New Substrate

[Aspen35]

What is the best way to change the substrate in a tank? I started it when I was 12... needless to say, the gravel is rather unsightly. I squeezed out the filter media in the canister 2 weeks ago. How should I do it so that I don’t kill all the bacteria?

 

[Byron]

What is the best way to change the substrate in a tank? I started it when I was 12... needless to say, the gravel is rather unsightly. I squeezed out the filter media in the canister 2 weeks ago. How should I do it so that I don’t kill all the bacteria?

If you change the substrate, obviously all the various species of bacteria living on/in the grains of the substrate will be lost. The nitrifying bacteria in the filter will not, if you do not replace the media. The substrate bacteria will re-build as organics accumulate. I have changed the substrate in tanks many times.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

If you want to keep the media in the substrate, collect a little bit and put it in some panty hose. Then put that into the filter.