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Aquarium Sand, Gravel & Substrates

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Aquarium Sand, Gravel and Substrates

Aquarium substrate is required as a base level of an aquarium. This layer is typically 1-2” deep depending on the size of your tank, and has many purposes. Substrate can help keep live plants, plastic plants, and other tank decor in place. Bacteria that’s beneficial to the ecosystem of your aquarium readily grows on the surface of substrate material. And some creatures in your aquarium might like to hide or dig in the substrate itself. But debris and algae can grow on substrate too. When regularly cleaning your aquarium, you will want to fully clean the visible waste from gravel substrate, or if it’s a hard-to-clean material like sand, you’ll want to replace it fully instead.

At Petco we offer substrate fit for all freshwater and saltwater aquarium fish. Sand, gravel, river rocks—even gravel in fluorescent colors for a more eye-catching tank. Make sure you check the substrate requirements for the fish you wish to keep.

When setting up your tank, you should always rinse substrate before adding it to your aquarium. For beginners, an aquarium kit is a great idea. You’ll want to choose your fish carefully, as some have more compatible tank mates than others. And every aquarium needs the right lighting, filtration system, and tools to test and maintain the water quality in your tank.

FAQs about Aquarium Sand, Gravel and Substrates

All aquariums require some sort of substrate at the bottom of the tank, whether that’s gravel, sand or stones.

Typically you’ll want 1-2” of gravel at the bottom of your aquarium for a nice base layer.

Gravel is a great substrate solution for many tanks. Be sure to check which type of substrate the inhabitants of your tank would prefer.

The best aquarium gravel depends on your fish, and whether you have a freshwater or saltwater tank.

Yes, aquarium plants can be planted in a layer of substrate at the bottom of the tank.

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