another sand question

[tttnjfttt]

I was reading online that another way to change to sand is to empty out your tank, put the sand in, then wash the sand in the tank (i have a python, so i'm not hauling multiple buckets). I was thinking about using the pool filter sand, which I think is a little cleaner than play sand. I'm considering going this way because I can't do alot of lifting right now as one arm is in a sling.

any imput??? can this hurt my fish in any way?

 

[Undawada]

There is a sticky about sand.

It's much easier to wash the sand before it goes near your aquarium, rather than try to get the silt out later, especially if the tank is stocked.

Read the sticky, there is good step-by-step instructions.

edit : you can wash the sand in as small portions as you want. I used a 5 gallon bucket, but there's no problem with washing sand a handful at a time in a small container.

 

[fishwatcher]

I used a 1-gal pitcher and only filled it up about 1/2 way each time. Of course, I was only doing a 10-gal so I don't know how long it would take you.
It is so pretty when it's done though! Post some pix when you're finished with it.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Ok, here is what I was thinking of doing....

1) Turn off filter and heater. Fill 5 gal bucket and 5 gal hospital tank with current tap water (this is about half my water).

2) Catch and remove fish. Put fish into bucket and tank

3) empty tank, remove decorations, take out gravel, put some into a stocking to leave in tank.

4) Put sand into tank, wash using python to wash and drain and wash and drain the tank until the sand is clean.

5) fill tank half full with new water. Add some old water back, taking from where I have the fish. Add fish. Finish filling the tank.

 

[Bloo]

Just one thing - I would strongly suggest washing the sand in a large bucket and not in the tank. Purely because you don't want your fish to be crammed in the 5 gallon (sorry, can't remember how many and what fish you have). But depending on what sand you are getting, it might really take some time to wash it properly.

Try to wash a small portion of the pool filter sand in a small clear bowl and see how many times you have to stir and empty the bowl with sand before it runs clear. That will give you an indication of the larger scale of things.

 

[tttnjfttt]

ok, i'll try a small bit first. I was going 2 seperate the fish into two 5 gal containers, not just one.