How much gravel do you need to use in a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium with an undergravel filter?

Question

Thanks much for the feedback, after further research I believe a canister filter system may be a better choice for this aquarium. any thoughts?

Answer 1

To quickly estimate the amount of freshwater gravel required for an aquarium, simply multiple the aquarium's length (in inches) by it's width (in inches), then divide by ten (whacking off the last digit will suffice). The resulting number is the number of pounds of gravel that will cover the aquarium bottom to an average depth of two inches.A 55 gallon would be 48 x 13 = 624; chopping off the four leaves 62 pounds. If three inches of gravel is preferred (and that would probably look better in a large tank like the 55), add half again the amount (62 x 1.5 = 93 pounds for average three inches in the 55).Two to three inches is often the recommended gravel depth for tanks with undergravel filters as well.

Answer 2

Roughly about 40 pounds. You need enough to cover the bottom at least an inch thick. You can usually buy the gravel in bulk and it is cheaper than buying it in the individual bags. Be sure to wash gravel well before putting it into the tank because a lot of the time the gravel will have something on or in it which will make the water cloudy.

Answer 3

A 55 with a UGF? Are you prepared for extensive maintenance? If you don't use a gravel vacuum every 1-2 weeks with a UGF, you will kill your fish. I think UGF's are great, but they need a lot of commitment for them to work.

Answer 4

The above estimates are great, I would only add that a little less is a good thing it your gravel is of a small size.

MM