Adding gravel for plants

[Liambiggs]

Im looking to add plants to my tank tomorrow and just realized my gravel is only about a half inch deep.. How deep should gravel be for plants like water sprite or java fern? And can I add gravel straight from the bag to my tank? Without taking my fish out?

 

[Billbug68]

About an inch and a half to two inches of substrate should be fine. I'd like to note, java fern does not get planted in the substrate, it should be tied to a rock or driftwood. I'd rinse the gravel in a bucket first, then yes, you can slowly add it to the tank with fish in.