ermm....gravel actually

[teknikz]

ive just got some live plants but they need to go into the gravel pretty deep......but i havent got enuff in so is it okay to add gravel while the fish are still in there or will it stress them too much?

 

[Tanked]

You may want to temporarily move the fish when putting more gravel in the tank. but if that is not an option then put the gravel in very slowly, inside a closed hand and open your hand at the bottom to release it. be sure to rinse the new gravel several times in tank water to remove any dust or debris. do not use tap water for this as the chlorine in the tap water may offset your cycle.

 

[teknikz]

thanx for that tanked

i got a few big ornaments in there so i think it be better leavin the fishies in there than takin the rocks n mangrove root out n THEN tryin to catch them

cheerssss

 

[Fishsmurf]

Tekniz,

Another thing that may help a little is to try and skim the top inch or so of your existing gravel off first, add the new gravel & then replace the skimmed top inch. It just means you don't bury to much of the beneficial bacteria all in one go......

 

[cichlidmaster]

Rinsing the new gravel in tap water will not harm your existing bacteria colonies.

You could also do this.......go buy a very cheap plastic (tupperware) type contanier. Square, round it does not matter. You should be able to get this at any dollar store!!

Make sure it is food grade safe. Rinse it out with just tap water. After you have cleaned the new gravel, then simply fill this container with it, place it slowly in the tank, let it sink to the bottom and dump it!!

There simply is no need to move your fish to accomplish what you want to do. After placing each container of new gravel in the tank, thne gently mix it in with the exsisting gravel.

I move gravel around all the time and believe me, even when I dump it from just below the water surface the fish scatter very quickly!!

CM

 

[Nik]

If you want to add plants without disturbing the water why not buy some java fern that has been attached to bogwood. This stuff can live without needing a deep substrate.

It's sometimes a little pricey but generally available from your LFS.