I have changed substrate in my tanks at least 5 times. I've used plastic storage containers to hold my fish while I take out the substrate and replace it. Once it's done I turn the filters back on and put the fish back in. I've always changed the substrate all at once and I've never had a min cycle or ammonia spike. I think it's much less stressful on the fish to change it all at once.
help with changing substrates in established aquarium
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So I went ahead and did the change from gravel to sand, kept the filter media, about 80% of the water and put some gravel in nylon stockings and everything went well. The fish are enjoying the sand, their colors are starting to pop more. The only thing is the tank looks foggy and its been about 4 days since the change. Will it always look like there's a fog or does it just take a while for everything to settle??
Sometimes it can take a few weeks for the sediment to settle, to aid in this matter you could perform a few small water changes but yes it will settle down in a few days or so..
I did this about a year ago. I just took all of the rocks out (left the breeding pair still in), and then got a large PVC pipe. I then put a funnel in one end and put the other end at the bottom of the tank. I was able to fill my 125 gallon tank with 150 pounds of sand without making a big sand cloud. The fish seemed a little stressed, but they soon got over it. I didn't notice any problems with ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates.
2 more questions for you gurus. Is a bubbler necessary in the tank? I think the one I have in there is kicking up sand and not letting it settle. However, I've had it in there almost the 2 years I've had this tank running.
Also, when doing a water change, how do you prevent the sand from kicking up and creating a mini sand storm?? I use a 5 gallon bucket now.
Thanks for all the help so far.
Also, when doing a water change, how do you prevent the sand from kicking up and creating a mini sand storm?? I use a 5 gallon bucket now.
Thanks for all the help so far.
Yes it could be the issue i had to turn off powerheads before so that the sand could settle..
Bucket changes can be a nightmare for sand substrates i use python no spill n fill water changing system and i just aim the house near the top of the tank directing the flow elsewhere.
Bucket changes can be a nightmare for sand substrates i use python no spill n fill water changing system and i just aim the house near the top of the tank directing the flow elsewhere.
