Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Black Aquarium Gravel
1. GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Fluorescent Colors, 5-Pound
User Ratings: 78 4
GloFish 29087 First Impressions
"I recommend!"It worked really well and still allowed new stems to pop through. The glow is pretty minimal but it still looks nice. I baught a 5 gallon tank and i had to buy 2 packs. The color of the gravel makes the blue in my Tetra's and Gourami's pop. I decided on this particular brand of gravel because of Amazon's add-on program. This is not the colored synthetic aquarium medium. Color is good contrast to the Beta.
- GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Fluorescent Colors, 5-Pound
- Solid black gravel
- Use as substrate or accent
- 5 pound bag
- Black gravel with fluorescent accents
- Use as substrate or accent
- 5 pound bag
- Rinse gravel before using
- Manufacture: GloFish
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 9 inches; 5 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The GloFish 29087
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.4']
GloFish 29087 Final Thoughts
"Nicely polished."I used these to put on top of soil if my pot plants. There's a nice mix of color and gives my little nano tanks a nice earthy feel. Removed pebbles and refilled for the 3rd time. I used this for a path in a 22 gallon aquarium. The rock arrived quickly and several days before projected. I rinsed it about 3-4 times and felt satisfied it was good. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase and would suggest this product to others.
Overall Score
4.6
(4416 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Black Aquarium Gravel
2. CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium, Black
User Ratings: 81 3
Carib Sea 770 First Impressions
"I recommend!"Just be patient and realize that it's going to take a while to rinse it. I did rinse it off before putting it in the aquarium. But the gravel itself is nice quality and adds interest to tanks. I have a 90 gallon aquarium with a footprint of 18 by 48 inches. There's a nice mix of color and gives my little nano tanks a nice earthy feel. Not sure why there is so much bad feedback for this. I wished I would have bought a few more so It would be deeper in my tank.
- CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-Pound Planted Aquarium, Black
- Complete substrate for freshwater planted aquariums
- Contains major and minor trace elements to nourish aquarium plants
- Substrate encourages healthy plant root growth
- Manufacture: CaribSea, Inc
- Item Weight: 20 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 2 inches
- Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 770
- Quality [star rating='3.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.5']
Carib Sea 770 Final Thoughts
"I really like the stones."So far, really happy with how it looks in my small tank. For reference, my tank is a 20 gallon tall tank. So if you are looking for bigger size, this is not it. I purchased to put into a dry river rock. I am disappointed that there seems to be nothing special about this gravel. Works great in my daughter aquarium. Colors are exactly as shown on the screen- at least on my monitor.
Overall Score
4.7
(3680 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3. SACKORANGE 2 LB Aquarium Gravel River Rock - Natural Polished Decorative Gravel, Small Decorative Pe...
User Ratings: 70 4
SACKORANGE First Impressions
"Didn't take long to wash."I have a 90 gallon aquarium with a footprint of 18 by 48 inches. Unlike most, I didn't purchase this gravel for its ability to glow. All n all, very happy with the purchase. I do not own glofish nor a glofish tank. It's my new, absolute favorite substrate. The texture is smooth so cories and burrowing fish will not hurt themselves. The glow is pretty minimal but it still looks nice.
- SACKORANGE 2 LB Aquarium Gravel River Rock - Natural Polished Decorative Gravel, Small Decorative Pebbles, Mixed Color Stones,for Aquariums, Landscaping, Vase Fillers (32-Oz)
- Natural Polished Gravel:This river rocks are natural lightly polished for smooth effect, comes in a variety of natural colors， Resists fading for long-lasting beauty. The color of this river rock is natural so it may include a variety of different shades of browns, whites and black rocks.you can add beauty to all your needs
- Pebbles Decorative Stones Aquarium Gravel ：Natural Stones，aquarium gravel ，river rocks，fish tank gravel，succulent soil ，paperwhite bulbs, potting soil,succulent soil mix,cactus soil,potting soil for indoor plants,vase filler,terrarium supplies.(rocks are natural and as a result some may be broken or out of shape, oval or round, thick or thin)
- Add an extra beautiful: in flower arrangements, walkways, water features, exposed aggregate flooring or walls, around swimming pools it could also be used to as an accent to an aquariums, water gardens, ponds, and terrariums. Add an extra beauty in your garden or just outside your house. This is a perfect home decor and a creative interior and exterior design ,helps you keep clean and nice all of your decoration places.
- Great accent for crafts: aquariums, rock gardens, succulent tillandsia plants, cactus pot, terrarium, bamboo plants and bonsai trees.
- Perfect for home decor projects: floral arrangements, centerpieces, vases, bowls, apothecary jars, wedding buffet, display canisters, pillar candle in hurricane glass.
- Manufacture: SACKORANGE
- Item Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The SACKORANGE
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4']
SACKORANGE Final Thoughts
"I haven't used this yet."I'd recommend but just be wary of debris. I actually used this on the top of my potted plants to keep gnats away. I'll definitely use this gravel again the next time I start a new tank. For reference, my tank is a 20 gallon tall tank. It smells like chlorine and epoxy glue. Not sure why there is so much bad feedback for this. The little package of clarifier included is not nearly enough.
Overall Score
4.4
(1299 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4. Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel - Stable Porous Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate 15.4 lbs
User Ratings: 76 2
Seachem 3725 First Impressions
"I have no complaints."The color looks beautiful and natural in the tank. It does need a good washing, and I used a 5 gallon bucket method. The color of the gravel makes the blue in my Tetra's and Gourami's pop. Lovely colors and everything i was looking for! I have blue lights and white lights in my tanks. I have bought 2 bags of this gravel. They are rocks, what more do you need.
- Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel - Stable Porous Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate 15.4 lbs
- GRAVEL: Seachem Flourite Black is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Its appearance is best suited to planted aquaria, but may be used in any freshwater aquarium environment.
- AQUARIUM BED: Gravel modifiers such as laterite are not necessary when using Seachem Flourite Black as this product is most effective when used alone as an integral substrate bed, but it may be mixed with other gravels.
- SET-UP: When adding water to the aquarium, fill slowly to avoid disturbing Flourite Black substrate bed. Place a bowl in the aquarium and add water directly to the bowl, allowing water to overflow softly on to the gravel bed. Initial cloudiness is normal, but to remove this simply use mechanical filtration
- COMPATIBLE: Flourite Black substrates will work fine with an under gravel filter and will not soften or decompose to an unsuitable state within your tank.Flourite substrates will work fine with an UGF
- SAFETY: Seachem Flourite Black is not chemically coated or treated, thus does not alter the pH of the water. Flourite Black is beneficial for the life of the aquarium and need not be replaced.
- Manufacture: Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Product Dimensions: 17 x 11.75 x 1.75 inches; 15.43 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Seachem 3725
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
- Affordability [star rating='4.3']
Seachem 3725 Final Thoughts
"Held its color when wet."I envisioned the bag being bigger since I ordered a 50lbs. If you have to bury tank decor that doesn't have suction cups then you need more. It will take you a while to properly clean. For smaller plants, these rocks are a little on the big side. But the gravel itself is nice quality and adds interest to tanks. Aside from the size, the appearance of this gravel is what stands out the most. For my purpose, they work perfectly, for an aquarium, they might need a quick rinse.
Overall Score
4.6
(1224 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Black Aquarium Gravel
5. Glofish Aquarium Gravel, Black with White Fluorescent, 5-Pound Bag
User Ratings: 82 1
GloFish 29086 First Impressions
"It's gravel."I didn't even need the water clarifier, and I found it in the bag. I recommend doing it in smaller portions. I've ordered their midnight pearl color and it is beautiful too. I've been using it now for a couple of months and nothing has happened to them. The pebbles are a perfect size for 30+ gallon tanks. I'm accenting with multicolored glass rocks to accent. My Vallisneria and amazon swords grow just fine in this substrate.
- Glofish Aquarium Gravel, Black with White Fluorescent, 5-Pound Bag
- Black gravel with white fluorescent (pearlescent) gravel highlights
- Use as substrate or accent
- 5 pound bag
- Black gravel with fluorescent accents
- Use as substrate or accent
- 5 pound bag
- Rinse gravel before using
- Manufacture: GloFish
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 9 inches; 5 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The GloFish 29086
- Quality [star rating='4.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
GloFish 29086 Final Thoughts
"Thumbs up!"All n all, very happy with the purchase. I didn't even need the water clarifier, and I found it in the bag. I baught a 5 gallon tank and i had to buy 2 packs. Very random shapes and colors that blend well. Don't use any soaps or anything else. I am disappointed that there seems to be nothing special about this gravel. Worked great for my succulent gardens.
Overall Score
4.7
(558 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6. Galashield River Rocks Polished Pebbles Decorative Stones Natural Aquarium Gravel (2 lb Bag)
User Ratings: 65 9
Galashield KT9295 First Impressions
"It is quite lovely."This gravel works extremely well for planted tanks and for smaller fish species. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase and would suggest this product to others. The pebbles are a perfect size for 30+ gallon tanks. I was scared to buy it after the reviews I read about it killing their fish. Just do a proper rinse, and you will be fine. These colors combine to give an overall color of light brown. Don't own a blacklight so can't tell if it glows or not.
- Galashield River Rocks Polished Pebbles Decorative Stones Natural Aquarium Gravel (2 lb Bag)
- Contains a variety of shapes and colors, such as different shades of browns, whites and black
- These natural river stones are polished and have a smooth finish with no rough edges
- Great for gardens, lawn decor, walkways, fountains, vase fillers, fish tanks, potted plants, craft projects, and more
- 2 lb bag - contains approximately 200 stones
- Stones sizes are approximately 1-2 cm (0.3-0.6 inches)
- 1-2 cm (0.3-0.6 inches)
- 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches)
- 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 inches)
- Manufacture: Galashield
- Item Weight: 2 pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Galashield KT9295
- Quality [star rating='4.1']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='3.7']
Galashield KT9295 Final Thoughts
"Held its color when wet."I bought a few bags of this and it's nice. They served their purpose, but had to be the dirtiest rocks I have ordered. This was the cheapest DIY project with a big wow factor. Don't even waste your time adding it to your tank. Just do a proper rinse, and you will be fine. But the gravel itself is nice quality and adds interest to tanks. Out of the bag there is an amazing amount of dust.
Overall Score
4.2
(476 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7. CNZ Aquarium Gravel Black & Flourescent Mix for Plant Aquariums, Landscaping, Home Decor, 0.25"-0.35...
User Ratings: 75 4
CNZ First Impressions
"I love it."The glow is pretty minimal but it still looks nice. I filled with filter water ad let sit for a day before relocate fish. Really like the coloring of them as well. There's a nice mix of color and gives my little nano tanks a nice earthy feel. A little bigger than what I wanted but I still used it. I have a 90 gallon aquarium with a footprint of 18 by 48 inches. I'd recommend but just be wary of debris.
- CNZ Aquarium Gravel Black & Flourescent Mix for Plant Aquariums, Landscaping, Home Decor, 0.25"-0.35", 5-Pound
- High quality polymer coated gravel for use in fresh water aquariums.
- Ideal for home decor and a creative interior and exterior design. Use for flower arrangements, vase fillers, walkways, water features, exposed aggregate flooring or walls, swimming pool areas and many other areas. It could also be used as an accent to aquariums, water gardens, ponds, and terrariums.
- Please rinse them before you put them in your fish tank.Size: Average size 0.25" - 0.35" Total weight approximately 5 pounds
- For optimum results, use 2 lbs Of gravel per every one gallon of water
- Manufacture: CNZ
- Editor's Impressions Of The CNZ
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
- Affordability [star rating='4.3']
CNZ Final Thoughts
"Great product."I didn't even need the water clarifier, and I found it in the bag. Just make sure you rinse it out REALLY good, before adding to your aquarium. I half rinse it and put it in my tank. I used these to put on top of soil if my pot plants. Love the vibrant neon colors mixed in with the black gravel. Don't even waste your time adding it to your tank. Love the vibrant neon colors mixed in with the black gravel.
Overall Score
4.5
(351 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8. Estes Gravel Products AES06606 Este Marine Sand Black for Aquarium, 5-Pound
User Ratings: 76 2
Estes' 346001 First Impressions
"They look good in my pot!"So will just see if color stays-God willing! I would buy again if the price didn't double from last time. It's my new, absolute favorite substrate. I was scared to buy it after the reviews I read about it killing their fish. At least any visible to the naked eye. I've been using that for a few months now with my betta. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase and would suggest this product to others.
- Estes Gravel Products AES06606 Este Marine Sand Black for Aquarium, 5-Pound
- Great for marine and freshwater tanks
- Safe and non-toxic
- Environmentally friendly
- Anchors down Plants
- Black Color sand
- Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Estes' 346001
- Quality [star rating='4.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
Estes' 346001 Final Thoughts
"Wet vs dry."Minimal clouding gone within 12 hours. I use a hybrid of the Walstad Method, and this stuff is perfect. Using these stones for growing bulbs for church project. There is some sand and dirt mixed in. Had to move fish out after it nearly died. All substraight needs to be thoroughly rinsed before use. Don't even waste your time adding it to your tank.
Overall Score
4.5
(291 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9. Pettex Roman Gravel Aquarium Gravel (4.4lb) (Jet Black)
User Ratings: 79 1
Monster Pet Supplies 2018 First Impressions
"I love this substrate."I have a 90 gallon aquarium with a footprint of 18 by 48 inches. Just do a proper rinse, and you will be fine. One bag was open and had emptied into the box. I filled with filter water ad let sit for a day before relocate fish. It looks great and didn't change anything about the water. Really just rinsed a little and ready to go. It really makes the tank look sharp and I believe the goldfish likes it, too.
- Pettex Roman Gravel Aquarium Gravel (4.4lb) (Jet Black)
- Suitable for all types of aquariums including coldwater, tropical and marine
- Increased surface area allows for improved anaerobic activity
- Makes the perfect planting medium due to its finer size
- Suitable for bottom feeders and barbed fish
- Manufacture: Monster Pet Supplies
- Product Dimensions: 3.15 x 5.91 x 9.84 inches; 4.41 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Monster Pet Supplies 2018
- Quality [star rating='4']
- Value For Money [star rating='5']
- Affordability [star rating='4.8']
Monster Pet Supplies 2018 Final Thoughts
"Works great!"I would buy again if the price didn't double from last time. Will definitely purchase again when needed. I really love this natural gravel, really makes my 20g High look natural! The pebbles are a perfect size for 30+ gallon tanks. I'm accenting with multicolored glass rocks to accent. For my purpose, they work perfectly, for an aquarium, they might need a quick rinse. Like everyone else says wash it before putting it in your tank.
Overall Score
4.7
(277 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10. [18 Pounds] Pebbles Aquarium Gravel River Rock, Natural Polished Decorative Gravel,Garden Outdoor Or...
User Ratings: 78 2
BLQH First Impressions
"I love this stuff."It comes in a variety of colors, but I prefer the classic white. Worked great for my succulent gardens. Needs more plants but it makes the colors of the fish and other decor really pop. The gravel adds amazing color and the fish and snails seem to like it. Although I had to rinse it about 5 times to fully get ALL of the dust out. Yeah this stuff has to come prerinsed. I envisioned the bag being bigger since I ordered a 50lbs.
- [18 Pounds] Pebbles Aquarium Gravel River Rock, Natural Polished Decorative Gravel,Garden Outdoor Ornamental River Pebbles Rocks, Mixed Color Stones，Polished Gravel for Landscaping Vase Fillers (18)
- Weight: About 18 pounds. SIZE: About 1"-2".
- Natural Polished Gravel:This river rocks are natural lightly polished for smooth effect, comes in a variety of natural colors, Resists fading for long-lasting beauty. The color of this river rock is natural so it may include a variety of different shades of browns, black and whites rocks.(rocks are natural and as a result some may be broken or out of shape, thick or thin, oval or round)
- Aquarium Gravel Pebbles Decorative Stones ：Natural Stones，river rocks，fish tank gravel，aquarium gravel，succulent soil, potting soil,succulent soil mix,cactus soil,potting soil for indoor plants,vase filler,Home Decoration.
- An alternative to mulch： Use indoors or outdoors，Pebble mulch in interior or exterior garden beds, round and soft easy on the feet as there are no sharp edges.
- Add an extra beautiful: in flower arrangements, water features, walkways, walls or exposed aggregate flooring, around swimming pools it could also be used to as an accent to an aquariums, water gardens, ponds, and terrariums. Add an extra beauty in your garden or just outside your house. This is a perfect home decor and a creative interior and exterior design ,helps you keep clean and nice all of your decoration places.
- Manufacture: BLQH
- Item Weight: 18.35 pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The BLQH
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
BLQH Final Thoughts
"And a great price."Don't even waste your time adding it to your tank. It really makes the tank look sharp and I believe the goldfish likes it, too. I recommend doing it in smaller portions. Using these stones for growing bulbs for church project. It worked really well and still allowed new stems to pop through. Don't use any soaps or anything else. Yeah this stuff has to come prerinsed.
Overall Score
4.6
(266 Points)
PRICE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON