Editor's Choice - Our Favorite SubstrateSource Aquarium Gravel

1. SubstrateSource Natural Lava Gravel - 2 Pounds

User Ratings: 68 3

SubstrateSource NR0120-2 First Impressions

"It's what I needed."

The color of the gravel makes the blue in my Tetra's and Gourami's pop. I baught a 5 gallon tank and i had to buy 2 packs. Wonderful mixture of color with the black stone. I just wanted to post a picture so you can see how much comes in a pack. Plenty of rock for my 5 gal aquarium. I used this for a small aquarium with 2 goldfish and it worked great! The pebbles are a perfect size for 30+ gallon tanks.

  • SubstrateSource Natural Lava Gravel - 2 Pounds
  • All natural lava substrate.
  • Plants love it.
  • Screened, washed, and kiln dried.
  • Highly porous.
  • Manufacture: SubstrateSource
  • Item Weight: 2.49 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The SubstrateSource NR0120-2
  • Quality [star rating='4.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.1']

SubstrateSource NR0120-2 Final Thoughts

"There is a simple remedy."

It has lovely colors and I will be using ONLY this gravel in the future. The pebbles are a perfect size for 30+ gallon tanks. I opened the bag, dumped it in a bowl and filled it with water. I would buy again if the price didn't double from last time. Really like the coloring of them as well. I really love this natural gravel, really makes my 20g High look natural! I'd recommend but just be wary of debris.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(47 Points)

2. Pure Water Pebbles Nature's Ocean Aquarium Jet Black Gravel, 5lb Bag

User Ratings: 66 7

Pure Water Pebbles First Impressions

"I love the color."

Lovely colors and everything i was looking for! Secondly the gravels colour looks enhanced under a bright led light. I really love this natural gravel, really makes my 20g High look natural! If you have to bury tank decor that doesn't have suction cups then you need more. Aside from the size, the appearance of this gravel is what stands out the most. This is the real deal mother earth approx. This was because of my own preconceived notions and not that of the sellers though.

  • Pure Water Pebbles Nature's Ocean Aquarium Jet Black Gravel, 5lb Bag
  • Natural Aquarium Gravel
  • 100% Acrylic Coating
  • Will not alter the chemistry of your aquarium water
  • Non-toxic
  • Colorfast
  • Manufacture: Nature's Ocean
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Pure Water Pebbles
  • Quality [star rating='4.1']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.4']

Pure Water Pebbles Final Thoughts

"Gravel was as advertised."

Wouldn't have any other substrate for my axolotl. It looks great and didn't change anything about the water. I've ordered their midnight pearl color and it is beautiful too. This is not the colored synthetic aquarium medium. Will definitely purchase again when needed. I have bought 2 bags of this gravel. I'd recommend but just be wary of debris.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(25 Points)

3. Imagitarium Neon Green Aquarium Gravel, 5 lbs

User Ratings: 76

Imagitarium First Impressions

"This is your in between!"

Bigger than normal aquarium gravel, nice colors, good quality, no smell. The gravel size is exactly as described in the product description- 2 to 4mm. Love the vibrant neon colors mixed in with the black gravel. Stir periodically and then your good to go! Secondly the gravels colour looks enhanced under a bright led light. Wonderful mixture of color with the black stone. I filled with filter water ad let sit for a day before relocate fish.

  • Imagitarium Neon Green Aquarium Gravel, 5 lbs
  • Made of non-toxic fish safe materials and colors
  • Safe for use in freshwater and marine environments
  • For optimum results, use 2 lbs. of gravel per every one gallon of water
  • Manufacture: Imagitarium
  • Item Weight: 5 pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Imagitarium
  • Quality [star rating='4.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

Imagitarium Final Thoughts

"I do not like fish."

At least any visible to the naked eye. I'll definitely use this gravel again the next time I start a new tank. I'd recommend but just be wary of debris. Some of the bad feedback says it clouds the water. A little bigger than what I wanted but I still used it. The smooth and small pebbles are great for people keeping corycats. I planned on spending 24-48 hours removing all the dust in washes and soaks.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(26 Points)

4. Spectrastone Special White Aquarium Gravel for Freshwater Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag

User Ratings: 72 4

Spectrastone 40507 First Impressions

"Bright color."

The gravel size is exactly as described in the product description- 2 to 4mm. If you have to bury tank decor that doesn't have suction cups then you need more. Really just rinsed a little and ready to go. They are rocks, what more do you need. I bought two bags for my 55 gallon. I rinsed it before I put it in the tank. Like everyone else says wash it before putting it in your tank.

  • Spectrastone Special White Aquarium Gravel for Freshwater Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag
  • Will not affect PH
  • Safe for use in freshwater aquariums
  • Non-Toxic coating
  • Manufacture: Estes Gravel Products
  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.25 x 1.5 inches; 5 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Spectrastone 40507
  • Quality [star rating='3.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Spectrastone 40507 Final Thoughts

"Love these!"

I planned on spending 24-48 hours removing all the dust in washes and soaks. Removed pebbles and refilled for the 3rd time. 5 inches of gravel, so you could use more or less depending on tank size. So far, really happy with how it looks in my small tank. A little bigger than what I wanted but I still used it. I absolutely love how the rocks glow in my tank! I envisioned the bag being bigger since I ordered a 50lbs.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(190 Points)

5. Pisces 11 lb Silver Pearl Aquarium Gravel, Medium (AM-SILVER010)

User Ratings: 71 1

Pisces AM-SILVER010 First Impressions

"Be careful!"

I do not own glofish nor a glofish tank. It's a gemstone quality gravel, not the topfin crap from petsmart. I bought two bags for my 55 gallon. I would buy again if the price didn't double from last time. A little bigger than what I wanted but I still used it. This is my favorite gravel I've bought from Amazon. I used these to put on top of soil if my pot plants.

  • Pisces 11 lb Silver Pearl Aquarium Gravel, Medium (AM-SILVER010)
  • Triple washed
  • Pure natural gravel
  • Unique to new Zealand
  • 2-4Mm
  • Included Components: 1 X Bag Pisces 11 Lb Silver Pearl Aquarium Gravel
  • Manufacture: Pisces USA
  • Product Dimensions: 1.18 x 13.78 x 13 inches; 11 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Pisces AM-SILVER010
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Pisces AM-SILVER010 Final Thoughts

"There is a simple remedy."

Not sure why there is so much bad feedback for this. But the gravel itself is nice quality and adds interest to tanks. So far, really happy with how it looks in my small tank. I baught a 5 gallon tank and i had to buy 2 packs. Needs more plants but it makes the colors of the fish and other decor really pop. Unlike most, I didn't purchase this gravel for its ability to glow. Don't even hesitate on purchasing this stuff.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(122 Points)

6. 18 Pounds Decorative Pebbles Small Black Stones Aquarium Gravel River Rock, Natural Polished Decorat...

User Ratings: 83

BLQH First Impressions

"Beautiful gravel."

The 50 pound bag was jus barely enough for my 55 gallon tank! I purchased to put into a dry river rock. The color looks beautiful and natural in the tank. So far, really happy with how it looks in my small tank. I did rinse it off before putting it in the aquarium. I'll definitely use this gravel again the next time I start a new tank. At this point I'm Trying to wash pebbles.

  • 18 Pounds Decorative Pebbles Small Black Stones Aquarium Gravel River Rock, Natural Polished Decorative Gravel,Garden Ornamental Pebbles Rocks,Black Decorative Stones,Black Pebbles, Decor (Black)
  • Size: About 0.22"-0.35"; Color: Black; Weight: About 18.1 pounds
  • Perfect for Indoor & Outdoor use
  • Many Uses: If you want to add extra beauty in your garden, lawn and even to your potted plant or aquarium this pack of pebbles is ideal for you. It is perfect 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.
  • Versatile: Our pebbles are a beautiful material for decorating. So many things can be built and decorated with natural stones.They blend their amazing texture and natural color with creativity and innovative DIY ideas and turn into striking accents and original designs. Wonderully versatile for creative art projects such as flower arrangements, vase fillers, walkways, water features, exposed aggregate flooring or walls, swimming pool areas and etc.
  • 18 Pounds: Decorative Pebbles Small Black Stones Aquarium Gravel River Rock, Natural Polished Decorative Gravel,Garden Ornamental Pebbles Rocks,Black Decorative Stones,Black Pebbles,Polished Decor
  • Manufacture: BLQH
  • Item Weight: 18.52 pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The BLQH
  • Quality [star rating='4.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

BLQH Final Thoughts

"The color is very pretty."

So will just see if color stays-God willing! At least any visible to the naked eye. I included a picture which doesn't do the product justice. This is the real deal mother earth approx. Very random shapes and colors that blend well. For reference, my tank is a 20 gallon tall tank. They served their purpose, but had to be the dirtiest rocks I have ordered.

Overall Score
4.8

[star rating="4.8"]
(76 Points)

7. Carib Sea Eco-Complete African Cichlid Substrate, 20-Pound, Live Sand for Aquarium

User Ratings: 68 3

Carib Sea 84043 First Impressions

"I love this stuff."

This was the cheapest DIY project with a big wow factor. I purchased to put into a dry river rock. Snails and fish dont seem to mind the switch from sand. It's a gemstone quality gravel, not the topfin crap from petsmart. We bought this for a glo fish tank. The gravel adds amazing color and the fish and snails seem to like it. Needs more plants but it makes the colors of the fish and other decor really pop.

  • Carib Sea Eco-Complete African Cichlid Substrate, 20-Pound, Live Sand for Aquarium
  • Product quality and customer service have been our highest priority
  • Manufactured by Caribbean
  • Made in United States
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Item Weight: 20 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 11 x 2.3 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 84043
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Carib Sea 84043 Final Thoughts

"The color is very pretty."

So if you are looking for bigger size, this is not it. I bought a few bags of this and it's nice. The rocks look great and arrived very quickly. I am disappointed that there seems to be nothing special about this gravel. I did rinse it off before putting it in the aquarium. Just make sure you rinse it out REALLY good, before adding to your aquarium. Purchased 9 bags of this for a new 180 gallon aquarium.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(35 Points)

8. GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Fluorescent Colors, 5-Pound - 2 Bags

User Ratings: 69 7

GL0FISH First Impressions

"Highly recommend!"

Although I had to rinse it about 5 times to fully get ALL of the dust out. I decided on this particular brand of gravel because of Amazon's add-on program. The smooth and small pebbles are great for people keeping corycats. So will just see if color stays-God willing! This is not the colored synthetic aquarium medium. Really just rinsed a little and ready to go. So will just see if color stays-God willing!

  • GloFish Aquarium Gravel, Fluorescent Colors, 5-Pound - 2 Bags
  • Manufacture: GL0FISH
  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 5 inches; 10.45 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The GL0FISH
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.1']

GL0FISH Final Thoughts

"Perfect size."

Stir periodically and then your good to go! Don't even waste your time adding it to your tank. The gravel adds amazing color and the fish and snails seem to like it. The 50 pound bag was jus barely enough for my 55 gallon tank! It worked really well and still allowed new stems to pop through. For reference, my tank is a 20 gallon tall tank. The rocks look great and arrived very quickly.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(21 Points)

9. Pure Water Pebbles Aquarium Gravel, 25-Pound, Purple Frost

User Ratings: 60

Pure Water Pebbles 70431 First Impressions

"I have no complaints."

At this point I'm Trying to wash pebbles. Colors are exactly as shown on the screen- at least on my monitor. I WOULD recommend buying this item! Obviously required a lot of rinsing. Don't own a blacklight so can't tell if it glows or not. This gravel works extremely well for planted tanks and for smaller fish species. Overall I am happy with the gravel.

  • Pure Water Pebbles Aquarium Gravel, 25-Pound, Purple Frost
  • Pure Water Pebbles Premium Freshwater Substrates
  • Natural Decorative Gravel
  • 100% Acrylic Coating, Colorfast
  • Non-toxic, will not alter the chemistry of your aquarium water
  • Recommended Uses: Fresh & Saltwater Aquariums, Ponds, Terrariums, Gardens, Potted Plants, Vases, Ash Trays, Crafts & Hobbies
  • Manufacture: WORLD WIDE IMPORTS ENT., INC.
  • Product Dimensions: 21.5 x 12 x 2 inches; 25 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Pure Water Pebbles 70431
  • Quality [star rating='3.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Pure Water Pebbles 70431 Final Thoughts

"Gravel was as advertised."

There's a nice mix of color and gives my little nano tanks a nice earthy feel. I baught a 5 gallon tank and i had to buy 2 packs. Really like the coloring of them as well. For my purpose, they work perfectly, for an aquarium, they might need a quick rinse. This is perfect for a 2 gallon tank that also has some acrylic gems. Purchased 9 bags of this for a new 180 gallon aquarium. The little package of clarifier included is not nearly enough.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(9 Points)

10. SACKORANGE 0.9 Lb/400g Aquarium Gravel Gem.Agate Stone Tumbled Stones for Plants Cacti & Succulents ...

User Ratings: 67 4

SACKORANGE First Impressions

"Looks great!"

They are rocks, what more do you need. Removed pebbles and refilled for the 3rd time. These colors combine to give an overall color of light brown. The color of the gravel makes the blue in my Tetra's and Gourami's pop. One bag was open and had emptied into the box. 5 inches of gravel, so you could use more or less depending on tank size. I wished I would have bought a few more so It would be deeper in my tank.

  • SACKORANGE 0.9 Lb/400g Aquarium Gravel Gem.Agate Stone Tumbled Stones for Plants Cacti & Succulents Bedding, Vase Filler, Landscape Bottom Decoration (Green)
  • Safe & Long Lasting: Non-toxic just like river gravels. Natural color won't fade away through time. These colorful crystal stones decorate the fish tank and also maintain the water clean.
  • Good for cultivating plants, fish tank, flowerpots, air plants. For plant bedding, they could add vitality to your plants. Reducing the splashing water when watering. Good for fish tank ensuring a safety and no pollution living condition for your fish.
  • 100% Natural Colorful Decorative Pebbles: Set up a natural and shining looking for home of you and your de-lovelys.
  • Net Weight: 0.9 pound (400 grams). Fills 1 Cup or 0.25 L volume.
  • Widely Usage: Excellent for aquariums, terrariums, flowerpot, glassware, vases, beach wedding, fountain decoration, also use for chakra cleansing, reiki healing and crystal grids.Keep it away from children under 3.
  • Manufacture: Sackorange
  • Item Weight: 14.4 ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The SACKORANGE
  • Quality [star rating='4.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

SACKORANGE Final Thoughts

"Great product."

Wonderful mixture of color with the black stone. Water became with film like on top and lots of little bubbles on every surface. I'll definitely use this gravel again the next time I start a new tank. I filled with filter water ad let sit for a day before relocate fish. I recommend doing it in smaller portions. But didnt return it as it still looked cool with few coloured pebbles scattered. It smells like chlorine and epoxy glue.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(217 Points)

Copyright © 2024 Rob Aquatics — Primer Child WordPress theme by GoDaddy