The principal danger of using your own outdoor gravel and stones in an aquarium is the possibility that they contain calcium, which can. But before testing, make sure to also wash the stones thoroughly to remove all loose grit and contaminants.

What kind of gravel can I use for aquarium?

Ordinary aquarium gravel is probably the most used substrate around. It comes in the form of river rocks, small pebbles, painted rocks – use with caution – et cetera. This type of substrate is good for fish only aquariums and the top layer of planted aquariums.

Do I have to use aquarium gravel?

Fish tanks don’t necessarily need gravel to function properly. Gravel is something that is needed to promote a healthy environment for fish to thrive in. Keeping this in mind, while it may not be a necessity, it should be your priority.

Can you use pea gravel in a fish aquarium?

Pea sized gravel offers you a more traditional look and the large pebbles will give the aquarium a dramatic effect. In a goldfish tank pea gravel is usually the preferred choice. I personally like these rocks because they add dimension and appeal in an otherwise dull environment.

What size gravel do I need for fish tank?

Generally speaking, you should add about 1 pound of substrate per gallon of water. This means that for a 5-gallon fish tank, a safe bet would be 5 pounds of gravel. Similarly, for a 20-gallon fish tank, roughly 20 pounds of gravel would suffice.

What can I use instead of gravel in my fish tank?

Sand has a couple of other benefits when compared to gravel. Many aquarium owners think it looks more natural, better mimicking the lakes or riverbeds that make up fish’ natural habitats. In addition, closely packed sand substrate needs to be changed less frequently.

Can I use beach sand for aquarium?

No, you can not use beach sand in a freshwater aquarium Beach sand should NEVER be used in an aquarium, let alone a freshwater aquarium. The beach sand is contaminated by the seawater, which has drastic chemistry and is also filled with many harmful compounds.

Can I mix sand and gravel in my aquarium?

Sand and gravel can be used together in aquariums, but if the gravel is put down first it will end up on top as the sand gradually settles to the bottom. Sand can’t be used with gravel when using under-gravel filters as the motor won’t be able to suck the water through both the gravel and the hard-packed sand.

Can I use any rock in my aquarium?

Any rocks should be thoroughly inspected for veins of metal, or rust before they are added to an aquarium. These types of rocks can be extremely deadly to your fish, and should be avoided at all costs. There is a wide selection of commonly found rocks that are perfectly safe for the home aquarium.

Can I put shells in my fish tank?

Don’t put shells in freshwater aquariums. Seashells, amongst other items, can change the PH hardness which will cause difficulties for your fish and it’ll be harder to maintain the tank.

How long should I boil rocks for aquarium?

Boiling the rocks and gravel for 10-20 minutes in regular tap water that is at a rolling boil should kill any unwanted pathogens. CAUTION—rocks stay hot for a very long time. Let them cool a long time before you handle them.

How much gravel do I need for a 10 gallon fish tank?

In order to cover 200 square inches with one inch of gravel, you will need a minimum of 13 pounds of gravel. If you prefer to have a two-inch gravel layer in a 10-gallon tank then you will need 26 lbs of gravel. A ten-gallon tank is a relatively small tank, therefore, you might want to stick with one inch of gravel.

How do I choose rocks for my aquarium?

Safer rocks include:

1. Granite.
2. Quartz.
3. Slate.
4. Lava rock (take sharp edges into account, particularly with fish that have sensitive barbels, such as the Cory species)
5. Onyx and ground glass.
6. Sandstone (always test before using, as it may contain traces of limestone)