Question: Is Gravel Necessary?
Most people assume the gravel, or substrate, is only there to make their aquarium more attractive. If that is the case, is it a necessity or not?
Sand or gravel made from the basalt is pretty stable and probably safe for aquariums.
The Gravel Vacuum
Siphoning Your Aquarium Water and Cleaning Your Aquarium Gravel
What is a Gravel Vacuum?
Undergravel sponge filters. Since we originally prepared this article, we have experimented with using and selling Dirt Magnet TM sponge filters in many of our setups.
Undergravel Cable Heaters: Keeping Them Below the Substrate
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith
Q.
Gravel size does matter for use with an undergravel filter, but it is pretty straightforward. Surface area per unit weight is inversely related to particle size- the smaller the average particle, the more surface there is in a pound of particles.
Python Gravel Washers - No-Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Kits and Accessories ...
DIY "Tiny Tank" Gravel Vaccuum
DIY "Tiny Tank" Gravel Vaccuum
By: Jubs ...
Gravel still
adds more weight. Unfortunately if a filled aquarium is either moved or placed on a stand
which is weak or not level, the twisting stress on the glass is likely to result in breakage
& leaks.
by James M. Kostich The Undergravel Filtration Controversy
Related links
General Freshwater Forums ...
Gravel
If your tank uses a UGF, you are limited to gravel with pebble size of about 1 cm or more, and cannot use additives on it because the filter removes them from the gravel and throws them into the water.
Gravel Cleaners
Gravel cleaners are an indispensable part of efficient water changes. The larger diameter of the tube reduces the suction of the drain hose, causing the gravel to be lifted only partway up the tube.
Gravel
Gravel is by far the most common substrate used in the hobby. It comes in a multitude of colors and is often favored by young children for this very reason. It also comes in various particles sizes.
Gravel and thick sand
These are used as pre-filtration media to trap the largest pieces of debris, especially in the external filters.
Gravel vac- this is attached to the end of the syphon tube to help remove debris from the gravel.
Gravel: Basic bedding for any aquariums, make sure you have enough in your tank.
Gonopodium: An modified anal fin which is elongated. Only appears on the males, which helps to fertilize the females.
Gravel Turning Into Rock
Some aquarists have reported a problem with gravel fusing into a solid mass of rock.
Undergravel Filter. This type usually comes with the aquarium kits available at pet stores. It is made up of slotted plates that cover the floor of the tank, and has uplift tubes built in to each plate.
Undergravel Filter: This filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration. It uses a few long, plastic tubes attached to a perforated plate on the bottom that is covered with gravel to pull water through the gravel.
With Gravel/Filter Media from an Established Tank
This method is this author's favorite method of cycling a tank.
Undergravel filters are the most common type of biological filter and work by pulling water down through a bed of gravel at the bottom of the aquarium and pulling it up through the uplift tubes.
Undergravel Filter: This type of filter involves a few long, plastic tubes which remain upright in the aquarium and are attached to a plate on the bottom. In each tube is an air stone attached to an air pump.
Undergravel Filters: A filtration system that provides both mechanical and biological filtration. It consists of a plate that is placed underneath the gravel.
Under Gravel Filters are readily available. They provide one of the best methods of biological filtration. An air pump provides circulation, which draws water through the gravel.
Under-Gravel Filters: This was the first true biological filter invented for the aquarium.
Under Gravel Filter System
Under gravel filters have been around for probably 20 years. If you decide too use an undergravel filter I would recommend using it in conjunction with an outside power filter.
Under-gravel Filters - These are plastic-slotted plates placed at the bottom of the tank, under the substrate. For best results, these plates must cover the whole tank floor.
Under gravel Filter (UGF) - Basically it is a perforated plate or series of joined perforated tubes which is placed under the aquarium gravel.
under-gravel filter - A type of filter placed under the substrate that utilizes an air pump or power head to pull water through the gravel and thus oxygenates the bacteria to help in the nitrogen cycle. Not recommended for live plant tanks.
Gravel: One or two inches of sand gravel is required to anchor plants. Too much of gravel accumulates waste matter and tend to pollute the aquarium.
Fish Books ...
Gravel is recommended for the substrate. While neutral water is tolerable these fish do like a slightly alkaline water. Keep with other small community fish that don't nip fins.
Gravel is really not necessary, though you can add some gravel but not too much. Make sure to buy those that have not been treated with chemicals. Wash the gravel first before putting them inside the tank to get rid of any contaminants including dust.
Gravel
Fine sea gravel, 0,5 mm was selected from a specific beach that was of a very specific dark black and brown coloration.
Gravel is also an option. Do not put it in the tanks used for transport as it can damage the fish. If you wish to use it carry it separate. Sometimes it helps a nervous fish if the bottom is covered with gravel.
Gravel.
I know some people prefer a bare bottomed tank for ease of cleaning. But the surface of glass in a tank isn't a great media for nitrifying bacteria to grow on, though you will get some.
Add gravel, plants, decorations, etc.
4.
Set up and position filter and heater. DO NOT PLUG INTO POWER.
Undergravel and Canister filters have been around for 30 years. They work quite well and are installed quite easily. Wet Dry Trickle filters may be more complicated in their plumbing needs but they offer much greater effectiveness in their ability.
Open gravel swimming space preferably shaded by large broadleaf plants. A large open cave for refuge also helps settle in these fish. They may sit inactive for periods of time when resting, but will always venture forth for food.
Compatibility ...
Undergravel filters also work biologically, but are not as convenient to use in this instance.
Under gravel Filter - A filter that works by sucking the water through the gravel then up a tube and back to the top of the aquarium. This provides both mechanical and biological filtration. Click here to read our filtration guide.
V ...
2. The gravel goes into the aquarium first along with the plant fertilizer.
3. Next install the aquarium filter making sure that the intake and the outtake are kept as far from each other as possible. The outside filter should be filled now.
b) Undergravel filters
These consist of a specially designed plate which is placed under the gravel and one or more air-lift tubes into which are introduced air lines connected to the aerator (pump).
1 - Mini Gravel Cleaner (1" x 12" Tube)
1 - UGV Filter Stack Head (with grates)
Air Tubing (Approx - 6 FT)
Air Tubing Suction Cups
1" Heater Clip/Suction Cup
Fittings... 1 Tee / 1 Plug for Air Tubing ...
2. Vacuum gravel and perform a 20% water change on the tank(s) to be moved. Discard waste water.
3. Find and sterilize enough containers to hold all of the aquarium and filtration water (Preferably plastic based.) ...
Easy Clean gravel vacuums have a quick-start siphon feature and a bucket clip for easier use. Designed to offer easy use and efficient cleaning, Hagen Gravel Vacuums are a favorite of hobbyists. Quick-start feature gets the siphon going.
Most of the gravel sold for aquariums is plastic coated. For obvious reasons, you should not boil it. :-) It is also very expensive ($1 a pound). Gravel can be purchased for much less at patio stores (e.g.
Regular Inert Gravel
$10-15 for a 20lb bag
Believe it or not, regular intert gravel can also be used quite successfully as a planted aquarium substrate.
Vacuum the gravel bed. If there is uneaten food lying around (from your old feeding habits) or if you stir the gravel and clouds of detritus occur, this may be the source of an ammonia problem.
Sand or smooth gravel substrate, with a few larger rounded stones and bogwood caves for refuges.
Compatibility
Generally OK for the larger community tank, likely to be territorial with other Synodontis catfish.
Supplies:
Gravel vacuum or old toothbrush to regularly clean the bottom.
Related Articles
Related Products ...
Guppies prefer dark graveled tank bottoms and lots of leafy plants are needed to protect the young from being eaten. A female may also retreat to the plants when it's time to give birth.
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Aerated water is the term that is given to mixing the output of an air pump with water in a chimney such as the riser stem of an Undergravel filter or the stack from an internal box or sponge filter. When air is bubbled into a riser stem.
The substrate should be sand, although fine gravel is acceptable.
WATER : pH 7-8.5 (7.5), 10-30 dH (14), 75-86°F (24-30°C). A 1-1.5% addition of salt is recommended. Add 7.5-11 tsp. of salt for every 10 gallons (10-15 g/10 L).
Maintain a shallow gravel layer, natural aquarium gravel #2-3, up to 1/2" deep and to have Corydoras to keep it leftover-food free.
Half the tank has small smooth gravel, while the other is a nice neutral sand. I had begun to raise ghost shrimp in the tank, and placed some snails in there as well. I supplemented them with bloodworms and the occasional clam.
A fish tank with a light unit ,filter, thermometer, heater, air pump, gravel, plants, rocks or wood, net, algae scrapper, water conditioner, fish food.
STEP1 ...
Many people use an undergravel heater to help the nutrients dissolve into the gravel, I have not yet found a need for one of these. For this set up you will require adequate lighting.
First you need to wash the gravel very well, it will take a while (For example: I bought a 70 Gallon and I bought 134lbs, (I only used half of it) It took me 4 hours to wash that gravel, but I must admit that it was really dirty.
Substrate should be fine gravel, similar to what you would find in their natural habitat.
Sand, gravel, formulated substrates and bare bottoms are all used to successfully keep dwarfs and most hobbyists will argue in favor of the method they use. I do a little of several things but almost never do I use bare bottom tanks.
 See also: Fish, Water, Aquarium, Plants, Species
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