd

 

[drobbyb]

Just wanted a bit of know how/advice in regards to gravel, firstly is there a way to work out how much I will need without just going to buy it and stop when I've got enough?

I've found that 1 pound of gravel per us gallon of water gives a nice medium bed.

 

[waterdrop]

As far as substrate color is concerned I find that looking at different substrates in this hobby is yet another of the great pleasures of enjoying tanks. I find it very hard to settle in to saying that I really like one better than another. I've always enjoyed the pebbly natural gravels but I also find it beautiful to see nice sand substrate. I like the occasional natural stream look with larger pebbles of mixed sizes. I even like the occasional really fake looking tank some people have with bright colors although I wouldn't have one myself I suppose.

Currently I've been enjoying a black substrate and its true that it can show off the colors of some fish quite nicely.. that's a plus. Sometimes with light colored substrates a subset of the fish will get washed out colors, even up in the middle depths of the tank.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[drobbyb]

I have black gravel as well and can attest to the claims that it enhances fish colors.