Gravel To Sand Any Easy Way?

[copps321]

well set up my lights on my tank and just dont like the look of the gravel i have so going to change it i have no fish so any tips on the easiest way to do this as its on a large 4,2,2ft tank

 

[greenmumma141]

I would suggest just scooping out all of the gravel and putting the sand in. If you put sand on top of the gravel, I think the gravel will eventually come through the sand. If you have no fish in your tank, I would suggest to fully do it over, it will be worth it. I just washed 200 lbs of sand for my new tank, and even though I don't even have water in it yet, I know Ill never go back to gravel GL!! you should post before and after pics

 

[Royston]

Scoop gravel out with a dustpan

 

[garyspence84]

Just done this a couple of weeks ago. There is no easy way of doing it but al least you don't have fish in your tank. Big help right there!

Just empty your tank of everything,
Water
Plants
Wood
Whatevers in there.

Then scoop out the gravel, give the tank a clean and then add the sand and fill it back up. That's what would do.... And did do

 

[BerryAttack]

make sure before putting the sand in the tank that you clean it until the water runs clean or you'll have nice muddy looking water on your hands

 

[garyspence84]

make sure before putting the sand in the tank that you clean it until the water runs clean or you'll have nice muddy looking water on your hands

Oh god yes!!! Clean clean clean firm once you've got it cleaned. Clean clean clean it again.

 

[copps321]

He I know to clean as I clean the gravel anyway

 

[zain611]

Try the bottle method

 

[Sammy1911]

I did this a couple of months ago in my planted 4ft it took about half a day to empty and replant etc but i didnt have any cloudiness and i was really pleased with the outcome. i did however leave a very and i mean a very small amount of gravel coz i just couldnt be bothered to scoop every last individual grain of gravel out of the corners - sure enough those grains are finding their way to the surface and on black sand they really stand out but at least i can get my tweezers out and grab them. so my tip? get all of the gravel out first!

 

[Mikey1]

best way i find to remove gravel is to use a large fish net.....you will probably end up destroying the net by the time your finished but its a small price to pay to make it easier

 

[raptorrex]

Anybody ever thought of using the forum search?
there are a few far better ways to do this, than mentioned in any posts here.

lots and lots of posts from people with real experience.

its very easy to do this with fish and water in situ. and only takes a couple of hours to clear.
No, i wont say how, try using the search!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you come here for knowledge, then bimble along ignoring it.
Hey Ho, par for the cource!

 

[DrSlackBladder]

Check my recent posts on this subject; i changed from gravel to sand one evening without mess, hassle, sand washing or taking any fish out!