How much substrate in tank?

Can someone tell me how much sand/gravel I need in the bottom of my tank? I have heard anywhere from !/2 inch to 1 inch per 10gallons of water? Also, is sand or gravel better? Thanx

 

substrates are varied in

this all depends on the species of fish as to the best type of substrate as behaviours differ so greatly, i had sand for a while but my catfish stirred it up so much most of it ended up in my filter so i changed to rea small gravel. you need to ensure that whatever you use that it is moved around regularly by your fish or by yourself when cleaning otherwise you will get stagnant/ dead areas within it

this is my opinion only and im sure others will correct me if i am wrong

Jason

 

what i have heard before and practice myself is one pound of gravel per gallon.....so 55 gallon would need 55 pounds of gravel.....the meaning is lsot with tall tanks though