Buying Aquarium Gravel/Rocks/Substrate
There are many considerations to look into when putting up your own aquarium. These include the aquarium type, filters, accessories, and the substrate. Substrate choices are widely varied. The choices range from gravel to sand and from aragonite to crushed corals, among others. Among the most popular substrates is aquarium gravel.
Knowing the type of substrate your aquarium needs
Different types of substrates are needed by different aquariums. Whether you have a tropical tank, a marine tank, a fish-only aquarium, or a planted aquarium, you have to know which substrate types work best. Aquarium gravel may be ideal for fish-only tanks and even planted aquariums.
The importance of aquarium substrate
Some people prefer having a plain glass bottom for their fish tanks. But if you want a more natural look, adding the right substrate can improve the look of your tank successfully. The substrate also protects your fish from the irritating glare of the aquarium lights, especially when reflected from the glass bottom.
Using aquarium gravel for your fish tank
Gravel is widely used for many aquariums and is preferred by many aquarists. This is because aquarium gravel is easy to acquire, easy to maintain, safe for extensive use, and does not affect the water quality. Nonetheless, regular maintenance is still necessary.
Fish-only aquariums typically require beneficial bacteria, and aquarium gravel has been known to encourage the presence of such. You can also find coarse gravel types and fine gravel, in sizes ranging from 3mm to 4mm.
Colored aquarium gravel has also become more popular, especially for aesthetic purposes. However, painted aquarium gravel may lose its coating over time. Plain colored gravel is much safer. It also allows you to see if any food particles have become dislodged under the substrate.
Buying tips for aquarium gravel
If you must use gravel, the ideal height should be anywhere between 2 inches to 3 inches deep. A height that is deeper than 3 inches could produce hydrogen sulfite from rotten food particles.
Make sure that you go for finer gravel varieties if you have bottom feeders. It is easy for fish food to settle to the glass bottom if you use bigger gravel rocks. For tanks with bottom dwellers such as crustaceans, aquarium gravel may also be used.
Sean Kerring is an aquarium enthusiast and breeder who has been wirking with and raising fish for over twenty years, when his parents gave him his very first fish tanks. He always tries to use new and unique aquarium lights to change the themes of each of his tanks, including changing aquarium substrate compounds.
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