Need substrate depth help

[earhtmother]

I am rearranging & up sizing my tanks (getting rid of a 55g & 2x30g and adding 2x60/70g & a 100g) so that means more gravel & I am wondering if there is a recommended depth for gravel in a tank? They will have slab rock shelves, driftwood, no live plants but some fabric ones and a *plastic* tree trunk & cave style ornaments. If any live plants are added it will be something I do not need ferts or special lighting for like mosses, guppy grass or hornwort (?). I would like to be able to spread out some of the gravel I have (it was 3" deep in some of the tanks) & I am considering (against the wishes of my inner voices) putting sand in the 100g since it will have a angels & a colony of cories in it. FYI the other tanks will be a 70g with an Oscar, 70g with a Clown Knife, 70g with guppies & smaller tetras, 70g with Mollies and a 70g with Goodeid.

 

[V227]

Regarding gravel, my personal preference is 2" deep. If you keep cichlids that dig, or you scape with big, heavy rocks, then a 3" base of gravel. I've never used sand.

 

[BBradbury]

Hello ear...

I keep larger tanks and use pea-sized gravel. It's easy to vacuum if needed and can't compact in areas and cause water problems like sand. I pile up the gravel in the back 3 to 4 inches and slope down to 2 inches or so in the front. I put any plants toward the back of the tank. It's easier to see into the tank this way.

Pretty easy.

B