Changing From Gravel To Sand

[UKSPEED]

I am looking to change my substrate to sand soon. I am likely to go with Argos play sand. I understand it needs thouroughly washing first.

My question is, is it possible to add the sand with the fish in the tank, or will I need to remove them?

 

[ChrisCook]

I did the swap over that you describe (using Argos play sand) and removed the fish. I read somewhere that the fish can inhale the sand when it is floating around in the water which can cause problems. I removed them for about 6 hours whilst changing over (getting the gravel out is also a pain!).
Causes less stress to the fish whilst you are changing over and removes the risk of sand inhalation etc
Chris

 

[LucyB]

I also took my fish out I used Argos playsand, looks great! Go for it!

 

[smudge_]

I kept the fish in, it took about 24 hours to settle afterwards and I am sure the removal of the gravel and addition of the sand wasnt fun for the fish, but they all got through it just fine. Looking back if I had a second tank to float them in (I dont) I would have taken them out for 12 hours or so

 

[fishy1204]

personally id remove them, depending on how many fish you have you could put them in a plastic tub(s)

 

[UKSPEED]

Thanks everyone.

If I do remove them, how long do you think it would be for? My filter would be too big to fit in a little tank or a tub.

 

[fluttermoth]

If you make sure your sand is really, really properly washed, you should only need the fish to be out for a couple of hours, tops You do need to keep the filter media wet, but wrapping it in a plastic bag, or taking the media out of the filter into a bucket will be fine.

 

[UKSPEED]

Did this today! Fish were in their temp tank for 2-3 hours, and now back with their new sand to play with, and loving it!