Gravel for a 20 gallon high tank by depth
| Depth | Gravel | Volume | Lb per gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 18 lb | 5 qt | 0.88 |
| 1.5 in | 26 lb | 7 qt | 1.31 |
| 2 in | 35 lb | 10 qt | 1.75 |
| 3 in | 52 lb | 15 qt | 2.62 |
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 0.88 to 1.75 lb per gallon.
Working it out
Pounds = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 1,728 × 105
The 24 × 12 inch footprint is 288 square inches. At 2 inches deep that is 576 cubic inches, or 0.33 cubic feet, which weighs about 35 lb. Sand and fine gravel weigh more per cubic foot; plant soils weigh less.
Common questions
How many pounds of gravel for a 20 gallon high tank?
About 18 lb for 1 inch or 35 lb for 2 inches.
What are the dimensions of a 20 gallon high tank?
24 × 12 × 16 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