Substrate change?

[grays]

Ive got an african cichlid tank setup that is cycle and has 11 fish currently in it. I am planning on making a move from gravel and river rock to ... Sand and lava/lace rock. How will this effect the tank and fish? Also any tips would be much appreciated.

 

[67chevelle]

How big is the tank,and what kind of filter are you using?

 

[grays]

not sure why that even matters but its a 55gallon tank with a canister rena x3 and hob topfin 60

 

[67chevelle]

Because if you had a UGF you should do it slowly with the fish in it.
But because you don't,put the fish in a container with tank water.In another container put the filter material and bio rings.Drain the tank,take out the substrate,put in the new substrate,add the fish and put the filter back together.It shouldn't take any longer than 2 hours.