Changing Substrate

[Macko1968]

Probably a dumb question but willl I need to empty out my tank to change the substrate?

I fancy a change but not if it will involve having to try & net 35 nippy little buggers twice.

thanks

Mick

 

[fatheadminnow]

What are you changing it to? And what do you have in there right now?

If you are changing it to sand, or have sand in there right now, than yes, you will need to completely empty the tank.

But if you are changing it from gravel to a different type of gravel, you could probably get away with just scooping the gravel out, and then replacing it carefully with the new substrate.

However, I would still recommend taking everything out, that way you could also do a quick clean on the tank.

-FHM

 

[forby3]

im having the same probs at the mo think im going to just bite the bullet and take the old out and in with the new

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yes, taking everything out of the tank is going to be longer process, but it is going to be more rewarding in the end with a better result.

When you take everything out, also take advantage of the opportunity to clean the inside of the tank.

You will also be able to re-aquascape!

-FHM

 

[Macko1968]

What are you changing it to? And what do you have in there right now?

curently I have 4mm dorset pea gravel but fancy some Roman gravel whch is what I have in my smaller tank. The Roman seems smaller & smoother so I figure the corys would prefer it.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yeah, I would empty everything out, but you could get away with just scooping it out and replacing it.

Note: By keeping everything in the tank while changing the substrate, you are probably going to stress the fish out a lot more compared to just taking them out and putting them in a different tank in the meantime.

-FHM

 

[Macko1968]

Thanks for the advice FHM. I think I'll leave well alone then.

Mick

 

[waterdrop]

Don't know if this is already old info to you but you can catch a phenomenal number of fish quickly by using a very large net (nearly the size of the side of your tank if rectangular) which you drop in at one end and then a medium or small net with which you chase big bunches of fish into the large one. You can tip the large one up to the surface to keep the first set in while you get ready for the next chase. Since you are simply trying to catch them all rather than a particular one, its actually an easier job!

~~waterdrop~~