5 Best Aquarium Gravel - June 2023

Customer Favorite

Versatile aquarium gravel that's good for freshwater plants as well as fish, and looks great too.

Porous clay gravel that promotes an aquarium environment that helps freshwater plants thrive. Not likely to change a tank's pH balance. Can easily be mixed with other gravel.

Fluorescent Aquarium Gravel

Some users gripe about residue or cloudy water, but this can be avoided with proper tank setup and filtration.

Best Bang for the Buck

GloFish

Budget Friendly

A fun pick that adds to the aesthetic of tanks with fish that glow at a decent price point.

Adds a nice, dark feel to regular aquariums or adds to ones with specific types of fish. Comes with enough for a 5-gallon tank. Completely non-toxic to the fish.

The bag it comes in can rip easily, leading to spilled gravel.

Spectrastone

Premium Aquarium Gravel

Simple Yet Solid

Small, aesthetically appealing gravel that's basic and worth considering.

Classic gravel that's suited for freshwater tanks. Safe to use and doesn't typically alter water's pH balance. Gravel has a nice texture without sharp pieces. Also looks appealing in water.

African Cichlid Aquarium Substrate

Some bags were quite dusty and didn't contain the advertised 5 pounds. Gravel is on the small side.

Pure Water Pebbles

Clean Tank

A solid choice that simulates certain environments and helps reduce nitrates.

The pebbles are all completely natural. Big enough to help situate tank features. Reduces nitrates by promoting specific filtration growth. Helps maintain clear water.

Arag-Alive Natural Reef Aquarium Gravel

Has a lot of calcium, which makes it not as suitable for freshwater tanks.

CaribSea

Best for Saltwater Tanks

The best pick if you are setting up a saltwater tank and want to encourage coral growth.

Made for saltwater tanks, this gravel inhibits algae growth while promoting the growth of coral. Contains marine bacteria for a healthy aquatic environment.