Aquarium gravel
Aquarium gravel in this library has a 3–8 mm grain. It holds no nutrients of its own, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
Calculate substrate quantity before buying materials.
At a glance
| Type | Gravel |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | None (inert) |
| Grain | 3–8 mm |
Shown at real grain size, about 16 cm across
Before it goes in
- Gravel is a gravel, 3–8 mm grain.
- It is inert: it holds no nutrients of its own. Root feeders such as Cryptocoryne wendtii and Dwarf Hairgrass Mini need root tabs under them.
- Carpeting plants struggle to root in it: the grain is too loose or too large to hold their runners.
Aquarium gravel: care and setup
What is aquarium gravel?
This aquarium gravel has a 3–8 mm grain and holds no nutrients of its own.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — Gravel is a complete substrate on its own.
Will carpeting plants root in it?
Not easily. Runners struggle to get a hold in it.
What it goes with
- Plants that do not care that it is inert, because they feed from the water: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Frogbit.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| Gravel | Colored Gravel | Dennerle Crystal Quartz Gravel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gravel | Gravel | Gravel |
| Nutrients | None | None | None |
| Grain | 3–8 mm | 3–6 mm | 1–2 mm |