Help with my 50 Gal

[grenadepfc1398]

I am new to the world of cichlids and my research has led me to believe that my tank isnt exactly what my fish might want. I really want to convert my gravel substrate to sand. I was just wondering if anyone has suggestion on the easiest way to accomplish this. Plus the current stock list is (2) acei-2", (1) bumble bee-3", (2) electic yellow-3", (1) red zebra-5" and (1) snow white-3". Can i add more fish and if so what would you recomend to add. Thanks

 

[Angler]

To change the substrate, empty half of the water and use a cup to take out the gravel. Make sure the sand is rinsed well, and then put it in with a cup. Do this with the fish in the tank; they will be fine. I have done it this way several times.

 

[woofy]

ive done it like the above poster, just that ive used a fish net to scoop out the gravel. i did it recently on a 55g, it was not easy but the fish did fine udring the whole thing.

 

[blkg35]

Funny you asked this question. I just took out all the gravel in my 135gal and changed it to sand last week. Rinse the sand realllllllllly good first before doing anything else. Then do what the above posters said. I kept my fishes in the tank also. They are all doing fine. I've swapped substrate many times in the past and always left the fish in the tank. Use a strainer to remove the gravel, that way the water stays in the tank. Took me only 2 hours to do the change......

 

[haynchinook334]

Agreed all the way to the top. i have changed several tanks that way and it worked.

 

[grenadepfc1398]

Thank you guys for your advice i will give that a try

 

[woofy]

let us know how goes, and before and after pics if its not to late