How much gravel?

**DrNic** · 03-07-2010, 01:57 AM

Assuming I can find someone to help me move it, I will be getting a new 60G (48"X13"24") tank this week. How many pounds of gravel will it take to put about 1.5 inches across the bottom?

In the past I've always used 'second hand' gravel from my family who changes colors regularly and have never really paid attention to how much goes in. Now that I'm setting up a new tank I want to go for a very particular look so I will be getting all new gravel as well and wasn't sure how much I would need.

Any help would be great! Thanks!

**tanks4thememories** · 03-07-2010, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by DrNic

Assuming I can find someone to help me move it, I will be getting a new 60G (48"X13"24") tank this week. How many pounds of gravel will it take to put about 1.5 inches across the bottom?

In the past I've always used 'second hand' gravel from my family who changes colors regularly and have never really paid attention to how much goes in. Now that I'm setting up a new tank I want to go for a very particular look so I will be getting all new gravel as well and wasn't sure how much I would need.

Any help would be great! Thanks!

What kind of filter will you be using?

**EmmanuelJB** · 03-07-2010, 02:12 AM

Probably 60-90 pounds... I would get 60 pounds and see where that gets you then if you want more get the 30 more pounds. You really only need 0.5-1 inch of gravel. It is best to only have that much also.

**rich311k** · 03-07-2010, 02:51 AM

I agree 60-70 pounds should do it.

**DrNic** · 03-07-2010, 03:13 AM

Thanks for the help guys! I'll start with three 25lbs bags and see what that gets me.

As for the filter, I will be using two HOB filters rated for 55G each. I might switch over to a canister filter later but for now I want to stick with my trusty HOBs that I like.

**korith** · 03-07-2010, 04:17 AM

http://www.plantedtank.net/substratecalculator.html
pop in the dimensions of the tank, and how thick you want it, and it'll tell you how many pounds of gravel or whatever substrate you need.

How deep your substrate is, really depends on you. Might even get away with 2 bags if you just want to cover the glass.

**Dacotah7** · 03-07-2010, 06:43 AM

The calculator should serve you well. A rule of thumb is 1 pound of gravel per gallon of water. I think it is a matter of personal taste.

I have a strong 2 1/2" and am considering adding another 20-40 lbs. I think a thin layer looks like one skimped. Having a good base makes it a lot easier to landscape, adding visual interest with varying terrain. It helps to position and hold ornaments and rock. Having hills and valleys provides habitat for the bottom dwellers. For my fish, the low spots, often troughs with overhanging plants, or tunnels under rocks and driftwood are some of their favorite spots to hang out. They have turf wars over them; usually when another is passing through, or just scavenging. It is funny, some are dead set on being claim jumpers, but usually when things settle down, all end up back at the last zip code.

Having depth to the gravel makes it a lot easier to plant and reduces the chance of distrubing or choping off the roots when vaccuming the gravel.

There is some question as to how effective gravel is for hosting nitrifying bacteria, although it is believed to have some. With more gravel that potential is greater. Looking at the profile against the glass, it appears that light penetrates most of the top inch, but also realizing some of that is side-lit. Bacteria thrive in darkness, which is only achieved with some depth to the gravel.