re-scapeing tank

[springpin]

Hello,

I am going to be re-doing my Cichlid (Malawi) tank. I will be changing the tank to a more natural setting. What would be the best way to do this, without adding to much stress to my fish. Would doing gradual changes over a period of time reduce the stress?

Currently, the tank is setup with left-overs from my other tanks. I will be using white Geo-systems sand and river stone.

Any thoughts or insight would be GRRReat!!

[mostlycichlids]

personally I would get a tub to put the fish in and hook one of your filters up to it. Then re scape the tank and re add the fish to their new home.

[GirlieGirl8521]

I agree...I'd do it all at once. :)

[Peanut_Power]

I agree...I'd do it all at once. :)

While your at it you could swap your fish out at the LFS and get some nice Crenicichla to put in there!! ;)


When you put your fish back in there, be sure to turn the lights off. I know its a serious temptation to watch them, but they will already be stressed to the max...so give them a little alone time.

[5xevy]

I'd also say to do it all at one time. The longer it takes to finish, the more the fish will be stressed. The sooner they're back into their new arrangement, the sooner they can become used to it as their "new" home.

[Rbishop]

I also prefer an all at once rearrangement. Ditto on keeping it dark for the initial day or so.