How much Gravel??

[Aquaskilz]

Hi Guys, Im new to the forum and Im very pleased with the info that you guys give. You all have my upmost respect and I appreciate everyones advice.
My question is: (1) does anyone have a specific formula to use in order to figure out how much gravel to use in an aquarium ie. 20 gallons or 55gal? (Most pet stores sell 5lb bags of gravel)

(2) Are there any web sites that sell quality live aquaria (besides pet solutions and Fosters&Smith there prices are higher than the local pet stores and the shipping and handleling can be costly. Im looking to purchase a gold nugget pleco and other fish (fresh and salt) for my aquarium.

[Slappy*McFish]

For planted tanks shoot for about a pound per gallon. Non planted tanks would do better with 1-2" depth of gravel.

[crash]

A pound of gravel for each Gallon sounds about right, that's about what I do. Usually bags come in 5lbs packages unless you get and weigh your own.. so for an 20 gallon tank, you'd wanted to put at least 20lbs of gravel. Give or take a few on your preference.

[RTR]

I'll be more conservative - for me, fish-only tanks have 1/2-1" of gravel; planted tanks have 3-4" minimum, large tanks have more.

[christopher1260]

i would recommend using something other than gravel from the fish store. it just seems very pricey. many people use sand (ie Southdown from Home Depot or regular play sand) or even coarse sandblasting sand ( which is what i use). the sandblasting sand is $6 for 100 lbs, so you don't have to worry about running out. you will have to rinse this, however. i would recommend using an old pillowcase to rinse, cause some of this stuff is pretty nasty. If you like larger gravel, you can get different river rock and such from a home improvement store, but make sure it doesn't include limestone, or your ph will go through the roof. hope this helps you set up on a budget!!