Last Updated on 2025-11-10
Selecting the right gravel for your betta’s tank can be challenging, especially if you’re new to fish care. Many beginners find themselves choosing between sand and gravel, each with its pros and cons. Since you’re here, you’re likely leaning towards gravel, which can be a great choice for a betta-friendly setup.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top gravel options for betta fish tanks. Choosing the right gravel isn’t just about looks—your selection can impact your betta’s health and overall comfort. Some gravels are safer and more suitable than others. The right gravel can create a healthy environment, while the wrong choice may lead to stress or even injury for your fish.
Let’s explore the best gravel options to help you create a safe and welcoming home for your betta!
Benefits of Gravel for Betta Fish
Gravel is a practical substrate for betta tanks. It creates a natural look, adding beauty to the tank while making bettas feel more at home. Gravel also supports beneficial bacteria growth, which is essential for keeping water clean. This bacteria breaks down waste, helping to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low. Additionally, gravel anchors plants and decorations, keeping everything stable. Your betta will enjoy exploring and resting on the gravel, making it a functional and attractive choice.
Guide to Choosing the Best Aquarium Gravel for Betta Fish
Looking for the best gravel for your betta tank? If you want a quick recommendation, Royal Imports 5lb Small Decorative River Pebbles is an excellent choice. This gravel is the ideal size for bettas, has a smooth texture, and provides a natural look that enhances your tank’s aesthetic.
However, there are other great options depending on your preferences and tank setup. Read on for a closer look at the top four gravels recommended for betta tanks. Each option offers unique benefits, helping you create a safe, attractive home for your betta.
Royal Imports 5lb Small Decorative River Pebbles (Top Pick)
- NATURAL STONES- These high quality natural stones by Royal imports are non-toxic and eco-friendly river rocks. Their natural attribute will make them last longer because they will not deteriorate like mulch does. Common applications include flowerbeds, groundcover, decorative concrete topping, or walkway paving. Decorative rocks are a permanent and cost-effective alternative to annual wood mulching.
Royal Imports River Pebbles are a top choice among aquarium gravel options. These pebbles are very popular, with great reviews from fish owners. I tried them myself and was really pleased with the results. The stones are a perfect size, natural-looking, and most importantly, smooth. This smoothness is crucial, as it means your betta won’t risk injuring itself on sharp edges.
One consideration is that these pebbles aren’t made specifically for aquariums, so it’s best to soak them in boiling water before adding them to the tank. This will remove any potential residue. Additionally, for larger betta tanks over 5 gallons (5 gallons is the minimum size recommended for bettas), you may need two bags of these pebbles to create a complete base.
Overall, these pebbles are an excellent choice for a betta tank. Their quality and appearance make them worth the investment.
Pros
- Perfect size: Large enough to stay put but small enough to prevent ingestion.
- Natural appearance: Adds a realistic, attractive look to your tank.
- Smooth, round edges: Keeps your betta safe from cuts or injuries.
Cons
- You may need multiple bags for larger tanks.
- Requires boiling before use to ensure cleanliness.
GloFish Aquarium Gravel (Runner-Up)
- AQUARIUM GRAVEL: GloFish Aquarium Gravel creates a colorful base for all your GloFish ornaments.
- RANGE OF COLORS: Choose pink, green, white, black with fluorescent accents, or a mix of colors.
If Royal Imports River Pebbles don’t seem ideal for you because they aren’t specifically made for aquariums, GloFish gravel is a reliable alternative. GloFish is a reputable brand that designs products specifically for aquarium use, so you can trust this gravel to be safe and free from harmful chemicals. It comes in a variety of colors, giving you options to personalize your tank.
This gravel is also a safe size, so you won’t have to worry about your betta trying to swallow any pieces. For an eye-catching look, try the white or black gravel, which really enhances your betta’s vibrant colors.
The main drawback to GloFish gravel is its appearance. Unlike natural stone, it’s available only in bright, artificial colors. If you’re aiming for a realistic look, this might not be the best choice. However, if color isn’t an issue, GloFish Aquarium Gravel is a fantastic option.
Pros
- Specifically made for aquariums.
- Trusted brand with a good reputation.
- Safe size for bettas.
- Highlights your betta’s colors beautifully.
Cons
- May require multiple bags to fill larger tanks.
- Doesn’t offer a natural look.
Carib Sea ACS00832 Peace River Gravel
- Perfect for Freshwater Aquariums: CaribSea Peace River provides a smooth, natural substrate that enhances your tank’s appearance and creates a peaceful aquatic environment.
- Supports Healthy Growth: The neutral base helps promote healthy fish and plant growth, encouraging a stable ecosystem in your aquarium.
- Ideal for Aquascaping: Perfect for creating realistic underwater landscapes, helping you design beautiful aquascapes in your freshwater tank.
- Comfortable for Aquatic Life: The fine texture creates a comfortable surface for fish and aquatic creatures, promoting natural movement.
- Perfect for Medium-Sized Tanks: The 20 lb package provides the right amount of substrate for medium-sized aquariums, offering effective coverage.
Carib Sea Peace River Gravel is a popular choice among aquarists, and it’s easy to see why. This gravel has a natural look that closely resembles a betta’s native habitat. It’s an excellent option for creating a realistic environment in your tank.
One standout feature is its suitability for planted tanks. The gravel is compact enough to hold plants securely, yet it provides space for roots to grow freely. This makes it ideal if you’re aiming for a tank with live plants.
On the technical side, Peace River Gravel is pH neutral. This means it won’t affect your tank’s water chemistry, so you don’t have to worry about changes in pH impacting your betta’s health.
A minor downside is the gravel’s small size, which can lead to some pieces getting sucked into a gravel vacuum if used too vigorously. To avoid this, try hovering the vacuum just above the gravel or pausing occasionally to let the gravel settle back down.
Pros
- Natural look that complements a betta’s habitat.
- Ideal for planted tanks.
- pH neutral, keeping water parameters stable.
Cons
- Small pieces can get vacuumed up.
- May require careful vacuuming.
Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular for Freshwater Aquariums
- Will not affect PH
- Safe for use in freshwater aquariums
- Non-Toxic coating
Spectrastone Shallow Creek Gravel is an excellent choice for a betta tank. The gravel is just the right size for bettas, creating a safe and comfortable environment. Its natural color also enhances the tank’s look, allowing your betta’s colors to stand out beautifully.
Another advantage is its pH-neutral quality, which means it won’t alter your tank’s water chemistry. This is crucial for maintaining stable conditions and keeping your betta healthy.
One thing to note: the actual gravel may appear lighter than it does in pictures. For dark-colored bettas, this lighter gravel will provide a striking contrast. However, if you have a lighter-colored betta, it may blend in more than you’d like.
Overall, Spectrastone Shallow Creek Gravel is a dependable choice, particularly if you have a darker betta and want a clean, natural look for your tank.
Pros
- Ideal size for bettas.
- pH neutral, safe for water conditions.
- Natural look enhances betta’s colors.
Cons
- Actual color may be lighter than shown in photos.
What Colour Gravel Is Best For Betta Fish?
There’s a lot of debate around whether you should use natural color or artificial color gravel. Ultimately, it depends on your preference. Many fish keepers, including myself, favor natural-colored gravel. It closely resembles a betta’s natural environment and highlights their vibrant colors, creating a realistic look. However, if you prefer brightly colored or artificial gravel, that’s fine too—it won’t harm your betta. Go with what you feel best fits your vision for the tank.
How Deep Should Aquarium Gravel Be?
Gravel depth matters in creating a stable and healthy environment. The ideal depth is around 1.5 inches, though anything between 1 and 2 inches works well. For tanks with live plants, aim closer to the 2-inch mark to give roots room to grow. This setup encourages healthy plant growth and supports a balanced ecosystem.
In very large tanks, 1-2 inches of gravel may appear sparse, so feel free to add a bit more to achieve the look you want.
How Much Aquarium Gravel Do You Need?
Estimating how much gravel to buy can be tricky, but there are calculators you can use such as this one to help. However, a general rule is 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water. This calculation works well for rectangular tanks, providing a balanced layer across the base. If you have an unusually shaped tank, you might need slightly more or less gravel, but this rule gives you a solid starting point.
Gravel and Water Parameters
Most aquarium gravels are pH-neutral, meaning they won’t alter the water chemistry. However, some natural stones can slightly raise pH over time. Check labels or ask for advice if you’re unsure about a gravel type. If you notice any changes in your tank’s pH, test the water regularly and adjust as needed. Stable water conditions are important for a betta’s health, and choosing the right gravel can help maintain that balance.
How Often Should You Replace Aquarium Gravel?
Aquarium gravel doesn’t need frequent replacement. As long as it’s cleaned regularly, gravel can last for years. Consider replacing it only if you notice plant roots are outgrowing the gravel layer, or if you want to refresh the tank’s look with a different substrate style. Otherwise, regular maintenance will keep it in good condition for a long time.
How Do You Change The Gravel In Your Tank?
Fortunately, you won’t need to change the gravel in your tank very often. Regular cleaning with a gravel vacuum keeps it in good condition for years. However, if you decide it’s time for a change, here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process safe and easy for both you and your betta.
Step 1: Prepare a Holding Tank
Before you start, move your betta and any other fish to a temporary holding tank. This prevents stress and protects them from the disruption. If you don’t have an extra tank, a clean plastic container of at least 5 gallons works as a substitute. Ensure the container has never been used for anything that could leave contaminants. If you have no other option, go slowly and keep your fish as calm as possible.
Tip: Avoid changing gravel right after replacing a filter. New filters have fewer beneficial bacteria, which gravel can help provide. Removing both at once can disturb the tank’s balance, potentially causing harmful ammonia levels.
Step 2: Prepare for the Change
On the day you plan to change the gravel, skip feeding your fish. Less waste helps keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels low during the transition.
Thoroughly rinse your new gravel with water, then soak it in boiling water to eliminate any contaminants. Repeat rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 3: Begin the Transfer
Turn off your filter to prevent any damage. Using a siphon, transfer about 50% of your tank’s water into the holding tank. This provides your fish with familiar water, reducing stress.
Carefully move your fish, decorations, and plants into the holding tank. Transferring plants and decor helps keep beneficial bacteria alive. Cover the holding tank securely, as bettas are known to jump.
Step 4: Clean the Main Tank
In the main tank, remove all old gravel and vacuum up any remaining debris. This prevents any buildup of old waste that could harm your fish later.
Step 5: Add New Gravel and Restore the Tank
Add the rinsed new gravel to the tank and arrange any plants and decorations. Refill the tank with conditioned water and turn on the filter.
For added safety, consider adding a stress coat to the water. This will help reduce any stress your betta may feel during the process.
Step 6: Monitor Water Parameters
In the days following the gravel change, keep an eye on ammonia levels. If you notice any spikes, perform small water changes as needed to maintain a stable environment.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth gravel change with minimal stress to your betta.
Maintenance Tips for Gravel
Regular cleaning of gravel keeps your betta’s tank healthy. Follow these steps to maintain clean gravel:
- Use a gravel vacuum: This tool removes waste and debris from the substrate without disrupting the tank.
- Vacuum carefully: Press the vacuum into the gravel, then lift it to pull up debris. Move slowly to avoid stressing your betta.
- Clean every 1-2 weeks: Adjust frequency based on how quickly waste builds up in your tank.
- Avoid deep cleaning all at once: This preserves beneficial bacteria that support water quality.
Regular gravel maintenance prevents ammonia buildup, keeping water safe and clear for your betta.
Recap
Now that you know the top choices for aquarium gravel for betta fish, you’re ready to make an informed decision! Each gravel option we’ve covered is a great choice—you just need to pick the one that fits your style and tank setup best. Here are a few key points to remember:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your gravel routinely to maintain a healthy tank. You won’t need to replace it often, but changing it occasionally is perfectly fine if you want a fresh look.
- Gravel Depth: Aim for a depth of 1-2 inches. Adjust this slightly depending on the size and height of your tank, especially if you have live plants.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with friends or fellow fish keepers who may benefit too. Want to learn more? Check out these related articles:
- Gravel isn’t your only option! Discover which substrates are great for bettas and which ones to avoid here >> Best Aquarium Substrate for Betta Fish –
- Aquarium Sand vs Aquarium Gravel
