| Aquarium gravel can play an important role in | | | | recreate the natural environment of these fish. Then |
| maintaining the habitat that is your fish tank. It can | | | | the gravel must be rich in nutrients and be firm |
| be used as part of the filtration system, as a nutrient | | | | enough to allow roots to take hold. |
| rich substrate for plants or to change the properties | | | | The gravel commonly used for this purpose is titled |
| in the water. In most cases however it is there | | | | lime free gravel. Lime or calcium carbonate is the |
| purely for decorative reasons. People like to see a | | | | principle component that causes hard water. If you |
| gravel bottom because it makes the tank look better | | | | were to put gravel that was composed of calcium |
| and often offsets the colors of the fish. It also | | | | carbonate in then the water it would turn the water |
| provides the fish with more things to do which | | | | alkaline over time and could cause stress or ill health |
| makes better viewing for the Aquarist and his/her | | | | to your fish. |
| friends. | | | | Lime free gravel is usually quartz or man made. |
| The type of gravel you want in your fish tank is also | | | | Quartz gravel is ideal for plants as it collects nutrients |
| determined by the type of animal and plant life that | | | | and allows roots to take hold. You can also layer the |
| you want in your tank. If you are looking for gravel | | | | substrate so that the base is lime free material and |
| for soft water this is generally because you have fish | | | | the top levels are more nutrient rich to encourage |
| that are suited to soft water. Common fish include | | | | plant growth. Another consideration if you have |
| South American Cichlids like Discus and Angel fish. | | | | bottom dwelling fish is to have smooth edged gravel |
| You may also want to have plants in you tank to | | | | so that the fish don't get damaged. |