New centerpiece for 40g

[Rtc/tsn]

yes that is what I was talking about (no rocks underneath the sand), but don't make the area too small, at the very least 1/3 of the tank should be sand (only because any smaller and it will be difficult to place the food on the sand area when you drop the food over it)

I’ve never removed gravel from an active tank. What’s the best way to do it

 

[Rocksor]

I’ve never removed gravel from an active tank. What’s the best way to do it

Just scoop it out with your hand, and do a water change afterwards because it will cloud the tank. Your gravel is pretty large so using your hand will be enough.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Just scoop it out with your hand, and do a water change afterwards because it will cloud the tank. Your gravel is pretty large so using your hand will be enough.

For this hobby I thought there would be a whole process lol. I did a water change yesterday Will doing another today have any effect on the cycle.
I do about 50-60% every other week for this tank

 

[Deadeye]

All another water change will do is remove whatever nitrate built up over the past day - so a good thing.

 

[Kelly_Aquatics]

Water changes won’t affect the cycle just don’t rinse the media

 

[Rtc/tsn]

All another water change will do is remove whatever nitrate built up over the past day - so a good thing.

Water changes won’t affect the cycle just don’t rinse the media

Thanks both of you. Just wasn’t sure if removing and replacing that much water would offset anything too much. The water change yesterday was the first time for 3 maybe 4 weeks it’s had a gravel siphon because I guess my mom didn’t know how to do it properly. Safe to say I’m taking over all tank maintenance

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Not the best pictures but here’s a couple more of him. I’ve never seen a FM with this red of a “beard (?)” especially at such a small size (about 1.75”)

 

[Rocksor]

For this hobby I thought there would be a whole process lol. I did a water change yesterday Will doing another today have any effect on the cycle.
I do about 50-60% every other week for this tank

If you don't want to do another water change that is fine. You and your Mom will just have to deal with the "dust" cloud from removing the gravel for a day or 2.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

If you don't want to do another water change that is fine. You and your Mom will just have to deal with the "dust" cloud from removing the gravel for a day or 2.

As long as it won’t hurt anything then I plan on the water change since it’s also water change day for my FH tank

 

[Gourami Swami]

That is a good looking FM. The other members advice is good. They prefer sand, I have kept them in gravel tanks for what it's worth and they have been OK.
He is schooling with the barbs because they are pretty much "schooling cichlids", like to be in groups more than most species do. I do think yours will be OK without a group, and don't have room in the tank for any more.
My advice is rinse the sand well before putting it in especially if using play/home depot sand.
I would probably wait a couple days and let him settle in before swapping the gravel, it will be stressful for the fish in the tank.
Best of luck