I Just Added 6 Tiger Barbs, When Can I Change My Gravel To Sand?

[maxymax]

In my 30 gallon I have 5 zebra danios, 3 serpae tetras, 1 pleco that has yellow dots (don't know real name), 1 opaline gourami, and I just added 6 really small tiger barbs today. How long should I wait to change my gravel to sand? I'm also planning to get 1 more zebra danio to make it six, and 3 serpae tetras to make it 6 also. And in the summer I might add 6 Cory's and get rid of the pleco and add a small algae eating fish(recommend some please). Will this be overstocking?

 

[Fish Guy]

The stocking isn't too bad, it's getting close though. Make sure you do regular water changes. When I changed over from gravel to sand while there were fish in the tank, I took out all the fish and put them in a bucket(s) changed out the gravel with sand. Then I would just dump the water and fish back in, if you are planning on taking some time to do the change over I would float the fish as the temperature of the water may drop a bit. Be sure to rinse the sand a whole lot, best to rinse small amounts at a time.

 

[JohnDyer]

Amano shrimp are OK with cleaning the bottom of the tank, and they should work with your stocking. Otos (Otocinclus cocama) are also good, but some people say they are hard to keep alive. Neither gets big, less than 2 inches max.

As for changing the gravel, you'll probably need a whole afternoon or more. Just take the fish and ornaments and plants out, scoop the gravel out with a net, and put clean sand in. It's best to do it in 1 go though.

 

[maxymax]

So how long should I wait? Should I wait a week so the bacteria can adjust for 6 more tiger barbs because I just added them today.

 

[Fish Guy]

I would wait a couple more days perhaps, more so to even let the barbs settle in.

 

[maxymax]

Bump

 

[fluttermoth]

The bacteria you need are all in the filters, so changing substrate won't make any difference to how long it takes the bacteria to adjust, as long as you keep your filter wet while you work on the tank.

I'd take all the fish out to change substrate anyway, it's a lot easier than trying to do it fish-in. Any time you have the time spare, get on and do it. Don't forget to wash, wash, wash and wash again the sand though!