Substrate... How deep should it be?

[staceyanna]

My tank is fairly new and I am in the process of adding some plastic plants and an ornament, but I dont know if I have enough gravel. Its only about an inch tall if that much in some places.

How deep should my gravel be? I am using the same smooth pebble river gravel/rocks that came with my tank. I see it at Petsmart, but I dont know the name of it. But I would like to get more if I need it before I start adding decor and plants in there.

[phanmc]

If you're going with fake plants, gravel is optional. Make it as low or as high as you want it to look, but having less gravel makes cleaning the tank easier. Some people keep bare bottom tanks as growout tanks for fry and juvenile fishes, that way they can feed them more and have a much easier time cleaning the tank.

[judgemax]

It is entirely up to you how deep your gravel is! ..some people prefer it to be very thick and some thin, and some people do not use it at all! most people suggest placing gravel in a curve higher in front and in back with a lower lying section in the middle, i have never used this method though, mine has hills and valleys everywhere! the substrate should also be an important matter when it comes to the fish you are going to stock the tank with, cories like sandier bottoms and larger fish need larger gravel, becuase it can get stuck in their mouths! whatever you choose should be fine, just rinse really well to avoid alot of dust that comes in the packaging!..I personally use gravel about atleast two inches thick! i like to see it when i look at the tank head on, but then thats more room for the dirt and waste to end up in! good luck!

[iamgroovy]

[QUOTE=judgemax]It is entirely up to you how deep your gravel is! ..some people prefer it to be very thick and some thin, and some people do not use it at all! most people suggest placing gravel in a curve higher in front and in back with a lower lying section in the middle, i have never used this method though, mine has hills and valleys everywhere! QUOTE]

It was suggested to me that I make the gravel higher in back with a gradual slope toward the front so the debris would collect in the front and be easier to clean. However, in practice that's easier said then done. Mine started out that way but with gravel vaccing (is that a word?) etc, I've given up trying to keep a nice even slope. I also have hills and valleys although the gravel is deeper toward the back of the tank. I was also told, in general, to use 1lb of gravel per gallon. That worked out fine for me.
Best of luck to you!