Prepare Fish Tank Gravel
Oh no! You need to clean or buy some gravel and need to wash it! The substrate of a fish tank is a term used for the covering on the bottom of the tank. It is primarily used to enhance the beauty of an aquarium, but can also change the pH balance or chemistry of the water by introducing chemicals, minerals or particles into the water. It can also benefit or harm fish and other aquatic dwellers in the tank, so the substrate must be chosen carefully. Gravel is the most common type of substrate. It creates a natural environment for fish and other tank mates. It comes in several varieties and is easy to use. However, you must learn how to prepare fish tank gravel prior to placing it in your tank to protect your fish and other forms of aquatic life.
Steps
- Select the type of gravel to put in your fish tank at your local pet or aquarium supply store.
- Fish tank gravel comes in several varieties, such as glass, hard gel or stone, and may be natural or dyed. For the best results, look for natural gravel or varieties with a polymer seal so it is not likely to alter your tank's chemistry and harm your fish or other aquatic life.
- Be sure that the fish tank gravel you chose is safe for fish tanks. It should indicate this on the packaging and say that it is pre-washed.
- Open the package of fish tank gravel and sort through it for any broken, cracked or sharp pieces. Gravel that is not smooth or has jagged edges can harm the fish and other life forms in your tank.
- Discard any sharp pieces of gravel after sorting through it.
- Rinse your fish tank gravel thoroughly using a colander or strainer. Run warm water over it for several minutes, or until the water runs clear.
- If the package of the gravel you purchase does not indicate that it has been prewashed, put your gravel in a pot and boil it for a few minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly.
- Blot the clean gravel for a fish tank with paper towels. This will help remove any chemicals from the tap water that might alter the pH balance in your tank.
- Remove the fish and any other aquatic life from your tank.
- Place the prepared fish tank gravel on the bottom on the tank. Put a layer of gravel that is about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) evenly over the entire tank bottom.
- Return your aquatic life to your fish tank and monitor the water for several days to make sure the pH balance is not negatively affected.
- Finished.
Tips
- For the best results, use fish tank gravel that has been prewashed. This variety is sterile and does not require boiling.
- Keep in mind that even when prepared, fish tank gravel that is not prewashed can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life in the tank. It can introduce chemicals and bacteria into the water.
- When learning how to prepare fish tank gravel, keep in mind that you should rinse it thoroughly to remove any chemicals or particles that can be harmful to fish and other tank dwellers. Take your time and make sure the water runs clear.
Warnings
- Never put gravel in your tank that is not labeled specifically for aquarium or fish tank use. Even if you prepare it, it can still cause illness and even death to the fish and other aquatic life in your tank.
- If you have any questions about which fish tank grave is best for the types of fish or tank dwellers you have, do not hesitate to ask a sales associate at your local pet or aquarium store for advice.
- Never put gravel that you find outdoors into your fish tank. It is not meant for fish tanks and can harm saltwater and freshwater fish and other tank dwellers.
Things You'll Need
- Fish tank or aquarium
- Fish tank gravel (sometimes labeled aquarium gravel)
- Colander or strainer
- Paper towels
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