Description
This article is from the Beginning
Fishkeeping FAQ, by Thomas Narten with numerous contributions
by others.
10 Equipment: Gravel
Gravel serves three main purposes. First, it serves as decoration,
making your tank look nicer. Second, if using an UGF, gravel is
mandatory as it is the filter media (the surface area on which
bacteria attach). Third, in plant tanks, it serves as a ``substrate''
(e.g. dirt) for plant roots (consult the PLANT FAQ for details on what
quantity and type of substrate is appropriate for plants). Ultimately,
the choice of color, size, etc. is up to you. However, be aware that
dark gravel better highlights a fish's colors. Fish adjust their
colors to match that of the surroundings, and light gravel tends to
wash out a fish's true colors.
Most of the gravel sold for aquariums is plastic coated. For obvious
reasons, you should not boil it. :-) It is also very expensive ($1 a
pound). Gravel can be purchased for much less at patio stores (e.g.,
Wallmart, Home Quarters, local sand and gravel suppliers, etc.).
However, it often tends to be larger than ideal and too light in color
(e.g., marble chips). Sand can also be used.
Be aware that not all gravel is inert. For example, coral, sea shells,
dolomite and limestone will release (leach) carbonates into the tank
raising its pH buffering capacity (see the CHEMISTRY SECTION for
details). When keeping African rift lake cichlids, this is desirable.
But in most other cases, you will not want your gravel affecting the
water chemistry. As a quick test, drip an acid (e.g., vinegar) onto
the gravel in question. If it foams or bubbles, the gravel is going to
leach carbonates into the water. To be absolutely sure, fill a bucket
of gravel with water and measure the pH over a period of a week. If
the pH remains stable, it should be safe to use in your tank.
When used for the first time, gravel should be washed thoroughly.
Simply rinse clean water through it until the water comes out clear
(tap water is fine). For example, put the gravel in a bucket of water,
fill it with water, and churn the gravel up. Drain the water and
repeat the procedure until the water remains clear. Before using
gravel of unknown origin (e.g., not purchased at a fish store), you
may (as a precaution) want to boil it for 15 minutes to kill unwanted
bacteria.
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aquaria, fish, acquarium, tank, fishkeeping
