How To Change Substrate?

[BigRed08]

Hello All,

After reading an article on the PFK website on plants, I want to change my substrate. What is the easiest way to do this without cause too much stress to the fish? Would I need to take the fish out and place in another tank? Would I need to keep the filter in old tank water and some of the old substrate?


Any other info would be greatfully received.

 

[doresy]

Hello back to ya,

If your tank has been running with fish for more than a couple of months then if you disturb the substrate in a big way (such as a complete change of) you will release a seriouse cloud of sediment and toxins. This will not be good for the fish.

Maybe you could try sucking up the existing substrate each time you do a water change untill it's completely gone then replace it in the same way with the washed replacement?

Best to remove fish though

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

If your tank has been running with fish for more than a couple of months then if you disturb the substrate in a big way (such as a complete change of) you will release a seriouse cloud of sediment and toxins. This will not be good for the fish.

Depending on how you gravel vac this may not be a problem. I always deep vac a different small section of my gravel every water change. (i.e. I push the syphon all the way to the bottom glass). If you normally stir up your gravel in some fashion you should be okay.

A small portion of your tanks biological filter lives in the gravel, so it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your water parameters for a few days after switching substrate. Make sure to clean the new substrate well so you don't seriously cloud up your tank, and lower the water line so it's easier to work. I would also recommend moving the fish if you have a good place to put them...but I suggest it because of the noise factor which would be fairly stressful to them.

You could of course try just potting the plants instead of replacing the entire substrate. This would make the plants easier to move around, and wouldn't risk as much over all disturbance.

 

[BigRed08]

Thanks for all your help.

Cheers