How to Rinse Gravel

Whether setting up a new aquarium or adding new gravel to an older set, taking care to rinse your new gravel can mean the difference between a thriving aquatic community and a toxic aquarium environment. The good news is that this is a relatively simple process that requires only a few steps to get it right.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium gravel
  • Five gallon bucket
  • Sieve
  • Garden hose
  • Water source
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a large sieve over the top of the bucket. The sieve should be at least six inches in diameter. Ideally, the sieve will fit so that the edges of the sieve rest securely along the rim of the bucket.

    • 2

      Fill the sieve approximately halfway with either new gravel or dirty gravel from your existing aquarium. For this step, you can pour new gravel directly from the bag into the sieve. For older gravel, simply transfer the gravel directly from the aquarium into the sieve. Place the remainder of the gravel aside for now.

    • 3

      Run water over the gravel in the sieve. Ideally, it is best to use a garden hose attached to an ordinary household spigot so that you can utilize a continuous stream of clean water over the gravel. While you are rinsing the gravel, gently shake and tap the sieve so that the gravel moves about, ensuring that you rinse it all. Continue rinsing the gravel until the water runs clear. This process may take ten to fifteen minutes.

    • 4

      Move aside the clean gravel by placing it into a new, clean, soap free container. Refill the sieve with more gravel from the newly purchased bag or from your aquarium and repeat the process until you have enough gravel to fill the bottom of the aquarium, at least three inches deep.