How to Choose Ground Cover for an Aquarium

Yet another consideration for the new aquarium enthusiast.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Using gravel is the most common way of covering the bottom of an aquarium. It comes in many colors and sizes. Keep in mind that dark gravel better highlights the colors of your fish.

2. Try sand as well if you aren't using an undergravel filter. Sand may clog a filter, so ask your fish dealer about the compatibility before using.

3. Be careful when using coral, sea shells and limestone. They release chemicals into the water that may harm fish.

4. Use crushed coral, dolomite or argonite in a saltwater tank instead of gravel. They are calcareous and good for the marine environment.

5. Wash your ground covers thoroughly before putting them into the tank by putting them in a bucket and running warm water through them. Stir up the water to get the impurities moving around. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that gravel is not only decorative, but helps keep the plants anchored.
• Decorations made of glass, ceramic, or plastic are generally safe. Some woods ' particularly store-bought driftwood - will release chemicals into the water and should be avoided.
• Don't boil aquarium gravel if it's plastic-coated.

on 11/22/2005 Some fish require different coverings. My Fire Eel buries himself, so I use fine sand. This is so he will not damage himself on the sharp points some gravels have. My Oscar will move the gravel around, so I use heavier gravel. Keep in mind that different fish will require different substrates.

on 11/22/2005 Don't put sand in a goldfish tank. Goldfish like to pick up mouthfuls of substrate, looking for food particles. They will consume some of the sand. Needless to say, that can be dangerous, but then, while expelling it from their mouths, they may blow it into your filter and jam or break the wheels.