how to easily remove gravel?

[Slim2634]

i have a 20 gallon tank with fish in it. i was wondering how i can get the gravel out easily? i want to replace the white gravel for black and i regret buying the white now. but the fishes colors look horrible on that bright white gravel and the black gravel will really bring out there colors.

 

[Guinness]

Use a large fish net and just scoop it out.

 

[beblondie]

I used a cup and scoope it out -Anne

 

[Euge]

i would take at least 3/4 of the water out of the tank and save it in buckets. then take out all your decorations and what not,take out your fish. then take out the gravel, you can use a small dust pan. Take the remaining 1/4 of water out coz it'll be nasty. chuck the new gravel in and put everything back in..

 

[dacox]

I agree with draining it. You could probably do it without draining, but it would make it easier. If you dont drain it, make sure to do a good gravel vacuuming first. I've used a collander and net to scoop out gravel before, but you could use pretty much anything.

 

[davo]

sqratch has the idea. i did that and put all my fish in a bucket and put it in the airing cupboard till i had replaced anything

 

[dizlal]

Try syphoning out.

 

[rkc772]

Try syphoning out.

yup siphoning it with a 3/4 or 1" vinyl tubbing will do the trick. don't use the phyton type just a hose and drain it from their. it would be easier but it will drain some water. just put the end piece inside a bucket so that the gravel stays down and the water pours out.

 

[guppy]

Put the fish in buckets and use a shop wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

 

[xxblwn408]

yup siphoning it with a 3/4 or 1" vinyl tubbing will do the trick. don't use the phyton type just a hose and drain it from their. it would be easier but it will drain some water. just put the end piece inside a bucket so that the gravel stays down and the water pours out.

This way works great for me.