All Change

[pricey_avfc]

I wanna change all decorating things in my tank gravel plants ornaments etc i was just wondering if and when i do it will i have to water cycle or can i just keep most of the old water from my tank to put back in as i only have 1 tank you see.

tank is looking a bit grotty you see and i want to spruse it up and get new stuff

 

[The-Wolf]

the most important thing to keep is the bacteria.
you should keep the filter wet, preferably running in the tank water,
during the change.
there will also be a significant ammount of bacteria in the existing gravel.
you can place some in a pair of tights/stocking etc and lay them on the new gravel for a few days. this will allow the bacteria to migrate into the new gravel and allows for ease of removing the old gravel.

if you do this then the tank will not have to cycle. I would however wait two weeks brfore adding new fish as the tank may need time to adjust (mini cycle).

 

[pricey_avfc]

ok thanks

please answer my gravel question aswell its under the heading gravel