Substrate volume
Substrate volume for a tank footprint plus depth. Estimates bag counts for common aquasoil, sand, and gravel products.
How this works
Volume math is simple: length × width × average depth. The "front" and "back" depth inputs let you slope your substrate, which most aquascapers do (shallower at the front for viewing, deeper at the back for stem plants and root depth). The calculator averages the two.
Bag counts
The product list is approximate. Bag volumes vary by manufacturer and by how compacted the substrate is on arrival, so treat these as starting points. Buy one extra bag if your tank is large or the build is unforgiving (planted aquascape with hardscape, fully covered substrate). Substrate is annoying to short on, easy to store extra of.
Densities used:
- ADA Amazonia: 9L per bag (the standard import size)
- Fluval Stratum: ~4L per 8.8 lb bag
- Eco-Complete: ~9L per 20 lb bag
- CaribSea Peace River: ~9L per 20 lb bag
- Pool filter sand: ~22L per 50 lb bag
Depth recommendations
For carpeting plants like dwarf hairgrass or monte carlo, 2 to 3 inches at the front. For stem plants and crypts, 3 to 4 inches at the back. For root-heavy plants like swords, 4 inches plus. Deeper substrate is harder to keep clean and traps gas pockets if it sits undisturbed, so don't go deeper than your plants actually need.