How much gravel for a 40 gallon breeder tank?
For a 2 inch bed in a standard 40 gallon breeder tank (36 x 18 in floor) you need about 75 lb of gravel or 71 lb of sand.
Gravel, sand and soil by depth
| Depth | Gravel | 20 lb bags | 5 lb bags | Sand | 9 L soil bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 38 lb | 2 x 20 lb | 8 x 5 lb | 36 lb | 2 x 9 L |
| 2 in | 75 lb | 4 x 20 lb | 15 x 5 lb | 71 lb | 3 x 9 L |
| 3 in | 112 lb | 6 x 20 lb | 23 x 5 lb | 107 lb | 4 x 9 L |
Bag counts are rounded up. Bulk densities vary by product, so check the bag's own coverage chart too.
Work it out for your 40 gallon breeder tank
Different floor size or depth? Adjust the numbers below.
Which substrate depth should you choose?
- 1–2 inches suits most community tanks with gravel and keeps cleaning easy.
- 2–3 inches gives rooted plants space to grow. Slope it deeper at the back for a sense of depth.
- 1–2 inches of sand suits corydoras and other bottom sifters; deeper sand needs stirring.
Rinse gravel and sand before adding them, and pour water slowly onto a plate to avoid clouding.
See the full 40 gallon breeder tank dimensions, or use the substrate calculator for any tank.
Frequently asked questions
How many pounds of gravel for a 40 gallon breeder tank?
About 75 lb for a 2 inch bed, or 38 lb for 1 inch.
How many bags of gravel for a 40 gallon breeder tank?
For 2 inches of gravel, about 4 bags of 20 lb.
How much sand for a 40 gallon breeder tank?
About 36 lb for 1 inch of sand, or 71 lb for 2 inches.
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