What is the best gravel for my aquarium?

On the face of it this is a simple subject but it does have some unforeseen effects. Starting with particle size, large grades of gravel have large void spaces that can trap a lot of solid waste. This means that they will need regular maintenance with a gravel-cleaning siphon to avoid problems such as a build-up of nitrates and phosphates. Heavier gravel is harder for fish to move (or swallow!) and can make very effective decor so don’t let this put you off. At the other extreme, sand and fine gravels are more likely to allow wastes to remain visible on the surface where it can be harder to ignore and again, siphoning is the answer. Aquatic plants are generally adapted to grow in anoxic mud and prefer fine substrates which also serve to keep any growing mediums isolated from the aquarium water.

Geology is another factor in choosing the right gravel and those containing limestone or coral can affect water quality. For this reason, soft water habitats where a low pH is desired, such as discus tanks, rely on selecting a lime-free gravel. Conversely, fishkeepers in soft water areas who keep hard water species such as Rift-lake or Central American cichlids may want to use coral or limestone gravels that help ensure the alkaline water that these fishes need.