Will changing the substrate mess up cycle?

TracyRee

AC Members
May 16, 2008
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I am considering adifferent substrate for my tank. It's an eclispe system in the process of cycling.

Would changing out the gravel mess up the cycling?
 
You will lose some bacteria, but I wouldn't worry about it too much as as long as some are present they will rapidly reproduce.
 
you should not have to worry about it as long as you dont some how kill of the bacteria in your filters
 
You shouldnt have any problems....but if you want to error on the safe side take a few handfuls of the current gravel you have and place it in a piece of pantyhose and hang it in the tank for a week or so to help establish any bacteria you might have removed by changing substrate..... I have used this method several times and have never had to deal with a mini-cycle.
 
Ditto. Put a small amount in a stocking and hang it in the tank for a week or two to avoid any mini cycle. You should not have any problems. I have used this method several times.

Marinemom
 
Changing it now will be better than later. What kind of cycle are you doing?
 
make sure there are no fish in when you change it. the scoop of gravel idea is really helpful. it greatly sped up the cycle of my 75. =]
 
I've changed the substrate in many tanks...I've never had a problem. I do usually add some of the substrate in a hose also as others have mentioned doing.

Good luck!:)
 
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