← Back to utilities

Substrate Calculator

How much substrate do you need? Enter your tank footprint and the desired depth — we'll give you the volume, weight and how many bags to buy.

Typical depths: 2–3 cm fine sand for bottom-dwellers, 5–8 cm planted substrate (including a nutrient layer), or ~2 cm of cap over a soil base.

How Much Substrate

Volume Needed

9.00 L

Weight

8.1 kg

0.9 kg/L

2 L Bags

5

usual retail size

2 L Bags

5

if buying small bags

Buy slightly more than you need — substrate settles over the first weeks and you'll want a little left to top up slopes. Rinse sand and gravel before adding.