Estes Deep River Regular Gravel

Estes Deep River Regular Gravel is a natural-look aquarium gravel in a warm blend of tan, brown, and gray river stones. Inert and aquarium-safe, it will not alter your water chemistry, so it makes a clean, classic substrate for freshwater community tanks. The smooth, rounded grain is gentle on bottom dwellers and gives plant roots and beneficial bacteria plenty of surface to anchor and colonize.

Why You Will Like It

• Natural earth-tone color that suits planted tanks, community setups, and biotopes.
• Inert and pH-neutral, so it will not raise hardness or shift your parameters.
• Smooth, rounded grain that is safe for corydoras, loaches, and other bottom feeders.
• Two bag sizes so you can dial in the right amount for nano tanks or large aquariums.

Specifications

Setting It Up

Rinse the gravel thoroughly in a bucket or colander until the water runs clear before adding it to your tank, which removes dust from shipping and handling. Plan on roughly 1 to 2 pounds per gallon for a 1 to 2 inch bed, using more for planted tanks where roots need depth. Add the gravel first, then fill slowly over a plate or your hand to avoid clouding the water.

Recommended Supplies

• Keep the bed clean with a Lee's Ultra Gravel Vacuum.
• Dechlorinate new water during setup and water changes with Seachem Prime.
• Plant it up with our Freshwater Aquarium Plants.
• Explore the full Freshwater collection for tanks, fish, and gear.

Questions & Answers

How much gravel do I need?
As a rule of thumb, use about 1 to 2 pounds per gallon for a 1 to 2 inch bed. A 5 lb bag suits nano and small tanks, while the 25 lb bag is better for larger aquariums or deeper planted substrates.

Will it change my water parameters?
No. This gravel is inert and pH neutral, so it will not raise hardness or shift pH. It is a safe choice for almost any freshwater community.

Do I need to rinse it first?
Yes. Always rinse aquarium gravel until the water runs clear before adding it, which removes fine dust and keeps your tank from clouding on the first fill.

Is it safe for bottom feeders?
Yes. The grain is smooth and rounded, which is gentle on the barbels and bellies of corydoras, loaches, and other fish that sift the substrate.