how much gravel?

[XRAYZ]

how many pounds of gravel should i buy for my future tank?

it will have a footprint of 72" long and 30" wide. i would like to use fine smooth gravel (2-3mm) with desired depth aprox. 2" of substrate.

thanx in advance,
ray

 

[HarleyK]

72" long and 30" wide. aprox. 2" of substrate.

Let's do it metric:

183 x 76 x 5 cm^3 = 70 liter

1 L gravel = 2 kg

--> you need 140 kg = 310 lbs


HarleyK

 

[joeytoe]

Ive always done a pound of gravel for every gallon of water.

 

[Chizzow]

I grabbed this formula off another site:

The formula I use it to calculate the size in square inches of the bottom of your tank and multiply by .1. So for a standard 90 gallon tank you get 48” x 18” = 864 square inches x .1 = 86.4 lbs. of gravel.

 

[gomezladdams]

1lb per gallon always works for me less for tall tanks more for shallow

 

[Scottfree]

I would start with 100 lbs see where that gets you....

 

[rkc772]

Ive always done a pound of gravel for every gallon of water.

i agree!

 

[ROSS]

Lot's of gravel equal lot's of wieght .... depending on method of filtration( hang on back or wet /dry) gravel is an option , mere decoration.. but!!, you'll never see a bare bottom river or lake ! .. so a lite layer mabe half to quarter inch ... again what method of filtration are going with??? I would assume large sump/wet dry system correct me if I'am wrong...

also size of gravel is a considration ,it's risky to put large fish with small gravel they can get impacted ( swallow substrate) and die ...

and color, what ever is clever for you , but IMO blaze orange is a no no ..your fish will have trouble sleeping because it's so brite...

good luck

 

[jsodwi]

one pound per gallon unless you have some crazy tank where it isway taller than length and width

 

[Joe Fish]

my tank measures 72 x 20 x 25 150 lbs of gravel gives me aprox 4 inches deep