How to Put Gravel in a Fish Aquarium

Fishkeepers and tropical fish hobbyists choose different types of substrates for their aquariums. While the options include sand, marbles and colorful rocks, the most common substrate is still gravel. Earth-colored pea gravel is popular not only because it is natural-looking but also because it doesn't compress like sand and it's easy to clean with a vacuum siphon. Gravel is also easy to incorporate in a fish tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Large basin
  • Small plastic bucket
  • Saucer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the gravel. Before putting gravel into a fish tank, wash the gravel in a large basin under clean running water to remove dust, dirt, soil and other unwanted substances and particles. The gravel is ready when the rinse water runs clean and clear.

    • 2

      Place the aquarium in its designated location. Once the gravel is poured into the fish tank, moving the tank would be difficult and no longer advisable.

    • 3

      Pour the gravel into the tank a little at a time. A small bucket is ideal because it prevents dumping too much gravel at once (which could scratch, crack or break the glass aquarium). A plastic bucket will not damage the walls of the tank in case it is accidentally bumped or dropped.

    • 4

      Put enough gravel to cover the bottom of the fish tank. Depending on your aquascaping plans and preferences, the gravel can be laid thick (if plants will be rooted in the gravel) or thin (if other decorative elements will be added).

    • 5

      Slope the gravel low in the front and high in the back. The ideal contour of an aquarium substrate slopes down toward the front of the tank so that accumulated dirt or waste gathers at the low areas where they will be easy to see and vacuum off.

    • 6

      Add water to the aquarium by gently pouring the water onto a saucer placed on the surface of the gravel. The saucer will prevent the pouring water from disturbing the landscaping.