Aquarium substrate calculator
Find how many pounds of gravel, sand or soil it takes to cover the bottom of your tank.
Substrate you need
0lb
- In kilograms
- 0 kg
- 20 lb bags
- 0
Enter the length and width of your tank.
How deep should substrate be
- One to two inches of gravel or sand is enough for a tank without rooted plants.
- Rooted plants do better in two to three inches.
- Sand deeper than about two inches can pack down, so stir it now and then or keep it shallow.
How the amount is worked out
The calculator multiplies the footprint by the depth, then by a typical dry density: gravel about 93 pounds per cubic foot, sand about 100, and planted tank soil about 62. Products vary, so buy a little extra. You can slope spare substrate up toward the back.