Gravel is a type of aquarium substrate that you don’t often change. Yet, there are times when you need to change the gravel in your tank for ecosystem improvement. So, how often do you change gravel in a fish tank?
Honestly speaking, there’s no specific answer to this question as natural gravels last for many years.
But if you find out there are more microorganisms than usual, the fishes are behaving weirdly, the gravel layer has changed color, etc. then you should consider changing the gravel in a fish tank. Let’s talk in detail about this matter.
Is It Necessary To Change Aquarium Gravel?
Changing the gravel in the aquarium every now and then isn’t always necessary. Regular cleaning of the aquarium and other decorations leads to the underwater gravel lasting for years.
However, replacing old gravel does become mandatory when the ecosystem in the tank isn’t working well. You can see the signs by observing the fish’s behaviors and the color of the water.
If you don’t change aquarium gravel when it’s necessary, then some unusual stuff might happen sooner. Here are the primary issues you can have by keeping bad gravel in the fish tank.
- If the gravel layer starts to accumulate a heavy amount of nitrates and pollutants; it might occur due to skipping tank maintenance for months.
- When the fish used to go near the gravel, always try to stay on top of the tank.
- If the gravel has lost its natural color.
- If the water is getting colored even after regular changes.
- When the symptoms of a broken nitrogen cycle are clearly pointed out.
All these issues can cause ecosystem breakdown in your aquarium. Before too many of those issues arrive, you better change the gravel ASAP.
How Often To Change Gravel In A Fish Tank?
Gravel stones, which are pretty small, shouldn’t be a bother. You don’t have to change them even for a decade. But larger stones or concrete do require replacements. Although the exact lifespan of gravel isn’t revealed yet, you can assume larger gravel stones last at least a year if left at their normal state without any cleanup according to many pet store owners who sell commercial gravel and substrates for tanks.
To help you be more specific, let’s talk about the primary reasons why aquarists change gravel in their fish tanks.
Corrosion
Due to an overpopulated environment, the substrates can get affected and corroded. Aquarists change gravel when the gravel starts to corrode and helps detritus worms to live.
Fading Color
Some market gravel even comes with artificial colors. If the color gets worn out, the outlook of the gravel might not be eye-catching as before. At this time, gravel has changed completely.
Rise of Nitrogen Level
Sometimes, gravel fails to break down the fish wastes to produce good nitrates for the fish. Due to this, the ammonia density in the water rises. Replacing gravel for ammonia conversion becomes mandatory in this situation.
Change of Mind
Change of mind can also be a reason for changing gravel. We know that gravel contains some good bacteria for the ecosystem. But it takes months for the gravel layer to grow such bacteria.
So, you can easily change even a new gravel layer that is less than a couple of months old for better decoration.
Redecoration
The most common reason for aquarists to change gravel is to redecorate the aquarium. The color, shape, or density of the old gravel might not be suitable for the new tank design.
At this point, people take risks to break the stable underwater environment and add new gravel stones.
Why Do You Need Gravel in Your Fish Tank?
Using gravel is not only for showcasing. There are many more benefits you get from an ideal layer of gravel at the bottom of your aquarium. It’s time to point out the facts by using gravel in a fish tank.
Decoration in Budget
Among several types of substrates available for aquariums, gravel is one of the cheapest and most suitable options to use. There are tons of different gravel variants available in the local markets.
Also, implementing gravel with the correct shapes and colors makes it almost a natural-looking tank environment for fish and plants.
Good for Aquatic Plants
Some deep-rooted plants need better support for their roots. Gravel layers help those plants to allow the roots firmly grab the base and be more productive.
Safe Place for Bacteria Colonies
Fish food and waste can create colonies for good bacteria. These beneficial microorganisms can keep the aquarium environment normal by breaking the compounds that can’t be broken easily.
Fish’s Stress-Free Environment
If the ground of the tank stays naked, the whole interior would look artificial, and fish or turtles might get stressed due to that. To make them feel more at home, using gravel and sand is a must.
How Much Gravel Does an Aquarium Need?
Universally, the ideal measurement for gravel in fish tanks is a pound for every gallon. For example, a 10-gallon fish tank would not require more than 10 pounds of gravel.
The amount of gravel per gallon might increase or decrease depending on the type of decoration you want or the variant of gravel you’re opting to use.
However, for more precise measurement and distribution, you can go to Giga Calculator. But note that you would need at least 1.5 times more gravel than usual if you’re also adding some aquatic plants to your aquarium.
How Can You Tell If New Gravel Will Harm Your Fish?
Sometimes, fish and other underwater beings in your aquarium can reject the newly bedded gravel layer. You wouldn’t know it by your bare eyes so quickly.
To know the fact more properly,
- First, test the tank water using any kit found on the market. Note the numbers on your phone.
- Then, put some new gavel in a small pot with the mouth opened and place it inside the water. Make sure the new gravel doesn’t get split.
- After 7-10 days, test the water again. If you see any drastic changes between the previous record and the new record, you better stop thinking of this new gravel.
Some Pro Tips to Keep Your Aquarium Substances Clean and Safe
- Rinse your gravel properly before bedding them in the aquarium.
- Always try to use gravel types certified by state pet authorities.
- Gravel with artificial paints isn’t always safe. Try to avoid such products if possible.
- Clean tank substrates once every week or two increase their lifespan and ensure a clean underwater ecosystem.
FAQs
So, you’ve now known when is the right time to replace old gravel with a new substrate. Apart from that, there are some other relevant questions that we should answer for you. Here are the common ones.
Can you put new gravel over the old in the aquarium?
You can add new gravel over the old substrate layer if the old gravel is good enough to stay. But we’d suggest cleaning the old gravel too before adding a new one on top.
Do you need to rinse new gravel before putting it inside the fish tank?
Yes, it’s a mandatory process. If you rinse and clean the new gravel before bedding, you ensure the new substrate layer won’t harm or mess up the existing ecosystem.
Can I use backyard stones as gravel in my aquarium?
Absolutely not! Backyard gravels can contain minerals that fish always reject. Also, the pH level is sure to fluctuate when you’re using backyard garden stones.
Can aquatic plants keep the gravel clean?
Every aquatic plant would consume nutrients from fish waste and food. So, there’s less chance of waste deposit at the bottom over the gravel if you’ve kept aquatic plants inside the tank.
Final Words
Changing aquarium gravel is rarely necessary. You can always fix relevant issues by cleaning up the gravel and other substrates or decorations.
Nonetheless, there are times when replacing the old gravel layer becomes mandatory that we’ve already pointed out.
Thus, we hope you take the notes under considerations and compare with your tank’s state to know whether you should also change the tank gravel or not.