changing substrate in an exsisting aquarium

[meili.harrison]

If this is your only tank, I would wait, especially if you are so close to the end of cycling. Maybe wait a couple more weeks. I have changed substrate on 2 of my tanks - a 10 gal and a 29 gal. However, I had a 46 gal that was already established, and after I switched, I just used some gravel and filter material from my established tank to seed the other 2. I used pool filter sand, IMO it is worth the extra few bucks. I only had cloudy water about an hour or so and it is very easy to use a gravel vac on as the sand is much heavier than play sand.

 

[jameshilljr]

I think we will wait. The fish don't seem to be bothered by the current substrate and i don't see the immediate need to change it. We wanted to wait until we had finished the cycle for sure but wanted to know when after. It seems most people are having good success with sand we want to do the same, just not at the expense of our fish.
Thanks for everyones input! We are so glad we joined the forum.