The 10 Best Substrates & Gravel for Saltwater Aquariums

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How we created this substrates & gravel list

We leveraged input from our veterinarians and artificial intelligence to identify key considerations to help you find the best substrates & gravel for saltwater aquarium.

We scanned thousands of customer reviews and ratings and scored each product based on its performance against each of the key considerations. We then considered how popular a product is with Chewy customers and combined that with its key consideration scores to create the list of the best substrates & gravel for saltwater aquariums.

Key substrates & gravel considerations

Compatibility with Marine Life

Durability

Grain Size

Porosity

Aqua Terra Aquarium & Terrarium Sand, Natural Tan, 5-lb bag

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

168

$5.49Chewy Price

Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility with Marine Life

4.0/5

Great

Durability

4.6/5

Excellent

Grain Size

4.8/5

Excellent

Porosity

4.8/5

Excellent

Pros

Soft and Gentle: Sand is soft and gentle on pet's skin and scales.
Natural Look: Sand provides a natural and beautiful look in aquariums and terrariums.
Easy to Clean: Sand is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for pet parents.
Hamster Friendly: Sand is perfect for hamsters, providing a safe and comfortable environment.
Great Value: Sand is a great value for the price, making it a affordable option for pet parents.

Cons

Cloudy Water: Sand can cause cloudy water in aquariums if not rinsed properly.
Not Pure White: Sand is not a pure white color, but more of a natural beige or tan color.
Requires Rinsing: Sand requires thorough rinsing before use to prevent cloudiness and other issues.

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Pure Water Pebbles Coated Aquarium Gravel, Jet Black, 5-lb bag

Pure Water Pebbles Coated Aquarium Gravel, Jet Black, 5-lb bag

Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars

260

$6.44Chewy Price

Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Compatibility with Marine Life

4.0/5

Great

Durability

4.0/5

Great

Grain Size

4.0/5

Great

Porosity

3.9/5

Good

Pros

Good Quality: Many pet parents are happy with the quality of the gravel, saying it's better than expected.
Non-Sharp: The coated gravel is not sharp, making it safe for fish and other aquatic animals.
Easy to Clean: The gravel is easy to clean and maintain, with minimal dust and debris.
Great for Decor: The gravel is great for decorating aquariums and adds a nice touch to the tank's appearance.

Cons

Color Bleeding: Many pet parents have experienced color bleeding from the gravel, which can stain hands, buckets, and even the tank water.
Dusty and Small Particles: Some pet parents have reported that the gravel is dusty and has small particles that can be a nuisance to clean.
Initial Rinsing Required: The gravel requires thorough rinsing before use to remove excess dye and small particles, which can be time-consuming.

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