I am preparing to make some significant changes to my aquascaping. I have a 37 gallon tank that is now moderately planted. I plan to double the number of plants this weekend, which will probably mean a substantial disruption to the substrate. I am wondering whether I should remove all the fish before I begin disrupting the flourite gravel or should I just be careful not to stir it up too much? I am thinking of removing 20% of the water to make the planting go easier, otherwise I have to submerge my arm to my armpit to plant in the tall 37 G. I plan to turn off the outside power filter. Any recommendations.
Questions about major changes to my Aquascape
- Thread starter AquariArt
- Start date
define significant.........
I change plants around all the time, uprooting and replanting. Or just uprooting and replanting the tops. The only ones that get in the way are snails. If your planning a total design change including hard scape then it would be logical to move the fauna. One less thing to worry about.
I change plants around all the time, uprooting and replanting. Or just uprooting and replanting the tops. The only ones that get in the way are snails. If your planning a total design change including hard scape then it would be logical to move the fauna. One less thing to worry about.
Removing the fish from the tank would be just as stressful, if not more, than just leaving them in there.
The only time I've ever removed my fish from my tank was when I was completely changing the substrate.
I try to mess with half the tank at a time so the fish can get away from all the "action". Then I take a break to let things & fish settle then do the other end. They don't really like it but it's faster & easier for them & me 
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Well, depends on what you're doing and the likelihood of squashdom. Personally I do leave mine in but they are fairly hardy and I just go carefully when shifting the stuff around.
Thanks for your all your input, everyone.
I am mostly concerned about the debris I will stir up when I dig in to the substrate to plant, thinking that the debris might be harmful for the fish. By the time I'm done, I expect to plant or disturb around 40-50% of the established fluorite substrate. Before I begin planting I am thinking of covering the fluorite substrate with a small-sized, darker, natural stone hoping that it will diminish the amount of debris that would otherwise dislodged and float free, consequently clouding up the water.
I am still interested in hearing other views on this matter, as I plan to start tomorrow.
I am mostly concerned about the debris I will stir up when I dig in to the substrate to plant, thinking that the debris might be harmful for the fish. By the time I'm done, I expect to plant or disturb around 40-50% of the established fluorite substrate. Before I begin planting I am thinking of covering the fluorite substrate with a small-sized, darker, natural stone hoping that it will diminish the amount of debris that would otherwise dislodged and float free, consequently clouding up the water.
I am still interested in hearing other views on this matter, as I plan to start tomorrow.
As far as detritus in the water, exempting any buried ammonia you may dig up you must remember we keep our water clear for our viewing pleasure. But in most biomes the native waters are likely full of dissolved materials and suspended debris. I would not worry too muc about it.
