Gravel & Décor
Gravel is more than just a decoration. It is a filtering medium that plays an important role in maintaining healthy bacteria growth in aquariums.
There are guidelines to keep in mind:
- Always wash the gravel with hot water before putting it in the aquarium.
- Do not skimp on gravel. Using the right amount of gravel is essential.
- About 1/8" (2-3mm) in pebble size is about right.
- Use enough gravel to provide a depth of about 1½ to 2 inches (or 1 pound of gravel per gallon).
- Gravel that is too fine will clog undergravel filter systems and does not allow for adequate water flow, which can lead to a buildup of the wrong type of bacteria.
- Gravel that is too large allows room for uneaten food to become embedded, creating a source of water pollution.
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Be aware that some species have special gravel requirements. Refer to
PETCO's Care Sheets for specifics.
Décor
Finally, when you add
decorations to your aquarium, there are some factors to consider:
- Thoroughly clean all decorations with hot water before putting them in the aquarium.
- Use decorations sparingly, as they displace water.
- Use only decorations designed for aquarium use.
- Decorations should be placed to the side and near the back of the aquarium, which allows for less crowded swimming areas and greater visibility of fish.
