Gravel change??

[Gazman]

Hey boys n gals!

Our tank is set up all nice now, has been for a short while. Amonia 0, Nitrite 0 and Nitrate 20. Since coming here and seeing some of the pics, ive noticed our gravel isnt verya ttractive.

I can imagine changing the gravel with the fish in would be really stressful. Is there an easy way of doing it or is it not recommended? To be honest i can see us getting a larger tank within the year, so maybe i should wait?

Thanks lots,

Gary.

 

[WILDER]

You will have to remove the fish to another tank to do it, then you will lose a bit of bacteria colony in the gravel, if you completely remove it.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

maybe add a thin layer of the new gravel over teh top

 

[WILDER]

When you come to vacing the gravel will just get mixed up together.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

The consensus a few months back was that you should remove all of the gravel at once, seeing as how the bacteria in the filter would easily be able to multiply and repopulate the gravel.

 

[The-Wolf]

remove fish (as tank will get messy)
remove gravel (place in bucket or other suitable container)
add new (washed) gravel
place old gravel in a pair of tights (pantyhose) and place on new gravel
leave for 24-36hrs, allowing bacteria to migrate into new gravel
after said time has passed remove tights and gravel
het presto, bobs your uncle, job done!