Going to Sand

[WeeMan]

Hi pretty obvious can someone point me in the right direction for how to do.

This is to keep some tank mates happy if anyone was wandering.

Few questions:

Will the tank have a mini cycle?
Will the plants be ok?

Cheers

Dan

 

[evofish]

i switched today tank shouldnt have a mini cycle just use most of ur old water and dont clean your filter out

 

[WeeMan]

So what sort of sand?

Any links would be useful.

Thanks

Dan

 

[fishwatcher]

I used just normal play sand, and I rinsed it really well. It still will be a little cloudy though, so don't worry. So far it hasn't sent my tank into a cycle and it's been about 5 days now. My plants like it more I think than the gravel, and my cories certainly do! To me, it looks better too, although you'll have to vac a bit more since it all sits on top. Also, be sure not to put it too deep (no more than an inch to an inch and a half). You'll have to stir it every few days a bit to make sure no gas pockets form. (I use a butter knife and just slowly run it through the sand.) If you have any malasian trumpet snails, they'll help keep it mixed up too.
Post some pix after you're done... I'm sure everyone would love to see it!
Good luck!

 

[WeeMan]

Will do, I'm on half term so I'll try and go shopping at some point.

Cheers

Dan

 

[GSD]

im thinking of going sand but i dont have the time to rinse it and im scard my water sats will get messed up!

 

[WeeMan]

Same here, the water stats that is!

Stupid question:

How do I rinse the sand and does it matter if it is in chlorinated tap water?

Cheers

Dan

 

[abstract]

*points in the right direction* http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597

rinsing with regular tap water is fine, just give the final rinse with dechlorinated water....only thing i would do differently from the article is only remove a little of the tank water and leave the fish in there..it's a lot quicker than completely removing water and fish

 

[fishwatcher]

To start off with, I siphoned sometank water into a big clean container. Then I caught all the fish and put them in there. I then used my hands, a cup, whatever to take all the gravel out. Make sure you put it in a watertight container so you can keep some wet. You'll need to use a bit of the gravel in a piece of pantyhose to lay on your sand to help keep it from cycling. As for the sand, I used an old 1-gal plastic pitcher, filled it about 1/3 up with sand, and rinsed it at my sink. I'd fill it up with water, then move the sand around with my hand (slowly or it'll make a big mess!) for a few minutes, let it set a minute and poor the water off. I'd do this 6-8 times per pitcher of sand. Then I'd take it and slowly pour it into the tank. (You should still have about half your water in the tank.) Just keep doing that until you have enough. Then you can add more water, plants and fish. Just don't forget to use dechlorinator when you add the water.
It never has messed with my stats, so I don't see why it would change yours. Remember, add that stocking of old gravel as soon as you get the sand in place so it can start transferring the bacteria. Also, it will be cloudy for a little while, but it will clear up. If the fish act like they aren't breathing too good, you can add an airstone. And make sure to keep your sand turned, too.