Aquarium gravel is the classic fish tank floor. It holds plants and decorations in place, is easy to clean, and comes in many colours ranging from natural to vibrant shades. Choose fine, smooth fish tank gravel for a natural look, or coarser lava gravel for extra texture. Whichever gravel you pick for your fish tank, rinse well before adding to your tank.
Aquarium Gravel
Help and advice on shopping for: Aquarium Gravel
Get your tank off to the right start
Gravel is the most popular substrate for aquariums, and it's not hard to see why. Not only does it look good, but it suits almost every freshwater setup, and is simple to look after. With so many colours and grain sizes to choose from, you can completely customise your aquascape. Our range includes gravel from industry leading brands such as Hugo Kamishi, Dennerle, Marina, and Aqua One, plus our own Swell gravel.
What is aquarium gravel?
Aquarium gravel is a substrate made from small stones, usually a few millimeters in size. It is poured into your tank to form a base layer that holds plants and ornaments in place. It is typically made from natural stone, quartz, or other fish-safe materials, and may be left natural or coloured.
Why should I buy fish tank gravel?
Putting a layer of gravel at the base of your tank gives a natural floor for fish, preventing them being startled by their own reflections. It also provides surface area for beneficial bacteria that keep your tank healthy, helps to hold plants and décor in place, and finishes your aquascape. Gravel is easy to clean with a siphon as the grains are large enough for water to flow through.
What are the main types of aquarium gravel?
- Natural gravel: Earthy tones in browns, greys and tans for a riverbed look. Natural stone can contain minerals that affect your water, so check the product description
- Quartz gravel: Hard-wearing and usually inert, so it will not change your water chemistry. It is available in light, white, brown and dark tones
- Lava gravel: Porous volcanic gravel with a rough, natural texture, popular for aquascapes
- Coloured and decorative gravel: Coated gravel in bright pinks, blues, purples and mixed colours, made for aquariums and ideal for a bold, fun look or a kids' tank
- Specialist gravel: Some gravel is made for particular tanks, such as shrimp tanks, planted tanks and African cichlid tanks. For a wider choice of nutrient-rich growing media, see our planting substrates
What should I look for when buying aquarium gravel?
The first thing you need to consider is your species of fish. Smooth, rounded grains are best for bottom-dwellers that sift or rest on the substrate, while larger stones suit fish that like to dig and make caves. Make sure to check whether a gravel is inert: quartz will not change your water, but some natural stones and marble can dissolve slowly and raise hardness and pH, which is not always suitable for soft-water fish species. Then choose a colour. Darker gravel in a tropical tank helps colours stand out, while lighter gravel gives a bright, open look.
A layer of around 2 to 5 cm suits most tanks, but it can be a little deeper for planted tanks. Use our aquarium substrate calculator to work out how much you need, and rinse gravel thoroughly before it goes in. A gravel cleaner makes routine water changes quick and easy.
What else will I need?
Gravel is one of several options for your tank floor, so compare it with aquarium sand or browse all of our aquarium substrates. Add live aquarium plants and larger rocks and pebbles to complete the look.
Not sure which to choose? Our guide to the best aquarium substrate can help. Still choosing a tank? See our fish tanks or browse all of our aquarium decor.