How hard would it be to change my substrate from gravel to sand. I have the river rock looking gravel that is bigger than the normal color gravel. Would I have to do anything special. Any help is appreciated.
Changing Substrate
- Thread starter Kyel
- Start date
It is a 125 gallon and it has the river rock looking gravel in it. It is a little bigger than the normal color gravel.
Kyel;5112695; said:
What is your filtration on the tank, more specifically the bio media?
I ask this because many times Beneficial bacteria will find its way to living in your gravel, and removing all of it might give you amonnia and nitrite spikes.
But as far as removing it, just do it by hand and then syphon out all of the gunk that gets left behind on your bare bottom. Rinse the sand beforehand until the water runs clear. I usually do about 30 pounds at a time on 5 gallon buckets, make sure to stir up the sand while cleaning it. Then just get handfuls and put the sand in. More than likely itll settle overnight and when you put it in your tank might be a bit cloudy!
Kyel;5112695; said:
I meant what fish are in it, because it would be wise to remove them to another tank if you have another tank?
Right now all I have in the tank is a Oscar, Bloodparrot and senegal bichir. My filters are 2 emperor 400's and a Aquaclear 110
Im pretty sure you would be able to do it, but may i recommend for you to get a canister in the near future. Canisters give alot more room for bio media which the emperors lack.
If you have another tank definately move the fish there before doing all of this if you can! If not, you can always go to walmart and buy a big rubbermaid storage bin for cheap and put them there temporarily.
If you have another tank definately move the fish there before doing all of this if you can! If not, you can always go to walmart and buy a big rubbermaid storage bin for cheap and put them there temporarily.
Yeah you should have a problem at all. I also have the large river rock in one of my tanks and it doesnt get much bacteria build up in it. Just turn ur filters off and take the fish out and let them float in bags. pour the sand in and let it settle. let the fish out then the next day do a 50% water change to get the cloudiness down. (dont turn the filters on till it settles.)