Switching substrates with fish in or out?
- Thread starter Tsc123
- Start date
if that was me id definitely take them out, couldn't say how necessary it is but as there's sand involved that waters gonna cloud up a treat!! air on the side of caution imo...
I'd put them in a bucket or other container. While the fish certainly will survive the substrate change, they will be stressed and no fish means not having to worry about crushing fish when you're moving stuff in the tank around.
I have always taken them out. Keep the filter media wet,run a air stone in the container with the fish,work fast,and it should only take an hour or so with that size of tank. People also leave them in when they change it. Works either way.
Depends on the fish.... I guess large agile fish can take it, I changed my substrate three times with the fish in it... I intentionally dump the fine sand over the fish for fun 
. If the fish were angel fish or goldfish, then it would be definitely fish out.
. If the fish were angel fish or goldfish, then it would be definitely fish out.
I always take them out . . . figure it would be less stressful, and one less thing I'd have to worry about during the process
I just finished taking out all of the gravel in my 265 tall and replacing it with sand. I didn't remove any of my fish and haven't had any problems at all. My tank is also over-stocked (my fellow MFKers are ashamed of me).
Based on "my" experience, I think removing your fish would not be necessary. Now that I remember, this is the second time I've completely changed my substrate in the last eleven years. I didn't remove any of my fish that first time either. No issues then. No issues now.
Based on "my" experience, I think removing your fish would not be necessary. Now that I remember, this is the second time I've completely changed my substrate in the last eleven years. I didn't remove any of my fish that first time either. No issues then. No issues now.