Setting up a new aquarium is exciting, but figuring out how much gravel you need can be tricky. Let’s dive into a simple method to calculate the perfect amount of gravel for your fish tank.
The Basic Formula
To calculate the amount of gravel needed for your fish tank, use this formula:
Gravel Weight (kg) = (Length × Width) ÷ 10 ÷ 2.2
Where:
- Length and width are in inches
- The result is in kilograms (kg)
- This calculation assumes a standard 2-inch gravel depth, which is suitable for most aquariums
“Always round up slightly when purchasing gravel to ensure you have enough.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Measure Your Tank: Determine the length and width of your aquarium in inches.
Multiply Length by Width: This gives you the surface area of your tank bottom.
Divide by 10: This step adjusts for the 2-inch depth.
Divide by 2.2: This converts the result to kilograms.
Use Our Gravel Calculator
Example Calculation
Let’s say you have a tank that’s 30 inches long and 12 inches wide:
- 30 × 12 = 360 square inches
- 360 ÷ 10 = 36
- 36 ÷ 2.2 ≈ 16.4 kg
So, you’d need approximately 16.4 kg of gravel for this tank.
Adjusting for Different Depths
If you want a different gravel depth, you can adjust the calculation:
- For 1-inch depth: Divide the final result by 2
- For 3-inch depth: Multiply the final result by 1.5