Gravel Removal for Peacock Bass.

[irvinecokeith]

Hey guys I have a 150 gallon that has about an inch of gravel in it. I have heard its much easier to keep clean with no gravel at all. Would I have to remove it gradually or could I take it all out at once. The tank has been running for about year now. I just want to make sure I dont do anythign to the biological. Thank you for any advice,.

 

[Venom SS]

IMO easier to keep clean but doesnt look as nice. Also it can freak the fish out and they will stay washed out (show no colors) all the time. As far as keeping the biological intact, all depends on what kind of filter you are using.

 

[irvinecokeith]

So you would just keep the gravel in there?

 

[TimTheBadass]

So you would just keep the gravel in there?

I'd keep the gravel. Fish don't live in glass bottom rivers afterall. As long as you have a thin layer it's not too difficult to clean. All down to personal preference really. If you like the look of the tank keep it.

 

[Venom SS]

The more natural the environment, the more natural the fish will look and behave. But I am biased towards natural looking tanks, so dont take my opinion too seriously .

 

[Mumtron]

id keep it. i kept barebottom for a little bit and i got over it quickly and never went back to it.

 

[irvinecokeith]

Thanks guys!

 

[mjuniorc]

Also it can freak the fish out and they will stay washed out (show no colors) all the time..

really... i find that hard to believe

 

[Venom SS]

really... i find that hard to believe

There are always exceptions to every rule...your super blue Orinos dont count

 

[Aquafreak]

I ran into the same thing when I converted my tank from a completely planted tank to a cichla/aro tank. I kept the gravel, but only enought to just cover the bottom. I still retained the natural look, but only had to clean less than a 1/4" of gravel. As far as the biological impact goes, you may even see better water quality because there will be less decaying organic matter in the gravel (hopefully!). I know my water quality has increased since I took most of the gravel out. GL!