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i want to know if golden fish need gravel in the bottom of the aquarium.

I assume you mean goldfish?

No, goldfish do not need gravel on the bottom. In fact, most fish don't actually *need* a substrate when you get down to it. However, goldfish are one of those fish that do interact with the substrate; they'll often suck up some gravel, sift through it for food, and spit it back out. However, once again, it isn't really necessary. Of course, having gravel is more attractive than barebottom, and covers the aquarium bottom so light doesn't reflect off of it (I've read before this could be a problem, though I'm unsure if it's true or not).

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

No fish really needs gravel substrate, though I do highly recommend you put something on the botom of the tank. I tried having a quarrantine tank with no substrate, and my fish actually got so stressed out from seeing their reflections move below them that I lost some. I now have just a very thin layer of small gravel.

Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...

on about 14 of my tanks, i run them with no gravel. on smaller tank i personallly like no gravel, and it makes it easier to clean. so no gravel,sand etc... are not need for the bottom, but like everybody said, it makes the tank look nicer.(but i always liked natural brown looking gravel)