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No you do not. However if the tank is freshwater, it is definitely recommended that you have something with a large surface area present in the tank. This is the only thing that makes gravel useful. Bacteria grow on the surface of the gravel, and those bacteria break down fish wastes. This is why many filters come with a wheel of some sort; they're trying to increase surface area in order to promote more bacteria growth.
If you're doing freshwater, I'd recommend using gravel or some other substrate in the tank. If you're doing saltwater, I'd still recommend a substrate (live sand) unless you're experienced. If you do not have sand in the tank, you have to perform regular cleaning to remove wastes from the tank to prevent toxic buildups.
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What is an aquarium substrate?
Its the rock, sand, gravel, whatever on the bottom of an aquarium.
Do goldfish need gravel inside an aquarium?
Gravel is not essential for goldfish, but it can provide a natural environment and anchor plants in the aquarium. However, make sure the gravel is large enough to prevent the goldfish from accidentally ingesting it, which can cause health problems. Regular gravel cleaning is also necessary to maintain water quality.
Where can one purchase gravel for an aquarium?
Gravel for an aquarium can be purchased online at sites such as Amazon, Pet Solutions, Petco, Pet Smart, and eBay. Additionally, gravel may be purchased in stores such as Petco and Pet Smart.
Why is aquarium gravel bad for fish?
Aquarium gravel is simply gravel that goes in the bottom of your aquarium. You can also use sand instead of gravel. The gravel has several purposes: It makes your tank look nice, it hides waste (which is why you should gravel vacuum once a month or so), and it provides surface area for good bacteria to live on. It comes in many colors, including brown, white, black, and neon colors.
What are undergravel aquarium filters?
An under gravel aquarium filter is one where the filter is located beneath the gravel. The filter is responsible for keeping the tank oxygenated and looks better out of sight.
What is the chemical composition of aquarium gravel?
Aquarium gravel is typically made from natural or synthetic materials such as quartz, granite, or plastic resin. These materials are inert and do not release harmful chemicals into the water. It is important to choose aquarium gravel that is safe for aquatic life and does not affect water parameters.
Can you kill aquarium snails by baking the gravel at 550 degrees?
Yes, At that temperature you wil probably kill the gravel as well.
Is it ok not to put anything at the bottom of aquarium?
I would say yes it would be ok not to put anything at the bottom of the aquarium. Gravel, stone and plastics are usually used for appearance. If it is a freshwater aquarium and if you plan on using live plants then gravel is necessary.If it is a salt water aquarium then it is necessary to use live rock and live stone.
Does pea gravel work?
Pea gravel works if you use it at the bottom of an aquarium. You can also use it to make walkways and other concrete surfaces.
How come goldfish in an aquarium swallow the gravel and then spit it out?
Because they are looking for food and may pick up gravel as they slurp their way along the bottom of the tank.
Can you put substrate suitable for plants over colored gravel in a freshwater aquarium?
Yes. You can layer substrate in any tank. However, if your plants can grow fine in gravel, they can grow fine in colored gravel, just make sure the colored gravel is safe for aquariums.
What is the best type of stone to line the bottom of an aquarium?
Anything labeled safe for aquarium use. Beyond that, it depends on what type of fish you are keeping, and whether or not you have plants, for which type of aquarium substrate (gravel or other lining for the bottom) should be used.
