Changing sand to gravel

[Aquatics]

Hi i would like to change my sand to gravel and this will be my first time doing it. I would like to know how to get my sand out and if i could keep my fish in my tank if not what would i have to do.. thanks to who ever replies

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I guess it will depend on how quickly you want to do the change. The sand can be siphoned out during regular water changes untill it is all removed. The gravel can then be added in amounts that will not disturb the fish too much. I used to keep a gallon or two of clean gravel on hand and used it to replace dirty gravel that I siphoned out during water changes. I then would clean the old gravel when a gallon or so accumulated and continue the cycle.

 

[spkehl]

I have gone from gravel to sand, but not the other way around.

I have moved my aquariums to a new home. I have a 125 gallon that has black tahitian moon sand. I think easiest way would be to move a good bit of the water and the fish to a large Rubbermaid storage container or trashcan. Remember to keep your filter media wet during this process. Then you are free to remove all the water. Next remove all the sand. You will want to have a container such a a Rubbermaid container to put the sand in. You may have to put water back in several times and siphon it back out, to get out all the sand. Then put the pre-washed gravel in, add water and prime. Next add the old water and put the fish back in. Get everything running again.

 

[the1stpsycho]

You could continually siphon out the sand during regular water changes.A gravel vac works wonders when removing sand from your tank. It might take a few weeks before you have all the sand out but it wouldn't require too much change for your fish. Once the sand is completely removed you can wash your gravel and place it into the tank during your last water change. Add the gravel, then refill the tank.