Switching to sand bed with fish in

[danettem]

I have a running tank with a crushed coral bed. From what I have heard, I really need a deep sand bed instead. My question is, is there a way to switch them while the fish remain in the tank. I realize the sand will need to cycle, and I'm not sure how to approach the problem.

[CHughes]

danettem:
There was a thread discussing this earlier although it wasn't really clear from the title. It briefly explains what you need to do.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20393

[danettem]

Thanks. The fish tank I have inherited has an undergravel filter, is the sand going to be a problem with this?

[Gealcath]

Undergravel filters shouldnt be used in SW at all.

[OrionGirl]

Take the fish out. It's easiest to change over substrates with an empty tank, really. May be a pain to pull everything and keep it in a tub for the day, but in the end it's less stress on the fish, and much, much easier. You don't need a tank for them, just a clean tupperware tub--pretty cheap, and easily covered.

[llebcire]

Originally posted by danettem
I have a running tank with a crushed coral bed. From what I have heard, I really need a deep sand bed instead. My question is, is there a way to switch them while the fish remain in the tank. I realize the sand will need to cycle, and I'm not sure how to approach the problem.

I might suggest that you do a little more research on the whole deep sand bed (dsb) craze.

There are potential problems with the system (i.e. crashes) that you might want to read up on and be prepared for.

I switched for cosmetic reasons and to rid myself of a potential copper problem.

There is no evidence that crushed coral (cc) is bad nor that a dsb is better. Certain fish/cleaners, for example, do prefer sand to cc.

There are also "theories" as to the proper depth needed.

Again, unless your tank is in dire need of a switch, just spend more time researching the subject. It may very well be the best move for you!

Good luck!

BTW-undergravel can work, wet/dry aren't all bad. Many people have great success with them, as well as cc or dsb.

[Gealcath]

I'v never used a skimmer in my 15gl aquarium, and i used to use a bio-wheel and Crushed Coral and the nitrates kept on getting way to high. I now do a bio-wheel with a 3-4" DSB and i have noticed a incredible improvment, and the nitrates are actually going down.