Substrate change-How?

[Headrush]

I have my 29 gallon set up with GBR's. Well, water params were good and then I changed my substrate from gravel to sand before adding the GBR's. This is my problem:

I didn't realize or even think that changing to sand was a big deal but it has changed my pH from 6.5 to 7.8!
Now the Rams have "adjusted" and are doing ok but I need to change this before they become sick or stressed etc. I feel pretty ignorant for not figuring this out before changing the substrate! I assume this sand is "silica sand"? as it has also resulted in an outbreak of brown algae. The ottos are diggin it tho as their bellies are full all day long.

I don't think I should change all the substrate at once and drop the ph as this might kill my GBR's. I'd like to go back to gravel but not sure how much to change at once...What would you do?

 

[cichlidsrextrem]

ya thats what sand will do its good 4 african cichlids though

 

[xEchOx]

I know that GBR's prefer the slightly acidic, soft water, but my ph in all my tanks is 7.6 My buddy (nukeman) has GBRs, and they just laid eggs last week. His water is the same as mine, 7.6ph. IMO, unless you get them from a breeder, or wild caught, they can adjust to the harder water. His gbrs are proof. The fry are free swimming for 2 days now (I think). If you like the way the sand looks, leave it for a while, see if they spawn. If they don't and thats what you want eventually, then I might consider changing back, but as far as health goes, you are past the shock of the ph change, and I would just leave everything as is...

 

[Headrush]

I know that GBR's prefer the slightly acidic, soft water, but my ph in all my tanks is 7.6 My buddy (nukeman) has GBRs, and they just laid eggs last week. His water is the same as mine, 7.6ph. IMO, unless you get them from a breeder, or wild caught, they can adjust to the harder water. His gbrs are proof. The fry are free swimming for 2 days now (I think). If you like the way the sand looks, leave it for a while, see if they spawn. If they don't and thats what you want eventually, then I might consider changing back, but as far as health goes, you are past the shock of the ph change, and I would just leave everything as is...

Hmmmmm...Thank you. They seem a little washed out but I just got back from vaca and need to do a water change. I think you're right I'd just be shocking them again and could lose them

Anyone else have an opinion?