Problems After Converting From Gravel to Sand

[catyrpelius]

Well the other day i converted from gravel to sand. Now everyone in my tank seems very subdued, the glolight tetras are staying in a group hidden in the plants, the albino cory cats are just lying on the bottom, and they are not eating. I used sandblasting sand which on the bag said it was sylica quartz the stuff took me about 30 min to get clean. Now is there something wrong with the fish or could it just be that they are nervous since it seems like a new tank to them?

 

[Bloo]

Have you tested your water to see if it's going through a mini cycle at the moment - that could be the possible cause of stress to your fish.
Did you keep the filter runnig while changing over ? What sort of water change did you do (percentage) ? Have you added some stress coat ?

 

[fishwatcher]

I would test the water again, and if all seems good, just give them a little time. Mine acted skittish for a few days after I switched too. Now they are fine.

 

[catyrpelius]

while i was doing the change over I put the fish, some of their water and they filter in another tank, the filter was running and pumping their old water the whole time.

I didnt add stress coat, i use stuff called aqua safe insted, and it has worked good so far.

And if it is going through a mini cycle it is one that is so small my test stuff cant see it. The readings are

Amonina - 0 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Nitrate - 3 ppm

 

[fishwatcher]

I think it's a case of nervousness, myself. Though if you have any weak fish, the stress could cause problems. I'd keep a close eye on the fish and your water. Hopefully they'll be ok after a day or 2. Maybe someone else has other suggetions, though.
Good luck!

 

[Bloo]

In that case I agree with fishwatcher. They are just adjusting to their new home

 

[fishwatcher]

Be sure to keep us updated! Good luck!

 

[catyrpelius]

Could it be that the lighting has become to intense, because the original gravel was dark in color and the new sand is a very light tan color, the sand makes the aquarium seem alot brighter. I've tried putting a peice of paper over part of the top to block some of the light and the glo lite tetras seem to hang around on which ever side I dim down.

 

[reg2k2]

It's possible. Many tetras prefer a darker substrate.

Some floating plants, maybe?

 

[catyrpelius]

It seems like things are slowly returning to normal, the glo lite tetras have gotten most of their color back, they looked kind of pitiful, although my albino cory cats still seem kind of lazy as in they aint moveing much, but then again they are nocturnal right?? But now my female guppy is hiding but that could just be that she is pregnant and ready to have the fry. But either way I have my fingers crossed hopeing for the best

 

[catyrpelius]

Well I just wanted to let everyone who gave me advice that everything has returned to normal in my tank, and i think it looks alot better with sand then gravel. The cory cats also seem alot happier.

 

[Bloo]

Great news ! Happy to hear all went well

 

[fishwatcher]

Glad it all is working out for you! If you get time, post some pix!