Changing Substrate

[HUFC]

I know this has probably been asked before but ive had a look and couldnt see anything
Im changing from gravel to sand and have got a few questions about how to do this
How long does it usually take, 75 litre tank?I havnt got anything big enough to run my internal filter and heater in, so would i be able to change with the fish in the tank?How long will bacteria last without the filter running and with no water?How long can the fish last in a bucket of tank water?
Thanks for any help

 

[DJH584]

Have you got a decent sized Asda store near you? If so, go and get one of their 84 litre foodsafe boxes - or slightly smaller.
Transfer the bulk of your water into the box - after cleaning it out properly - and then transfer your filter, heater and airstone into it.
Then put your fish into it.

Sort out your substrate, decorations etc and when you're done, fill your tank with about 20 litres upto temperature dechlorinated freshwater.
Put your heater, filter and airstone back in the tank.
Start filling the tank with water from the box that your fish are in so that your filter etc. can start running.
Put the fish back in tank, use remainder of water from box to fill up tank and you are done, unless you need to top up.

The whole process shouldn't take more than about 90 mins - unless you are being rather slow

I have read about this method elsewhere and apparently it works very well. BUT do keep an eye for the next week or so on the water parameters i.e ammonia, nitrate etc watching for spikes and dealing with them accordingly.

Good luck with the change.

OH = one other point. Make sure that your sand is well washed before putting it in the tank.

David

 

[HUFC]

Thats a big help, thanks
I think ill wait until i get a test kit before i change though