Changing Gravel

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
G

Garofoli

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 18, 2007
95
0
0
Connecticut
Hello,
I just received my new lighting setup for my 29g tank. The last thing I need to do before putting in the plants is to switch the substrate. I found the one I want and I will get it soon. My question is... Will I compromise the health and lives of the current tank mates by changing the gravel and how do I change it? I have large buckets to keep the water so not much water will be lost. Thanks.:D

PS. The current tank mates are harlies, 2 Rams, and a dwarf gourami. Could I add two more gouramis and some more rams as well without compromising their lives?
 
Just fill up some buckets with the tank water. Catch the fish and put them in the bucket. Take out all the remaining water and substrate. Make sure the new substrate is washed thoroughly and put that in. Partly fill the tank. Add back some old water, and the fish and the rest of the water. Shouldnt encounter many problems.
 
I suppose so. If you are careful enough how you do it, it should be as easy as just doing a water change. Remember this will be stressful with your fish- esp. the rams, so you if you wanted to be extra careful you could leave it a while for things to settle before adding new fish.
 
If you have adequate bio filtration you can just do a partial water change and scoop the old gravel out, then put the new stuff in. (keep the bio media wet)

I've done it several times with no issues.
 
lol I changed from gravel to sand with the fish in the tank. I just used a plastic dustpan. :)
 
yeah, i say don't do all at once.....

depending on what kind of filtration you got going right now, there is most likely a huge amount of debris and waste build up in the substrate - moving all of it, will really mess up your water......

one "scoop" at a time, and just watch the water conditions and proceed accordingly.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom