More gravel

[hermxl1]

I'm thinking about adding some live plants to my tanks and I have one small problem. My substrate is only about an 3/4 of and inch high in most spots. So I know I need more gravel, but the problem is how to add more gravel to a 220g tank that's already full of water and fish? Any suggestions? I need about 2 inches of substrate right?

 

[Cearbhaill]

When I needed to add substrate I washed it really well and lowered it in using a (new) plastic dustpan. Tupperware or anything would do- I've even used a drinking glass to lower small amounts. Just something to help you lower it down to where you want it.

 

[TKOS]

That's how I did it as well, though my tank is much smaller than yours. It is a time consuming process but the only safe way to do it.

An alternative (depending on fish load and type) would be to put up a divider and block the fish into one side of the tank. Then you wouldn't have to be quite so cautious.

But if you have really aggressive fish they may attack each other in a small space.

 

[Torf]

If possible you could make use of a large rubbermaid container to hold the fish temporairly.

It sure makes it easy to add substrate and plant a tank when most of the water is out of it.

 

[roliva]

Just do it while doing a water change. Take out about 25% of the water. Get a five gallon bucket, rinse out the gravel really well, drain the water and lower the bucket to the bottom and just pour it out.

 

[johnnyxxl]

I would siphon most of the water out into "temp tank" put the fish in said tank fill new gravel and redecorate tank and reintrofish and fresh water change all in one much easier than being careful about the fish while adding pounds of gravel.