Can I Add More Substrate

[Tag2008]

Hi Guys,

I now realise I need more substrate in a tank I have as what I have is not sufficient to attemt to plant live plants..

Problem is I have 8 fish in the tank living quite happily...

Can I wash up some gravel and add it where needed or is this riskey in anyway for messing up my water chemistry with it being new gravel?

I also have no undergravel filter in this tank..

Suggestions welcome

Cheers
Tag

 

[dthoffsett]

As long as you rinse it well, it won't hurt anything to add it while your fish are in. I'd probably remove 50% of the water to make adding the substrate easier on you.

 

[Tag2008]

 

[Wrams]

Hi Tag,
When i added sand to my tank i completely removed all the water into buckets then added the fish to a bucket, i then put my sand into the tank after i had washed it through. Once i had done that i added my plants and rocks then put the water i saved in buckets back into the tank switched it all on and then added the fish...Job done!!

 

[Rooster]

Often add sand to "top up" the stuff I suck out with the syphon.... Just make SURE its washed and then I place it in with my hand, or an old mug !
If you are adding sand, its a good idea to turn off the filter(s) for a few mins until its settled.

 

[Tag2008]

Thanks Guys..