i want to switch my 180 (6x2x2) from gravel to sand. is there any way i can do this without wiping out the bacteria. there is a 16" silver aro, 16" clown knife, 7" pangasius catfish, 2 5" tinfoil barbs and 1 9" pim. blotchii in the tank and i don't want to risk the safety of the fish.
switching to sand
- Thread starter aidenb
- Start date
most of the bacteria is in the filters. just scoop the rocks out and put your sand in. if you want you can put the fish in holding tanks or buckets while you work and while it clears up if thats a problem. pool filter sand doesnt seem to have that problem.
Pool filter sand if you like white-tanish sands can be found at pool supply stores and some times stores like Home depot. Cost anywhere from $5-15 a 50# bag.
If you want some other colors look at 3M colorquartz. It can be found at some pool supply shops also. The site also has a where to buy look up on there too. Cost anywhere from $15-25 a 50# bag.
As for how much you need? That depends on how deep you want to go. I have found a good rule of thumb is 1# per gallon to get roughly a 1" - 1 1/2" deep bed for most tanks. A tall hex or square tank, you are on your own.
Our tanks:
125g--- 150# 1 1/2"-2" deep
90g---- 100# 1 1/2" deep
55g---- 50# 2" deep
Pre washing is a must with any sand.
If you want some other colors look at 3M colorquartz. It can be found at some pool supply shops also. The site also has a where to buy look up on there too. Cost anywhere from $15-25 a 50# bag.
As for how much you need? That depends on how deep you want to go. I have found a good rule of thumb is 1# per gallon to get roughly a 1" - 1 1/2" deep bed for most tanks. A tall hex or square tank, you are on your own.
Our tanks:
125g--- 150# 1 1/2"-2" deep
90g---- 100# 1 1/2" deep
55g---- 50# 2" deep
Pre washing is a must with any sand.