RUGF install and new gravel

[steve p]

I have a tank that has been running for 15 months, everything is good with the tank but when i set it up i used multicoloured gravel:barf: . I would like to change this to something that looks more natural also at the same time i would like to add a RUGF. I thought about using the tank water to fill a rubbermaid and transfer the fish to this the only problem i have is my tank uses an internal filter that is fixed into the tank. I can remove the media and put it in the rubbermaid along with the fish also add a heater and airstone. Will the bacteria survive on the media if just submerged in the water, I think it will take around an hour to install the RUGF and new gravel before i refill the tank. Also will i get a ammonia/nitrite spike after the new gravel has been put in? I have some nice fish in this tank and dont want to loose them:hearts: .

Steve.

[Rbishop]

You will be fine for the time frame you are talking about. Gravel vac heavy before the substrate change. Depending on how much debri you leave behind, you shouldn't see much of a spike.

Monitor closely for a week or so after the change and do water changes as necessary.

[steve p]

Thanks for the reply.

Steve.

[Marinemom]

As far as the gravel change you should be fine and so should the fish. When you change out the old gravel, you can save some of the old gravel and put it in a media bag or an unused ladies stocking and place it in the aquarium close to the filter if not in the filter itself. This will help to make sure that there is no ammonia or nitrite spike of any kind. After about a week you can remove the bag of old gravel and you are good to go.

Marinemom

[TwoTankAmin]

Just bear in mind that ugf/rugf work best using a medium sized gravel with a depth of at least 3 inches.

[Corax]

Also be aware that a large portion of your biological filtration happens because of the bacteria living in and on that gravel you are removing. Completely replacing it will lead to a spike of some size, regardless of how much you save in a media bag.. That is the proper way to do it though. Just don't think you'll do it and never have a spike if you save some of it. The tank will be unstable until the new gravel gets "lived in".. Just be ready for a quicky water change, and you'll be fine. Kudos on going away from the rainbow looking tank step. Everyone starts there, but it's a sign of good taste in leaving it behind =)

[Star_Rider]

if there is any other filtration involved..like a hob..you may only see a mini cycle or a small spike as the new gravel populates.

is there any other filtration from the old tank?

[Rbishop]

In his initial post, he mentions an internal filter.

[steve p]

In his initial post, he mentions an internal filter.

Yep i do have an internal running on the tank. Thanks for the replies i will keep an eye on water levels and carryout PWC if required.

Steve

[Rbishop]

Let us know how it works for you and what level of spike, if any, you experienced, please! Thanks.

[steve p]

Let us know how it works for you and what level of spike, if any, you experienced, please! Thanks.

Will do im going to get prepaired then go for it next weekend. Thanks for all the replies this site is so helpful makes me wonder how i maneged before i goined.:)

Steve.