Gravel & Substrate Market Prices
Current market statistics for aquarium gravel and substrate based on 1,980 listings.
What you'll usually pay
💡 Buying used saves about 15% here.
👉 In short easy summary
Standard gravel and sand are the most affordable options, hovering around the 22.99 median. Significant premiums exist for specialized substrates, with Coral Sand costing 86% more and Planting Soil costing 43% more than the median.
Price by type
Why? Prices vary by material utility, from standard gravel at 22.97 to specialized coral sand at 42.8.
Price by water type
Why? Specialized environments command higher prices, with brackish substrate at 34.44 compared to unspecified types at 22.99.
Price by brand
Why? Brand premiums range from unbranded options at 27.19 to high-end Seachem products at 43.08.
🛒 Some on sale right now
Common questions
What is the typical price for standard aquarium sand?
The median price for sand is 23.08.
How much more expensive is specialized planting soil compared to the market median?
Planting soil has a median price of 32.99, which is 43% above the market median.
Is there a price difference between new and used substrate?
The median price for new substrate is 22.99, while used substrate is lower at 19.49.
How we got these numbers
Worked out from 200 live eBay listings (price range $13–$58, odd outliers ignored). These are asking prices, so use them as a guide. Last checked July 13, 2026.