Going From Gravel To Sand

[D3m]

Im doing a fishless cycle at the moment and have the gravel, most the plants a couple of ornaments in allready. The other day I realised the gravel I bought is not ideal for bottom dwelling fish and I really want a few! Whats the best way about going about a swap without affecting the fishless cycle?
The cycle is just under a week in with the ammonia level at about 2.5 ppm if thats any help to the question.

 

[minxfishy]

Drain the tank, if you have an internal filter, place it in a bucket of the tank water, if you have an external then just turn it off keeping all the water in it.

Wash, wash and wash some more the sand (In fact do this prior to draining the tank!) to get rid of all the dust/dirt.

Remove the gravel from the tank, then add the sand.

Re-fill the tank, dechlorinate the water, add heater, plants, ornaments, turn on filter and add ammonia back up to 5ppm and continue the cycle as you are doing. At only a week in, I doubt it will make much difference to the cycle.

 

[D3m]

Thanks for the reply Minxy I also found this thread: http/www.fishforums.net/content/Tropical...n-the-aquarium/ which also helps. I will defo go with it before adding fish.

 

[doresy]

Hi, Minxfishy covered it all really

Like to say though be very careful when scooping out the gravel. Don't scrape it up the side of the glass as it will scratch and there's no way of going back

Also, smart move for your future cory, very worthwhile

 

[D3m]

Good Point Doresy, I cant imagine theres anything worse than a scratch on a fish tank to look at