Aquarium Gravel for Fish Tanks
Welcome to the website about everything related to Aquarium Gravel. If you are a freshwater fish aquarist, planning a wedding or just want more information on aquarium gravel and substrates look no farther. Fish Tank Rocks come in many different sizes but generally two different styles: natural gravel and painted colored gravel. The most popular colors are red, blue and green although some manufactures make purple, orange and other exotic colors.
OK, I’ve got a bag of aquarium gravel, what should I do with it? Before using it in an aquarium, you should rinse the gravel under clean water to remove and debris or dust. Just in case you were wondering, most painted gravels are made with non-toxic paint, so it’s not harmful to your fish. Some gravel even glows in the dark, which can act as a night light in a child’s bedroom if they are afraid of the dark. Approximately one pound per gallon of rock is recommend in a freshwater aquarium. For example, a 55 gallon fish tank would require about 55 lbs of Aquarium Gravel. Finally, you can add the gravel to the aquarium and begin filling it with water.
Do fish care about the color of the gravel? Most fish don’t care about the color of the aquarium substrate. It’s mostly personal preference. Although, brighter colors may help enhance the coloration in many fish, whereas they tend to camouflage or darken up in natural colored aquarium gravel. As a side note, some Cichlid gravels are made with a special size and color in mind to promote spawning and maintain pH. Does gravel size matter? Yes! Smaller sized aquarium gravel is better for anchoring plants and decorations and also contains more surface area for bacteria to grow on. But larger gravel is easier to clean.
Now you’re telling me I have to clean the gravel, why have any gravel at all? The aquarium rocks contain bacteria that help break down fish waste like ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Without this beneficial bacteria, your fish would most likely die. To clean your aquarium you should purchase an aquarium siphon, also known as a Gravel Vacuum. This tool removes fish waste and debris, without removing the substrate or bacteria. Be sure to save money by shopping online for aquarium gravel, a gravel vacuum and other aquarium decor.