Create Stunning Effects Using Fish Tank Gravel

Tag: Fish Tank Gravel

One of the best things to use when you are trying to create a different and unusual setting in your aquarium is fish tank gravel. It can make a striking statement if done properly.

There are a few different types that you can use, fine gravel, pebbles, gravel and sand are the main ones and they are the ones that we are going to cover. All of these come in small, medium and large bags so if you are unsure as to what one you want or the effect it will create then the best way to find out is to buy one small bag and put it into your tank. This way you will not have to spend out much to find out if you will reach the look you want. If you already have gravel in your tank then just lay it on top.

You will need enough of whatever you choose to cover the whole of the bottom of your tank to around an inch deep. If you are using an under gravel filter then any deeper than this and your filter will not be as effective. If your aquarium is reasonably small and you are using the fine gravel then for a one to two foot you will need around one to two large bags. It is best to put one in and see what you think, you can always go back for more later. Larger aquariums are going to need more, right up to a five foot tank that will need approximately five large bags. A rough guide is that for fine gravel one large bag per foot of the tank should be correct, don’t forget though it is a personal choice and if you want your tank to have deeper gravel then just put more in, it's that easy. The larger pebbles are sold in very large bags so you will only need around one of these to every two to three foot of tank. If you are unsure of how much you need then you can either buy it a bit at a time or speak to the owner of your local fish store.

Gravel comes in nearly every colour that you can think of. Obviously, sand is really only in sand colour and white. Sand is very fine and can look spectacular if done correctly and with the right fish. Pebble gravel is larger and you will need slightly less of it to get the depth you require. The most popular one here is pea pebble. This is a largish pebble that is natural colours, browns, beiges etc. This is the best to use if you are trying to have a natural looking tank that concentrates more on the fish than the over all look.

Fine gravel is fantastic for its range of colours, everything from red to black or even mixed colors. The color that you decide on will be a personal choice, however putting black gravel with white fish will create a lovely contrast, as would red fish with white gravel. Another way to make a stunning effect is to put a different color on top. Red with a pinkish red scattered on top maybe, or black with speckles of neon yellow and green. Also if you have blue lights for night-time then the neon scattered on top creates a beautiful look as the blue lights reflect off of it in a most fabulous way.

The color and type of gravel that you use is a very personal choice, don’t forget though if you put it in and don’t like it you can just change your fish tank gravel again and create a completely different look.