Procedure For Changing Gravel

[kmaisch]

i've had a tank for a while, but I am wanting to change the gravel in it. Is it a bad idea to change the gravel once a tank is established? I guess the procedure for changing the gravel would be to completely empty the tank and set the tank up from scratch again?

Or is there another procedure for changing the gravel?

Cheers,
Kim

 

[Ami]

i've had a tank for a while, but I am wanting to change the gravel in it. Is it a bad idea to change the gravel once a tank is established? I guess the procedure for changing the gravel would be to completely empty the tank and set the tank up from scratch again?

Or is there another procedure for changing the gravel?

Cheers,
Kim

Kim. I've done gravel changes 3 times with no problems. The gravel itself contains very little beneficial bacteria (of the el-fisho-invincible strain) material, so as long as you keep your actual filter, you should have no problems.

What I did was to drain 1/3 and retain, remove the main fixtures, drain another 1/3 (retain if possible), remove the fish (apart from the odd stray that I was sure was a gonner...) to a spare tank, drain the remainder, remove the gravel, clean the tank (hot water and dilute vinegar solution), rinse the tank (hot water), add the new substrate, pour back in 1/3 of the retained water, re-do the decor, pour back the other 1/3, replace the filter etc, return the fish, add a 1/3 of treated tap water and thats it. Don't forget the fish!

I've never lost anyone doing that, but then some fish are more particular than others.

Good luck,
Ami

edit to add the don't forget the fish comment...doh

 

[Jen]

I have also done it that way... I tend to empty it out every other year. I know many people have changed the gravel without taking everything out. Hopefully you will get some other responces.

 

[Rodders]

Keep the old gravel wet and put it in tights. Lay this on the new substrate and the bacteria will migrate accross into the new substrate.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

i guess it would be ok as long as your tank doesnt have poop machines

 

[Dubby]

You can also do it in sections. This way, you dont have to move the fish.

Remove about 1/4 the gravel at a time. Use separators like pieces of slate to prevent the old gravel from mixing with the new. Leave for a few days, allowing the tank to settle and the bacteria to colonise the new gravel. Continue to change the next section of gravel.

 

[Bloo]

I do it the same as Ami - never any fish loss. I've even replaced 100% of the water with no probs whatsoever.

 

[kmaisch]

cool, thanks for the replies.

Regards,
kim