Substrate Change

[TrainRek77]

This is a picture of what my tank looks like. I love it, it is my first planted tank and it's been a success so far. However, I can't stand my substrate. Today I received new substrate. It's made by an aquarium plant store that sells online. They call it soft belly soil. Hopefully I can re-scape my tank and give added benefit my angelicus loach.

My plan to change it is to put my heater and filter in a rubbermaid container. Siphon the water from the tank into the container. Turn the filter and heater on and put the fish in. I want to dig up the plants and put them in temperature matched water in a separate container. I planed on using an old, clean, milk container with top cut off to scoop my old gravel out. Underneath is a bed of laterite I plan on using more of that under this soil because it made my plants very successful. I know I may have a cycle stall because of the change however I am willing to monitor all the vitals and perform necessary water changes. If anyone has any ideas or can point out something that I may have over looked I would really appreciate the help. I plan on changing it over on the 3rd. Thanks!

Here is a picture of the substrate.

 

[gearhead65]

Cool! Awesome looking first planted tank! My doesn't look half that good, but it's getting there.

 

[MrGT500]

when i did my gravel changes i found that a dust pan worked really well for scooping the gravel out.

 

[TrainRek77]

awesome idea! Thanks!

 

[MrGT500]

also, befor you siphon the water into the container, suck all the muck out of the gravel. if you dont its going to make the water dirty and you will have to wait for it to settle (i found this out first hand) it also stinks. i dont know if there is any benifit to keeping some of it in the tank or not as far as cycling goes though.