How Much Gravel Do I Need?

[Snowbrumby]

Thank you for all the helpful replies I think I might increase the gravel depth to half an inchish, I do like the look of it. One day, in the future, I would like a planted tank though One day....

 

[Snowbrumby]

Oh and thank you pica for the nice reply ) I'm so glad I found this site!

 

[keane]

Thank you for all the helpful replies I think I might increase the gravel depth to half an inchish, I do like the look of it. One day, in the future, I would like a planted tank though One day....

you could still have plants in your tank with just 1/2 an inch of gravel. I have in my community tank

I just made sure that when I planted the plants I pushed just a little extra gravel around each plant to raise the level slightly and give it a little more for the roots to bed in.

easy peasy.....

steve 8)

 

[Snowbrumby]

Plants is why I'm thinking of putting in a bit more gravel, having trouble keeping them down the bottom of the tank, they keep following my hand back up to the top

 

[nc_nutcase]

one inch to an inch and a half is the recommended depth... I've heard (and am trying it) that sand is better for plants than gravel... might want to just add sand with the gravel around the plants....

 

[Snowbrumby]

Yes, I've heard sand or fine gravel is better than normal gravel for plants. But since my Hubby bought me this gravel as a surprise I wouldn't want to dissappoint him by using something else
Anyone else as happy as I was to get a bag of gravel as a surprise present

 

[pica_nuttalli]

my first thought when i read that was "awwww...."

it's one of those things where it's the thought behind it, pardon the cliche. buying something so simple yet essential as gravel really shows support and attention to your interests. what a marvelous and subtle way to say "i love you"!

 

[FrAnK3333]

1 pound per gallon worked great in my tank. I have 20 pounds of sand 1 inch from the bottom. Read my info, I keep fw fish. Maybe for a high tank, you should use less. For a 29 gallon I would use 20-23lbs, but really, a 29 gallon has a footprint of a 20 long. It really depends on the gravel or sand you are using, soem weigh more, some weigh less.

 

[nc_nutcase]

That’s the problem with a "1 pound per gallon" type of ratio. A 20Long, 29 and 40 High all have the same base size. Just as 75, 90 and 110H are all the same base size. I'm sure there is a formula that will convert X pounds of gravel per Y square inches (or feet or cm or whatever ya use) or tank bottom. Then there is also one for sand (sand compacts more therefore will pound per pound, you will need more sand)...

Anyway... I know there is such a formula... but I don't know what it is... I just understand the mathematical principals behind it... sorta...

 

[NinjaSmurf]

I have my own formula. Add gravel till bottom of tank is covered and will not show glass bottom if moved around a little......






Tada!

 

[Snowbrumby]