Perfect Gravel

[blaxicanlatino]

I have a 10 gallon tank with moneywort plants and i betta and soon to be platys. Im kinda confused on what kind of substrate I should use. Whats the best type, best size? CUrrently, theres some penny sized, blue gravel in the tank now but its not enough and I want to add more that is a bit finer. I want it to match the current color.

 

[AngelOfDeath]

darker substrates help bring out the colours of the fish, choose something big enough so they wont swallow it etc

 

[Colin_T]

if you change the gravel size and mix large and small gravel together the small stuff will fall through the big stuff.
it doesn't really matter what size gravel you have but it does make a difference if the gravel is smooth or rough. The sharp edges or rough gravel can damage bottom dwelling fishes.
most waterways have sand or mud on the bottom.
coloured gravel is more for your enjoyment rather than the fishes comfort.

 

[mark.w.jones]

Avoid light, brightly coloured gravel as it can make fish very skittish. If you plan on planting successfully you really want gravel that is <3mm diameter. I prefer the look of black gravel personally. Another option is a pre fertilised substrate such as Tetra Complete which you lay under either gravel or sand. This helps hugely with plant growth. I personally have just gone for this 2cm of this with 2cm of playsand on top. As mentioned, you can also have it below gravel as well. My only worry is whether it may mix too much with the and above. Bottow dwellers much prefer a sandy substrate.

 

[aquanovice]

Yea a dark sort of gravel wil look nice, I am wanting to change mine from a natural colour to a greyish one or even play sand. Plus I have the same sized tank as you do!