Changed substrate from gravel to sand and...

[turkeyboy85]

Hey guys, I have had my ray for like 2 months eating fine, nice and fat, on Sat, I took him out to change my substrate and since then he just hides under the sand, He is still eating did a 50% water change the same day to get rid of any amonia spikes from removing the gravel, I kept the lights off, added salt, should i be worried or is he just enjoying the sand?He does come out every now and then but doesnt move around as much as he use to

 

[Nic]

seems normal to me rays are more active at night too

 

[Itaituba2003]

I think you must check your water parameters. You did a not so smart think you pulled out the sand at ones. Don't forget this sand is full with bacteria which helps the biological balance in your tank. You pulled it out and put fresh sand in. This takes a while before it will do the same thing as our old sand.
So next time remove the sand in 3 or 4 times before ad new snd in the tank this way the filter can adjust itself.
Regards
Frank

 

[T1KARMANN]

I think you must check your water parameters. You did a not so smart think you pulled out the sand at ones. Don't forget this sand is full with bacteria which helps the biological balance in your tank. You pulled it out and put fresh sand in. This takes a while before it will do the same thing as our old sand.
So next time remove the sand in 3 or 4 times before ad new snd in the tank this way the filter can adjust itself.
Regards
Frank

this is one of the main reasons i think a tank with substrate is better than bare bottom

 

[turkeyboy85]

yea thats what i was worried about, i did put some of the gravel in a plastic bowl back into the tank in the corner to try and help

 

[nickdog98]

in the middle of doing the same in my main tank.. taking out gravel and adding black sand.

I decided to do it in thirds. Starting at one far end, I took out about 1/3 of the gravel all the way down to bare bottom. I took this gravel and threw it in a rubbermaid 300 I have been cycling. Soaked and added 20lbs black sand and tried to get most of it in the far end. Waited a week and repeated again with the middle third of the tank. Again, took the gravel with BB to my 300 to help cycle and added another 20lbs black sand. It has been a process but so far no spikes or any observable stress to fish. Still need to change the last 1/3 out but its almost complete.

I def. do my usual waterchanges while im stirring up and taking out the old substrate.

 

[john C]

i have done this before and thought there was enough bio load in the filters.had water quality problems. good advice watch water parameters.