How Deep Should Sand Or Gravel Be In A Tank?

[Wanda hornsey]

So I am sorted on the sand gravel debate but now you have made me think about how deep to go with the sand gravel etc I found a link to a website that has a calculater for working out the weight required for sand gravel etc....any suggestions on whats the best sort of depth, its a big tank and I want to make sure I have enough before i start putting the stuff in and trying to arrange it all......I know I know daft newbies )

 

[The-Wolf]

it all depends on if you are going planted or not
non planted tanks can have just a covering of substrate
but planted tanks need at least 1" deep.

my planted tanks have between 1.5 & 2" of pool filter sand

 

[Wanda hornsey]

want to go planted but not loads and loads so thanks for the info