How to Calculate How Much Gravel is Needed

Gravel is a vital part of any aquarium. Not only does it make an aquarium more attractive, but its important to the tank's biological processes because it provides a breeding ground for beneficial bacteria. Gravel is often sold in large bags, some of them ranging up to 50 pounds. Before deciding to purchase gravel, you must first figure just how much you need to achieve the ideal gravel depth of 2 inches, according to the website Aquatics Unlimited.

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of your aquarium. For example, a 10-gallon tank is 20 inches long and 10 inches wide.

    • 2

      Multiply the length and the width to get the area of the aquarium's base. For example, a 10-gallon tank would yield a 200-square-inch base.

    • 3

      Drop the last numeral from the base number. For example, if you drop the last digit from "200," you'd get 20. This resulting number is equal to the number of pounds of gravel you need.