Aquarium Substrate Calculator
Work out how much gravel or sand a tank bottom needs. Enter the length and width of the bottom and the depth you want, and the volume follows.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Multiply the length, width and depth to get the volume. Gravel weighs roughly 1.5 kilograms per litre, so the weight estimate uses that figure. Buy a little extra for uneven spots and rinsing losses.
Measure the inside of the tank, not the outside, and make the depth the level you plan to keep.
Worked example
A bottom 30 in long and 12 in wide, with gravel 2 in deep, needs about 0.42 ft³ of substrate, roughly 39 lb in weight.
Questions
Does sand weigh the same as gravel?
No. Sand and gravel differ, so the weight is an estimate. Weigh a bag if you want a real figure.
How deep should the substrate be?
Depth depends on the plants and the animals you keep. Enter the depth you plan to use and see how much it takes.
Why buy extra?
Uneven spots and rinsing losses use up some of the material, so a small margin helps.
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