Changing Substrates..

[CBTF]

Alright. My 10G has sand substrate and im CONSIDERING switching to some neon gravel or nicer sand.

Now, If I do remove the sand i'll have to drain the tank. I'd end up having to wash it out, because as you guys know sand goes everywhere and theres no way I can remove all of it without a wash.

Now I understand my tank will go through a mini cycle after but shouldnt kill all of my fish..

Any tips? If I do change the substrate then what precautions should I take? I can attempt to save at least 50% of the water as I have a nice 5 Gallon bucket.

Any advice is great i'd like to minimise the chances of any fatalities.

 

[TrickyD119]

What I do when attempting a substrate change is siphon some water out of the tank into a bucket and move the fish into it. I then also float the filter media in the bucket as well to keep it seeded and run an air stone.

I like to grab out some gravel as well and throw it in a stocking and put that in the filter after the change as well, but that really isn't applicable since you have sand.

Once you get everyone back inside, reduce feedings for a little while and increase the frequency of your water changes during the same period.

There is a good chance you won’t have any problems, but reducing the feedings and increasing the water changes should reduce the initial stress and keep the params in check. At least it always has for me.

 

[Flowerhorn916]

If you take a short length of garden hose and use that to syphon your tank you will be able to suck the sand out to this is how I have done it it the past.

As long as you dont mess w/ the filter mabey 2 weeks before or after chaging the sand out I dont think you will have any problems. You do need to have bacteria in the tank that is why you should not clean the filter for awhile if your gonna change out.

Good Luck-

 

[Emg]

:idea2:

How about putting a nylon bag with some of the new gravel in it...in your 10 gallon for a couple of weeks before you make the change. That way you will get some bacteria to colonizing some of the new gravel. You can dump the bag in the tank along with the rest of the gravel after you remove the sand.

 

[CBTF]

All very good ideas thanks guys. I'll brainstorm as to which would work best in this case.. my filter won't be changed then, so that will be a plus.. i'll keep the rocks/plants in for a week before I change my decor to the new stuff also.

I am, however, pondering about just buying a nice new piece of driftwood or a large fake coral and plopping that it with new plants instead, leaving the sand. Sounds easier