Sand And Fish Waiting To Go In My Tank

[Lawrence]

I decided to switch from gravel to sand. I cleaned the sand until the water was clear. Took the fish and gravel out of my tank (also everything else. I left about 1/2 the old water in the tank, but it looks murky.

Am i doing everything fine?
And do i just put the sand in...also shall i put a layer of gravel underneath the sand?
Do I throw all the water as its murky (white)?

Help appreciated as my fish are waiting in a bucket

 

[Monty-2010]

You've disturbed the substrate so the water will look murky i wouldn't take any more out. You can just put the sand in but do it, if you add gravel eventually that will just come to the top as the sand particles sink the the gaps in the gravel especially when you turn the sand. once you've put the sand in let the water settle before you put the fish back in

 

[Lawrence]

ok thanks very much Ill do that!

 

[elisew]

As long as you haven`t changed the media in your filter you could in effect take away about 80% of the water, put the sand in and then refill slowly with same temp, clean, dechlorinated water, then put your fish back in.
It`s basically like doing a big water change

 

[Lawrence]

About how long do I have to wait for the water to settle. Its almost all filled.

 

[elisew]

About how long do I have to wait for the water to settle. Its almost all filled.

What filter do you have? You could put some cotton wool into the filter which would catch the smaller dust particles and clear the water a bit quicker.

I think it`s just a matter of common sense as to how clear the water should be before you put your fish back in, use your gut instinct

 

[Lawrence]

DONE