Howdy! Currently, I have my tank setup with a sandy substrate. Seems no mater how hard I try not to get sand in the drain when I change the water, it always seems to cause problems. So, I want to change back to gravel. Only problem is, I have a fish. Can I lower the water level to about a quarter of the tank, pull the sand and then add the gravel??? If there is a better way please let me know!! I am at wit's end!! Thanks!
Switching Substrate
- Thread starter jdheff1982
- Start date
Sand is a good substrate as long as it's maintained. You will inevitably get sand in the siphon if you get too close. What works is taking the siphon and swirling it around about 1" above the substrate, getting the detritus and other debris off the gravel and up the siphon 
You should also rake it periodically to get any anaerobic gas pockets out so as to not toxify your tank.
If you truly wish to switch substrates, your best bet is to drain some water into a QT tank or bucket or similar, then switch substrates. This creates less stress for the fish and yourself. Also, don't change your filter media for at least two weeks. This will preserve your nitrifying bacteria so you don't experience a mini cycle and get ammonia/nitrite spikes. You can also take a handful of the sand and place it into a stocking or nylon filter media bag and hang it in the back. It looks dumb, but it keeps bacteria around to filter you tank
Good luck
You should also rake it periodically to get any anaerobic gas pockets out so as to not toxify your tank. If you truly wish to switch substrates, your best bet is to drain some water into a QT tank or bucket or similar, then switch substrates. This creates less stress for the fish and yourself. Also, don't change your filter media for at least two weeks. This will preserve your nitrifying bacteria so you don't experience a mini cycle and get ammonia/nitrite spikes. You can also take a handful of the sand and place it into a stocking or nylon filter media bag and hang it in the back. It looks dumb, but it keeps bacteria around to filter you tank
Good luck
Thanks for the tip! I'll try the first part first to see how well it keeps sand suction to a minimum.