How much gravel?

[barry]

Hey Everyone,
I am having a "substrate debate"! I just started an "Eclipse" system with wet/dry filtration. I have always used an undergravel filter along with other methods in the past, but this FO system will not use it. I have placed 1 inch of crushed puka shell gravel on the bottom. I was wondering if this might be too much. How much do all of you w/o UG filters have in your aquariums? I am concerned about anaerobic bacterial pockets forming if the bed is too thick, but I like the way it looks and I don't want to disturb it at this point. What do you think? Thanks!

 

[eelman]

I have an eclips and I have about 2 1/2 " the fish move it around all the time to dig out caves.

 

[barry]

Well I reduced my gravel to about 1/2" in my Eclipse because I heard that toxic gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide could form in my gravel bed without an undergravel filter. Anyone else have an opinion??
[This message has been edited by barry (edited 07-12-2000).]

 

[mr . salty]

I've allways heard yo have 2or3inches. thats what I've used,and will continue to use in the future. Now both my tanks(40&125gals) are up and running fine like that,niether have under gravel filter. How many gallons is the eclipse?? STEVE

 

[barry]

My Elclipse is a 6 gallon. I know they say 2-3" of gravel with an undergravel filter. I was told only a shallow layer of gravel without it. Sounds like your tanks work OK though!