Mike’s Fish Tank – Gravel

Fresh water substrates come in a variety of colors and grain sizes. Colored gravels are coated with a layer of waterproof paint, and natural gravels may be covered with a clear layer of plastic. Both types of gravel are coated to prevent the gravel from coming into physical contact with the water and creating a chemical reaction between the minerals in the substrate and the water.

Since many minerals are water soluble, this is a good thing. Inert or coated gravel is the right choice in most freshwater environments. There is a rainbow of colored gravels to choose from. Most are single colors but there are some bi-colored gravels to choose from. Most companies have at least one multi-colored gravel. Grain size is usually a “Number 2”, anything larger is usually called a pebble gravel. The most common type of gravel sold is natural, not painted or dyed.

Gravel color is important to fish, maybe even more important than it is to people. Most fish in a freshwater habitat seem to prefer a dark or natural gravel while marine or brackish-water species are used to white or light colored gravel. Keep in mind that many fish will not color up properly if the substrate clashes with their body colors.

Cave dwelling fish will shun the reflection given off from a light substrate. Neutral gravel is good for tanks that house a community of fish exhibiting many different colors, shapes and sizes.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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