Can I Change The Substrate In An Established Tank

[restricted_alchemy]

I have a tank with course multi-coloured gravel (very tacky). The tank is around 8 weeks old.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't take the gravel out and replace it with sand?

I know some bacteria live in the gravel but the filter is well established so i'm thinking it won't do any harm. I have sand in my other tank and it's much more attractive and easier to keep clean.

Obviously the fish will be taken out while I do it.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

no you should be fine to change it

there have been reports of mini cycles in tanks when the substrate is change but providing your filter is adequate for the tank and fish you have and the substrate is clean it should be ok.

for the few days before changing it give the substrate a very thorough vaccing so that not too much debris is stirred up when you change it over

i've even changed substrates with the fish in the tank before, not ideal but done properly it's not too bad

 

[gilaesther]

i've even changed substrates with the fish in the tank before, not ideal but done properly it's not too bad

How do you change the substrate with the fish in it?

Funny that this thread should come up today, cause I was thinking about this very question while I was trying to fall asleep last night... Took me forever, I was so worried

Also, I remember someone mentioning pool filter sand as a cheap alternative to sand from the lfs, as well as being only a little dusty, so not needing as thorough a rinsing. Can this be purchased at a regular pool store?

Oh, and good luck at your job interview on Monday Miss Wiggle!

 

[The-Wolf]

How do you change the substrate with the fish in it?

maybe this will help
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597

 

[gilaesther]

How do you change the substrate with the fish in it?

maybe this will help
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597

Thanks Wolf! I really appreciate it! It's wonderfully detailed!

 

[The-Wolf]

Also, I remember someone mentioning pool filter sand as a cheap alternative to sand from the lfs, as well as being only a little dusty

opps, didn't notice this bit at first.
I only use pool filter sand and it has not needed washing at all.
in fact I think it is the only sand that won't require washing as it
wouldn't do to have silt clogging up your swimming pool filter now would it.

 

[OohFeeshy]

wouldn't do to have silt clogging up your swimming pool filter now would it.

Of course, if you can afford a pool you can afford to pay someone to wash it for you anyway

 

[gilaesther]

Also, I remember someone mentioning pool filter sand as a cheap alternative to sand from the lfs, as well as being only a little dusty

opps, didn't notice this bit at first.
I only use pool filter sand and it has not needed washing at all.
in fact I think it is the only sand that won't require washing as it
wouldn't do to have silt clogging up your swimming pool filter now would it.

Very true!

Also, is 'P. Roots' , the author of the article supposed to stand for Plant Roots?

 

[The-Wolf]

Also, is 'P. Roots' , the author of the article supposed to stand for Plant Roots?

erm no. It is my name

 

[gilaesther]

Also, is 'P. Roots' , the author of the article supposed to stand for Plant Roots?

erm no. It is my name

LOL!! Sorry! It's just that there were plant roots mentioned in the article, so I thought you were being funny... Sorry!

 

[The-Wolf]

it is all fun.
I heard it all when I worked in a garden centre years ago.

 

[gilaesther]

it is all fun.
I heard it all when I worked in a garden centre years ago.

LOL!

I'll bet!

 

[Underwurlde]

Back to the OP:

The tank is around 8 weeks old.

If only that old in my mind i'd be thinking that the tank, filter or substrate is not at all mature and hence little disruption if changed. 6 months minimum I reckon for that label IMHO. In changing the substrate therefore I would say you are not losing much, but it would be a good idea nonetheless to deep vac the substrate when changing substrates, collect the mulm, then add it back into the new substrate. Nothing lost then and no chance of a mini cycle.

In the past I have added laterite to substrates, removed substrates and completely changed substrates.... makes no bones, just do yourself a favour and throughly wash things first (sand / gravel / laterire etc). Be warned however that adding certain substrates (such as aquasoil) will cause a dangerous ammonia spike.

Andy

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

One suggestion that I've seen made before is:
Take a portion of the old substrate and pour it into a clean unused nylon stocking. Leave this "pouch" of old substrate in a corner of the tank for about a week to give the bacteria a chance to colonize the new substrate then simply remove the old stuff!

 

[bettafriend15]

how do you keep sand clean you cant vaccum it do you just change it? because i have thought about switching from gravel to sand but I just dont understand how you clean it