Re-doing tanks help

[ellamarie]

I’m very new to fish keeping and as I’ve been slowly learning each tank improves! However some of my first tanks are lacking and probably should be re-done.

I would like to add more substrate to my Cory tank, maybe even switch the sand to a more natural substrate, so I can add ‘caves’ and better hides.

I would also like to gut and re-do both my betta and platy tanks, however obviously the tanks contain fish. I’m not sure the best way to go about this.

Currently (in a few months when I can confirm that my fin rot problem has completely resolved) the plan is to play musical tanks. My platys would temporarily move in with the Cory’s while I gut and clean their tank. Then once the tank is re-established I move my betta in. After that I gut and clean the tank betta tank before moving the platys into it. But idk if this is the best idea.

Anyone have thoughts on the best way to add to/re-do the tanks?

Edit: I have no empty tanks currently and my mom won’t let me add more.

 

[Lcc86]

You could use an empty plastic bucket/large container as a temporary holding tank, you could add your filter and heater to maintain your good bacteria/temp for the fish. The main messy bit is if you're changing/adding substrate but if you drain most of the water from your tank into the bucket, add the fish, you could then remove the rest of the water and mess with the substrate before refilling the tank again. That's just my initial thoughts anyway, almost like treating it as if I'm doing a more in depth water change. If you did take this approach then make sure you have everything you need to get at least the basics done so that you don't have to empty it all again in future. Other more experienced people may have better methods!