What is the easiest way to convert substrate?

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BushFishRox

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 7, 2007
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Mississauga, Ont Canada
I was wondering what is the easiest way if it is possible to change from a gravel to PFS substrate?

I was thinking of get the biggest rubbermaid container I could find which I think is a 50-60gal tub and put all of my fish in there, drain most of the water then scoop out the gravel then after I have rinsed the sand just poor it in, put the decor back in and then put the fish back in.

would that be the best way to do it?
 
You dont have to completely drain your tank, just drain it to a few inches then change the substrate .
 
I think you should remove the gravel gradually during water changes because if you take it out all at once you may get a ammonia spike. You have beneficial bacteria in the gravel. Just my opinion and experience.
 
I will probly leave about 12"+ of water so that way if there i any gunk left from the gravel I can vac it out before I put in the new sand.
 
I might also put an airstone in the rubbermade tote if the fish are going to be in there for a while. You could alos rinse the sand before you remove the fish, placing it into another container untilyou're ready to put it in. It might keep the time the fish spend in the tote a little less. Otherwise, you've got the right idea.:D
 
well when I decide I am going to do this for sure I am going to do a little time line, and I will probly end up put one of my EMP 400s on tube...
 
also what is heavier, a 150lbs of sand or 150lbs of gravel? :D

how much sand do you think I will need for my 150gal tall 4'x2'?
 
I put in 60 pounds of sand in my 6 by 2 foot tank, and that left a neat thin layer of sand at the bottom, which is good as there is less of a chance of a toxic bubble build-up.
 
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