Do I have to use aquarium gravel?

Question

I just need to know if I have to use aquarium gravel in my tank
Can I just put in coloured stones etc I know it is easier to bury plants in the gravel but apart from that is there any other reason I have to use gravel thanks

Answer 1

You don't need gravel, it just looks nice and it is a place for beneficial bacteria to grow. You can put colored stones in as long as they are aquarium safe (to test this drop acid on the stones, if they fizz they have calcium carbonate in them and it will raise the pH of your aquarium.)

Answer 2

There are 2 problems:
1)Small gravel provides more surface area for bacteria for converting ammonia. With a good filter hang on tank filter this is less important.

2)Randomly selected colored stones may release chemicals in the water. Natural stones may release iron, calcium carbonate, and what not which screws up you water chemistry. Artificial colored stones may release toxic chemicals in the the water as well. Glass can have lead.....

Answer 3

You really don't need gravel. Though the gravel makes it look pretty. You decide. I like gravel because it hides the bases of plants and fish wastes.

Answer 4

I started off using rough builders gravel which I had washed. there was no problem with any leeching of chemicals but as it was irregular & roughly pea-sized my fish started to get it stuck in their mouths as they grew which is very distressing for both us & them so I got rid!

A very good aquarium gravel to use is the small rounded 3mm type often called 'Roman' or 'Dorset' gravel. This slips easily out of their mouths as they grub around, it also comes in a huge variety of colours & you can mix & match to your hearts content! Another attractive alternative is large polished pebbles or river rocks which are marked as pond safe, available at garden centres.

Answer 5

gravel provides a home for beneficial bacteria. they will grow on decorative stones but given the nature of gravel there is a lot more surface for them to live on. if you have a filter with a bio-wheel or a sponge for bacteria to grow on then you don't need to grow the bacteria on your gravel and you dont need anything in the bottom.

Answer 6

I personally would, so that way your fish can sit on the gravel, when they are tired. Also, they bring out the color in your fish, and they look nice in fish tanks. Fish tanks have to bottom with no gravel.

Answer 7

You do not really have to have it. But it is best too because it gives a place for the food waste and fish waste to settle down in so it can break down and also for the Bactria to grow. and also it will help if you want to grow live plants in your take so that will aid in the cycle.

Answer 8

gravel has been colored with something that is safe for fish. you may not know what chemicals can be on the other rocks you are using. i guess just soak them and rinse them well, don't use soap. i have used other types of rocks before.

Answer 9

NO