Best Aquarium Gravel of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Aquarium gravel is a popular accessory for fish tanks and aquariums. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing aquarium owners to create unique and visually appealing environments for their fish. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics of the aquarium, but it also serves practical purposes such as providing a substrate for beneficial bacteria to grow and aiding in the filtration process. Aquarium gravel is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great addition to any aquarium setup.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Complements GloFish Tanks Cover #TOP 1
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Complements GloFish Tanks
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AquaNatural Diamond Black Aquarium Gravel Cover #TOP 2
AquaNatural Diamond Black Aquarium Gravel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Aqua Natural Midnight Pearl Gravel Cover #TOP 3
Aqua Natural Midnight Pearl Gravel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Aquarium Gravel

#TOP 1

GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Complements GloFish Tanks

29084
5 LBS
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Complements GloFish Tanks Cover
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Fish Tank Gravel, Black With Fluorescent Accents, Compliments GloFish Tanks, 5 lb Bag

GloFish Aquarium Gravel is a colorful base for all your GloFish ornaments. You can choose from a range of colors such as pink, green, white, black with fluorescent accents, or a mix of colors. Fluorescent-accented gravel stands out under GloFish blue LED lights, highlighting your tank. You can use it as a substrate or accent along with GloFish plants and ornaments to create a complete underwater fluorescent experience.

What We Like
Bright colored stones
Enhances glow under black light
Easy to clean and use
Good value for money
Long-lasting enjoyment
What We Don't Like
Smaller size than expected
Possible silica content concerns
#TOP 2

AquaNatural Diamond Black Aquarium Gravel

Aqua Natural
DIAMOND010
Black
10LB
AquaNatural Diamond Black Aquarium Gravel Cover
Aqua Natural Diamond Black 10lb, Premium Gravel and Substrate for Aquariums, Fish Tanks and terrariums, 1-2mm

AquaNatural Diamond Black Aquarium Gravel is a 100% natural substrate that is safe for aquariums and fish tanks. With a large surface area, it promotes good bacteria growth and is great for aquatic plants. Its 1-2mm size contrasts well with a planted tank, giving it an attractive look.

What We Like
Natural appearance
Easy to clean
Good for live plants
Affordable price
Colorful and visually appealing
What We Don't Like
Small size may clog filters
Dusty, needs multiple rinses
#TOP 3

Aqua Natural Midnight Pearl Gravel

Aqua Natural
MID010
Brown
Small
Aqua Natural Midnight Pearl Gravel Cover
Aqua Natural Midnight Pearl 10lb Gravel Substrate for aquascaping, Aquariums, vivariums and terrariums 2-4mm, Brown, Small

The Aqua Natural Gravel is a top-tier choice for your aquascaping needs. It's triple washed and kiln dried, ensuring that you receive one of the cleanest substrates available, free from toxins and foreign materials. With a consistent size of 2-4mm, this gravel provides a uniform look that enhances the visual appeal of your aquarium. Ethically sourced from New Zealand, you can feel good about your purchase. This gravel creates a stunning natural riverbed appearance, adding depth and texture to your aquatic environment, making it a perfect fit for aquariums, vivariums, and terrariums alike.

What We Like
Nice natural look
Easy to clean
Variety of colors
Great for plants
Good size for small tanks
What We Don't Like
Requires multiple rinses
#TOP 4

GloFish Fluorescent Aquarium Gravel

29085
No Color
GloFish Fluorescent Aquarium Gravel Cover
GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Pink/Green/Blue Fluorescent, 5-Pound, Bag Pink/Green/Blue Fluorescent, 4 x 5 x 9 inches ; 5 pounds (29085)

GloFish Gravel offers a vibrant foundation for your aquarium, enhancing the beauty of your GloFish ornaments. You can choose from a variety of colors like pink, green, and black, allowing you to customize the look of your tank. This gravel shines brightly under GloFish blue LED lights, creating an eye-catching underwater glow. It can be used as a substrate or as an accent, perfectly complementing GloFish plants and decorations. Elevate your aquarium experience with this colorful and functional gravel.

What We Like
Vibrant and bright colors
Easy to use
Good for live plants
Great for small tanks
Looks amazing under black light
What We Don't Like
Not easy to clean
Potential toxicity issues
#TOP 5

Aqua Natural Gold Pearl Gravel

Aqua Natural
GOLD020
Gold
Aqua Natural Gold Pearl Gravel Cover
Aqua Natural Gold Pearl 20lb Gravel Substrate for aquascaping, Aquariums, vivariums and terrariums 2-4mm

The Aqua Natural Gravel offers a pristine substrate option for your aquascaping projects. This gravel is triple washed and kiln dried, ensuring that it is free from toxins and foreign materials, making it safe for your aquatic life. With a consistent size of 2-4mm, it provides an aesthetically pleasing and uniform look in your aquarium. Ethically sourced from New Zealand, this gravel not only supports sustainable practices but also enhances your tank's natural beauty, mimicking a riverbed environment. The lighter highlights create a textured, three-dimensional appearance, making it an excellent choice for aquariums, vivariums, and terrariums.

What We Like
Beautiful natural colors
Very clean, minimal rinsing
Excellent value for money
Great for aquatic plants
What We Don't Like
Needs a rinse before use
#TOP 6

Imagitarium Aquarium Gravel Substrate

K215494
Black
Imagitarium Aquarium Gravel Substrate Cover
imagitarium Aquarium Gravel Substrate Frosted Black 20 lbs.

The Imagitarium Gravel Substrate is a special black aquarium substrate that helps create a positive natural environment for your aquatic pets. This substrate promotes the growth of healthy bacteria, which is essential for breaking down waste and reducing the amount of unhealthy debris in the water. By providing a suitable habitat, the Imagitarium Gravel Substrate ensures the well-being of your fish and other aquatic creatures. With its unique frosted black color, it adds a visually appealing touch to your aquarium. Enhance the health and beauty of your underwater world with the Imagitarium Gravel Substrate.

What We Like
Smooth and attractive appearance
No dust when rinsed
Good size for fish safety
Fast shipping
Color matches advertisement
What We Don't Like
Small bag size for large tanks
Requires multiple washings
#TOP 7

AquaNatural Gold Pearl 10lb Gravel Substrate

Aqua Natural
GOLD010
Gold
10lb
AquaNatural Gold Pearl 10lb Gravel Substrate Cover
Aqua Natural Gold Pearl 10lb Gravel Substrate for Aquariums, terrariums and vivariums, 2-4mm

AquaNatural Gold Pearl 10lb Gravel Substrate is a 100% natural, aquarium-safe, and triple-washed substrate that is unique to New Zealand. It comes in 2-4mm size, perfect for aquariums, terrariums, and vivariums.

What We Like
Easy to rinse clean
Beautiful colors and shapes
Natural look for aquariums
Good size for decor stability
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Some bags not as described
May need additional washing
#TOP 8

Spectrastone Turquoise Aquarium Gravel

40511
Turquoise
5 pound
Spectrastone Turquoise Aquarium Gravel Cover
Spectrastone Special Turquoise Aquarium Gravel for Freshwater Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag

Spectrastone Aquarium Gravel is designed specifically for freshwater aquariums, ensuring a safe environment for your fish. This gravel will not alter the pH levels of your tank, allowing you to maintain a stable habitat for your aquatic life. Its non-toxic coating guarantees that it won't harm your fish or plants, giving you peace of mind as you set up your aquarium. With this gravel, you can enhance the aesthetic of your tank while providing a natural substrate for your fish to thrive in. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful and safe aquatic environment.

What We Like
Awesome color
Easy to rinse
Affordable price
Enhances tank appearance
Happy fish and critters
What We Don't Like
May affect water color
#TOP 9

Imagitarium Blue Jean Gravel 20 lbs

K215470
Blue
Imagitarium Blue Jean Gravel 20 lbs Cover
imagitarium Aquarium Gravel Substrate Blue Jean 20 lbs.

The Imagitarium Blue Jean Gravel is designed to create a vibrant and healthy environment for your aquarium. This substrate helps mimic a natural habitat, making your aquatic space more inviting. By encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, it effectively breaks down waste, keeping your tank cleaner. Additionally, it minimizes harmful debris in the water, ensuring a safer habitat for your fish and plants. With this gravel, you can enjoy a thriving aquarium with less hassle and maintenance.

What We Like
Vibrant color retention
Easy to clean
Great aesthetic appeal
Good mixing options
Timely shipment
What We Don't Like
Minor paint chipping
Requires careful cleaning
#TOP 10

Marina Purple Decorative Gravel

12388
Purple
1-Pound
Marina Purple Decorative Gravel Cover
Marina Decorative Gravel, 1-Pound, Purple

The Marina Purple Gravel is a vibrant addition to your aquarium, enhancing its visual appeal. This gravel not only adds a splash of color but also assists in stabilizing plants and decorations, ensuring they stay in place. Its epoxy coating means it won’t alter the water chemistry, keeping your aquatic environment safe for your fish. Whether used alone or combined with marbles, it helps you create a unique underwater landscape that reflects your style and enhances the character of your aquarium.

What We Like
Variety of colors
Good quality gravel
Easy to clean
No dust or dirt
Great price
What We Don't Like
Small bag size
Color discrepancies
Buying Guide Image

Decide Which Aquarium Gravel Are Best for Your Pets

Introduction

When it comes to setting up an aquarium, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right gravel. This small but vital component plays a crucial role in creating a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment for your fish. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of gravel is best for your aquarium. In this article, we will explore the various factors you should consider when choosing aquarium gravel, including size, color, and composition.

Size Matters

One of the first things to consider when choosing aquarium gravel is the size of the individual grains. Gravel size can range from fine sand to large pebbles, and the size you choose will depend on the type of fish you plan to keep. Smaller fish, such as neon tetras and betta fish, prefer a finer gravel that is easy for them to navigate. Larger fish, such as goldfish and cichlids, on the other hand, benefit from a larger gravel size that provides more stability and allows them to dig and forage.

Color Options

The color of aquarium gravel is also an important factor to consider. While some people prefer a natural looking gravel that closely resembles the colors and textures found in rivers and streams, others may prefer a more vibrant and colorful option. Bright colors can add a pop of visual interest to your aquarium, but it is important to make sure that the colors do not clash with the colors of your fish or plants.

Composition is Key

In addition to size and color, the composition of your aquarium gravel is also an important factor to consider. The most common types of aquarium gravel are made from a variety of materials, including natural stone, crushed coral, and ceramic. Natural stone gravel, such as slate or granite, is a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts because it is affordable and provides a natural looking substrate for plants to root in. Crushed coral gravel, on the other hand, is a good choice for aquariums that contain marine fish because it helps to maintain the proper pH levels in the water. Ceramic gravel, which is made from fired clay, is also a popular choice because it is easy to clean and does not affect water chemistry.

Conclusion

Choosing the right aquarium gravel is an important decision that will have a major impact on the overall health and appearance of your aquarium. By considering factors such as size, color, and composition, you can select a gravel that will provide a comfortable and attractive environment for your fish. With the right gravel, you can create a beautiful and thriving aquarium that will be a source of enjoyment for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What gravel should I use in my fish tank?

In our opinion, the best option is the Exotic Pebbles Polished Mixed Gravel. They are a non-toxic, natural, and attractive option for your fish tank. If you need to find something more cost-friendly, we recommended going with the Pure Water Pebbles Natural Aquarium Gravel.

2. Can I use normal gravel for fish tank?

The principal danger of using your own outdoor gravel and stones in an aquarium is the possibility that they contain calcium, which can alter the pH of aquarium water. But before testing, make sure to also wash the stones thoroughly to remove all loose grit and contaminants.

3. Whats better for fish tanks sand or gravel?

Gravel is the better choice for most freshwater aquariums. One of the major benefits of gravel is that it allows water to flow through it, preventing the buildup of amoebas and bacteria in the substrate. If allowed to build up for too long, these can sicken your fish and lead to an accumulation of aquarium mold.

4. How many inches of gravel do I need for a fish tank?

For most purposes, a gravel depth of 2 inches is sufficient for most fish tank setups. If you don't plan on putting live plants in your tank you can get away with 1 inch of gravel or even less in some situations.

Editor's Notes

During our aquarium gravel research, we found 24 aquarium gravel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 91,968 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aquarium gravel list. We found that most customers choose aquarium gravel with an average price of $18.57.

The aquarium gravel are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aquarium gravel, including GloFish, Aqua Natural, imagitarium, Spectrastone, Marina. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Aquarium Gravel Comparison Table

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#TOP10
Brand GloFish Aqua Natural Aqua Natural GloFish Aqua Natural imagitarium Aqua Natural Spectrastone imagitarium Marina
Item Weight 5 pounds 10 pounds 9.9 pounds 5 pounds 19.8 pounds 20 pounds 10 pounds 5 pounds 20 pounds -
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 9.2 x 6.46 x 2.55 inches 12.28 x 8.46 x 3.07 inches 12.87 x 8.78 x 2.24 inches 9.21 x 6.61 x 2.17 inches 14.5 x 10.4 x 3.7 inches 15.5 x 12 x 1.75 inches 13.74 x 8.74 x 2.36 inches 9.45 x 6.77 x 1.97 inches 17 x 10 x 3 inches -
Item Dimensions LxWxH 5 x 4 x 9 inches 12.5 x 10.63 x 2.5 inches 13.39 x 2.36 x 8.66 inches 4 x 5 x 9 inches 14 x 10 x 2.5 inches 15.5 x 12 x 1.75 inches 12.5 x 10.63 x 2.5 inches 10 x 7.25 x 1.5 inches 15.5 x 12 x 1.75 inches -
Brand Name GloFish Aqua Natural Aqua Natural GloFish Aqua Natural imagitarium Aqua Natural Spectrastone imagitarium -
Target Audience Keyword GloFish, fish fish, Fish Reptiles, fish, Fish GloFish, fish Reptiles, fish, Fish fish reptiles, fish fish fish -
Color Black With Fluorescent Highlights Black Brown No Color Gold Black Gold Turquoise Blue -
Size 5 LBS 10LB Small 4 x 5 x 9 inches ; 5 pounds - 20 Pound (Pack of 1) 10lb 5 pound 20 Pound (Pack of 1) -
Model Name Aquarium Gravel Diamond Black Quartz Midnight Pearl GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Pink/Green/Blue Fluorescent, 5-Pound, Bag Pink/Green/Blue Fluorescent, 4 x 5 x 9 inches ; 5 pounds (29085) Gold Pearl - Gold Pearl 10lb 468142 - -
Age Range Description All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages - All Life Stages Adolescent - -
Specific Uses for Product Active Aquarium Substrate Active Indoor Active - Aquarium Substrate Parasites - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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