Help Changing To Sand

[nathan01]

hi i have got blue gravel in my tank at the minute and im thinking about changing to sand.Is it worth the hassle i have got live plants and 3 platys how would i do it.

 

[willtang3000]

i would remove all of the plants and then get a net and just net all the gravel up and just add the sand into the water and also next time if its not picture related post it into another fourm section

 

[nathan01]

ok thanks what about the fish?Wouldnt the sang just like float everywere?Also i am getting new fish soon and i took a water sample to the shop and it had something in it (nothing bad ) so i added some stress zymeIf i changes the tank again would this prolong the wait for new fish
Thanks P.S sorry about where i put the post

 

[willtang3000]

the fish would be fine in there as if you put them in another tank they would probably just get more stressed and the sand will sink to the bottom.also better off asking your lfs what was in it as it could probably do harm in the future

 

[nathan01]

ok well when he did the water test the colour came up orange and it needs to be yellow to add new fish,he said its nothing to worry about and i havnt done anything wrong.Its just because it is new.Also i keep changing the setup does it matter?

 

[Lynz781]

Here's what I did.
(1) Filled a bucket with tank water, and removed plants/bog wood, cocnut caves etc and place them in the bucket.

(2) As I have alot of fish I filled a big plastic bin with most of the tank water and put the filter in it, still switched on. Then caught all the fish and put them in the bin.

(3) Nwxt I got rid of the gravel and poured it into another bucket to store. And gave the tank a quick clean and chucked the sand in (which had previously been washed before the emptying of the tank).

(4) Then started adding all the wood etc when tank was back in its position and filling it up again. Part fresh dechlorinated water and some tank water. Then the plants, filter, fish etc.

For me it took a good few hours of my time and you should plan it well in advance. And yeh the water is cloudy after the addition of sand but if you pour/siphon it in gently it will be fine for fish.

 

[nathan01]

ok i cant take out my filter as its an internal one(juwel).I have only 3 platys but a few small baby ones should i still change it .I could empty 20% of the water to make it easier for myself and check the babies arnt in that.Also can i still put every thing back in if the water is cloudy.Is it ok if sand goes over my air stone?
Thanks

 

[Lynz781]

I don't see why you couldnt. Just put the fish somewhere temporarily while you change to sand. What do you mean about sand going over your airstone? It won't be a problem. A little cloudiness won't do any harm.

 

[nathan01]

ok thanks i meant if any sand covered any part of the air stone but i realised that it would just blow off when i turn it on.

 

[Barracuda518]

This might help:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597