we have a 55 gal with 3 yellow lab cichlids, 2 juv. firemouths and 2 juv. convicts. we would like to change the current substrate(small river rock)to another more sutibale one (sand). we wanted to know how to go about it.
changing substrate in an exsisting aquarium
- Thread starter jameshilljr
- Start date
I'd do it in such a way as to allow you keep some of it in the tank in a some kind of net (tights/pantyhose) for a few days after the change; you could otherwise lose a significant amount of beneficial bacteria.
I would :
a) wash/rinse new substrate
b) remove fish
b) drain tank
c) scoop out substrate into some kind of container...newly bought dustpan might be useful to scoop with.
d) new substrate
e) refill
f) add fish
g) put a load of old substrate into tights/pantyhose and place in tank for a week.
I would be inclined to have the fish out of the tank when doing this. Set up a large rubbermaid type thing or two if you don't have a spare tank, run filters and heaters on them and work like the clappers (might not even need heaters this time of year actually). I've not done it myself though...
I would :
a) wash/rinse new substrate
b) remove fish
b) drain tank
c) scoop out substrate into some kind of container...newly bought dustpan might be useful to scoop with.
d) new substrate
e) refill
f) add fish
g) put a load of old substrate into tights/pantyhose and place in tank for a week.
I would be inclined to have the fish out of the tank when doing this. Set up a large rubbermaid type thing or two if you don't have a spare tank, run filters and heaters on them and work like the clappers (might not even need heaters this time of year actually). I've not done it myself though...
I did exactly what Coler said. I did it go both my 14g and 29g. As long as you keep some old gravel you will be fine. Don't plug the filters in for a hour or two after you switch unless your using pool sand. If you're using pool sand and you wash it good you can be back up and running in 15-20 minutes. Mine was cloudy for a couple hours after but you can put the fish and turn the filter on basically right after you do the switch. Some might not agree, but I did it on both of mine with no adverse effects on the fish OR the filters.
we are currently cycling the tank we are almost there. We didn't know so much about cichlids when we started the set up. how long after the cycle is finished should we wait before changing the substrate.
If it's still cycling I would wait for it to get established then wait a couple months. both my tanks were running 5-6 months before I switched. Maybe someone else can chime in.
I don't think you have to wait. You can if you want but if your already doing a fishy cycle and keep up with the water changes as needed, it shouldn't be a problem. Be sure to keep all filter media wet in a bucket with old tank water from removal when draining your tank. Remember to match the new water temperature and dechlorinate it when refilling.
This is an iffy thing removing the substrating and replacing now in such a new tank could start the whole process over again.