Amount of gravel?

Zombie

How much gravel should you have per gallon of the fish tank?

Twistersmom

My local fish store has a sign that says 1 pound gravel per gallon.

Zombie

That would mean 100+ pounds for a 29gal. 50lbs for a 10gal. 25lbs for a 5gal. That seems like a LOT of gravel.

Zombie

I've always read 1-2lbs per gallon. I just wanted to make sure.

Byron

Something's wrong with the math here. One pound of gravel for each gallon of water would be 10 pounds in a 10 gallon tank, not 50, and 29 pounds in a 29g, etc.

But another point should be considered, namely, will you have rooted plants [=plants with root systems that need to be in the substrate] in the tank? If yes, you will need enough gravel to hold the roots and allow them to grow; 2 inches is usually adequate, or a bit more. If no plants, the gravel could be very shallow as it becomes simply aesthetic (appearance). The gravel substrate collects waste better than bare glass and it can be easily vacuumed off during the weekly partial water change.

Zombie

I was regarding to the 5lb per gallon rule.

There will be live plants. In a standard 10gallon, about how much gravel would be 2 inches?

Byron

It's the depth of the substrate that is important. I would get 10 pounds for a 10g. If it's planted, have 2 inches minimum; some extra allows you to slope it to the back (looks natural), or have a small raised terrace with rock or wood, etc. It is always good to have a bit extra left over; comes in handy.

Zombie

I'm aware. It just gets expensive. I'm planting a 29, 10 and 5 gal and in late october I'll worry about a 55 but it won't have plants. (Cichild tank)

1077

Try checking out lawn and garden stores in your area or landscaping companies nearby. You can prolly find small natural river gravel for MUCH cheaper than the gravel sold at fish stores or online stores. You will need to rinse the gravel either way.

Zombie

Okay. My only worry about that is I'm keeping Cories and need smaller river gravel.