Can I just replace my substrate in a Cycled aquarium?

[rayoddballfish]

Hi all!

I have a cycled aquarium which is bare bottom and I want to add some fluval stratum planted aquarium substrate to the aquarium.

I have some water wisteria that I hope will begin to take off since right now its growing floating.

If I rinse the substrate out could I just add it in or should I cycle it in a separate aquarium and then add it. Keep in mind I have fish in the cycled aquarium and I don't want to lose any fish.

Any input appreciated! Thank you!

 

[esoxlucius]

If your tank is cycled like you say then obviously you've got a good head of BB in your system. I don't see any problem adding substrate to your tank, although like you say, it will need rinsing thoroughly. I've used fluval stratum myself, very dusty.

I'd rinse it thoroughly in small batches and add it to the tank slowly as to not stress the fish too much. Some might say it would be wise to rinse it in dechlorinated water but as long as the stratum is well drained before you add it to your tank you should be fine.

 

[rayoddballfish]

If your tank is cycled like you say then obviously you've got a good head of BB in your system. I don't see any problem adding substrate to your tank, although like you say, it will need rinsing thoroughly. I've used fluval stratum myself, very dusty.

I'd rinse it thoroughly in small batches and add it to the tank slowly as to not stress the fish too much. Some might say it would be wise to rinse it in dechlorinated water but as long as the stratum is well drained before you add it to your tank you should be fine.

Alright thanks so much for the reply! Fluval Stratum doesn't leach any ammonia or nitrates right? The fish I have is a bichir so its "hardier" than most fish, but I don't want to rush the process and accidentslly kill my favorite fish.

 

[esoxlucius]

If used in large quantities you may see a slight drop in PH. It's not recommended for cichlids either, i suspect because many of them like to dig, which would mess your tank up real bad using this as a substrate, unless you capped it with gravel. I have my plants in pots so I don't have a substrate in the usual sense. Due to me just having a few pots I don't really use that much of the stuff so I haven't notied any adverse effects.

 

[duanes]

I'm a bit of a water conservation nut (where I live, during the dry season, water is sometimes scare) so what I like to do , is to rinse new substrate in old tank water, as a part of a water change, and replace the old tank/rinse water with new, using the water twice, or three times, because then the rinse (dirty ) water is poured on my tropical garden plants..

 

[rayoddballfish]

If used in large quantities you may see a slight drop in PH. It's not recommended for cichlids either, i suspect because many of them like to dig, which would mess your tank up real bad using this as a substrate, unless you capped it with gravel. I have my plants in pots so I don't have a substrate in the usual sense. Due to me just having a few pots I don't really use that much of the stuff so I haven't notied any adverse effects.

Thanks! Im using some pots as well since I didn't want to spend too much buying substrate to cover the entire tank. Hopefully my bichir doesn;t dig the plants up tho!

 

[rayoddballfish]

I'm a bit of a water conservation nut (where I live, during the dry season, water is sometimes scare) so what I like to do , is to rinse new substrate in old tank water, as a part of a water change, and replace the old tank/rinse water with new, using the water twice, or three times, because then the rinse (dirty ) water is poured on my tropical garden plants..

Thanks! I rinsed my substrate with tank water and will probably do a water change in the coming days!

 

[Jexnell]

Best way is during the water change. When the water is low, scoop the substrate in placing it where you want it, pre-rinsed of course.

 

[DN328]

Best way is during the water change. When the water is low, scoop the substrate in placing it where you want it, pre-rinsed of course.

When I added sand, then needed to add more sand weeks later, this is what I did. Easier to work with lowered water.