Gravel for a 10 gallon tank by depth
| Depth | Gravel | Volume | Lb per gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 12 lb | 3 qt | 1.22 |
| 1.5 in | 18 lb | 5 qt | 1.82 |
| 2 in | 24 lb | 7 qt | 2.43 |
| 3 in | 36 lb | 10 qt | 3.65 |
Footprint × depth, at 105 lb per cubic foot of dry gravel (Engineering ToolBox).
Aquarium Nexus recommends 1 to 2 inches of gravel, which it puts at about 1 to 2 pounds per gallon. For this tank, 1 to 2 inches works out to 1.22 to 2.43 lb per gallon.
Working it out
Pounds = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 1,728 × 105
The 20 × 10 inch footprint is 200 square inches. At 2 inches deep that is 400 cubic inches, or 0.23 cubic feet, which weighs about 24 lb. Sand and fine gravel weigh more per cubic foot; plant soils weigh less.
Common questions
How many pounds of gravel for a 10 gallon tank?
About 12 lb for 1 inch or 24 lb for 2 inches.
What are the dimensions of a 10 gallon tank?
20 × 10 × 12 inches for the standard size; brands vary slightly.
Sources
- https://topshelfaquatics.com/pages/aquarium-size-chart
- https://www.aquariumnexus.com/?p=2960
- https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html