Need Info Asap - How To Change From Gravel To Sand Substrate In An Alr

[Fishcakes]

My signature has up-to-date stocking information.

We're sure the corys are ok with the gravel as the stones are small, smooth and we have seen the corys happily digging into the gravel and moving the stones around. However, we know that sand is best so we want to change to sand.

We got some argos play sand after reading on the forums that its safe to use with fish. As I type my boyfriend is cleaning the sand (filling a bucket 1/4 full with sand, and then running the tap, allowing the debris to come out of the bucket, keep the tap running until the water is clear.)

If we change it from sand to gravel gradually, can we do it without taking the fish out? What's the best way? I'm finding it hard to find a step-by-step guide online that already exists which doesn't assume that we have a 2nd tank we can keep out fish in while we change.

EDIT: Just noticed that my thread title has been cut off, it's an already cycled tank.

 

[Jenste]

Make sure you severely rinse the sand off. They you can scoop it into your tank with cups. Slowly submerse the cups and then gently pour them out at the bottom. Take your time and you can do it with out removing your fish.

 

[Aqua Tom]

You can do it with the fish in the tank.

1. Take all the ornaments & plants out of the tank.
2. Turn off the filter & if it is an external one, reposition the inlet a few cm's higher (you dont want it sucking up sand).
3. Remove your old substrate, I would use a plastic dustpan for this dont worry too much if you hafe a few bits left in there as the sand will cover it..
3. Get a 2 litre plastic jug & fill it with sand nearly to the top, gently lower it into the tank then "pour" the sand from the jug onto the tank floor from as little hieght as possible. This will take a long tome but will prevent the sand from getting suspended in the water.
5. When all the sand is in push it about to make a good covering.
4. Replace all the ornaments etc.
5. Let it stand for an hour or so to clear.
6. Turn your filter back on, remembering to check the inlet.
7. Enjoy your new substrate.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Looking at the first #3 I'd just like to insert a little warning that removing the gravel is a disgusting step that will unearth all sorts of gunk that's been accumulating in the gravel since you started your tank. So be warned.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Looking at the first #3 I'd just like to insert a little warning that removing the gravel is a disgusting step that will unearth all sorts of gunk that's been accumulating in the gravel since you started your tank. So be warned.

Good thinking, I forgot to mention that.

Also make sure you sand is washed in warm water, as it can be very cold otherwise & drop the tempreture in your tank.

 

[Fishcakes]

Looking at the first #3 I'd just like to insert a little warning that removing the gravel is a disgusting step that will unearth all sorts of gunk that's been accumulating in the gravel since you started your tank. So be warned.

Good thinking, I forgot to mention that.

Also make sure you sand is washed in warm water, as it can be very cold otherwise & drop the tempreture in your tank.

We followed all the advice we got here, thank you very much substrate successfully changed, noticed no signs of stress regarding the fish. Loving the sand, I think the corys love it especially. They're resting more often on the floor, and digging into the sand after my boyfriend spent ages trying to make it neat and level...

 

[Baccus]

My husband likes seeing all the holes and channels my cory's have made in their sand, the floor is basically always different thanks to their excavations . A word from the wise the sand makes it a lot easier for the cory's to undermine plants and ornaments. So I tend to weigh down certain plants with a flat rock or with a few handfuls of gravel mixed in with the sand around the base of the plant and heavy possibly lethal (if they fall over) ornaments I try to ensure are well secured in the sand.
The Cory's will Love you for giving them the sand. Mine also like snuffling around in a bunch of large old dead leaves that are also in my tank.