Will changing the substrate mess up cycle?

[TracyRee]

I am considering adifferent substrate for my tank. It's an eclispe system in the process of cycling.

Would changing out the gravel mess up the cycling?

[Coler]

You will lose some bacteria, but I wouldn't worry about it too much as as long as some are present they will rapidly reproduce.

[wildman117]

you should not have to worry about it as long as you dont some how kill of the bacteria in your filters

[southpaw]

You shouldnt have any problems....but if you want to error on the safe side take a few handfuls of the current gravel you have and place it in a piece of pantyhose and hang it in the tank for a week or so to help establish any bacteria you might have removed by changing substrate..... I have used this method several times and have never had to deal with a mini-cycle.

[Marinemom]

Ditto. Put a small amount in a stocking and hang it in the tank for a week or two to avoid any mini cycle. You should not have any problems. I have used this method several times.

Marinemom

[Rbishop]

Changing it now will be better than later. What kind of cycle are you doing?

[AquariumNoob13]

make sure there are no fish in when you change it. the scoop of gravel idea is really helpful. it greatly sped up the cycle of my 75. =]

[Lady G]

I've changed the substrate in many tanks...I've never had a problem. I do usually add some of the substrate in a hose also as others have mentioned doing.

Good luck!:)