Gravel !

[kevy]

I've read so many different things about this. Some things say 1 - 1.5 lbs per gallon (.45 - 0.68kg per 3.8 L), some things say less then 1/4 inch (.64cm), some say its only decoration and is not needed at all while others say they hold bacteria and make fish feel more at home.

So, how much do you use, and why?

 

[mrV]

None. I don't put gravel into my tank, I use sand

About 5-10cm layer. It doesn't have to be so thick if you don't put live plants, but if do, then they survive better when there is enough bottom for them.

 

[Alien Anna]

I just keep adding gravel until it looks right - about 3/4 - 1 inch mostly, but deeper in my heavily planted tank because it had to cover the little compost pots the plants came in. I don't think it's an exact science!

 

[Kissifish]

Just cover the bottom of the tank and bank the gravel toward the back. This lets all the nasty stuff drift to the front for easy removal.

 

[gadazobe]

Depends if it's a planted tank or not. Not planted - about 1", planted anything from 2"-4" depending on the plants.

 

[teknikz]

my gravel depth varies.......its not just flat....its landscaped......all hilly n lumpy so it looks natural n gives the fish a bit of terrain

at the shallowest point tho its about 2 inches and at least 4-4.5 at its thickest

Tek

 

[smb]

It depends on if you use a UGF also. If no UGF is used, it's best to keep it shallow, under 2" and if you use one then 3-4" is more sufficient.

 

[juliethegr8t]

I actually am one of the minority on this board (I assume), who uses a very small layer of gravel. I think it is important to have a place where bacteria can grow, but imo, any gravel will be good for this, no matter how deep it is. Especially if you have a bio-wheel, which I do. A bio-wheel is an important place for bacteria to thrive, so gravel may even be unnecessary for several reasons. However, I think it looks nice, and does give fish a more "homey" feeling. They don't live in places with bare bottoms. So, I use about 1/4 of an inch of gravel - 1 bag of Top Fin gravel from Petsmart was perfect for my rectangular 10 gallon. You can check out this link also, I think it's a nice site and they give good information about gravel -

http/www.aquariumfish.net/information/eq...ment_2.htm#top2