Swapping gravel

[glolite]

Hi all.
I'm thinking of swapping colour of gravel in a 6g tank from yukky bright mix to a nice slate grey. Can I just do a straight swap or will this uncycle my tank? It's got under gravel filtration and currently houses 1 betta and 1 dannio (soon to be moved back with his mates).

 

[yvez9]

if all you have is an undergravel filter, than yes it will uncycle your tank
whis would be a great opportunity for you to get a HOB or canister filter though. They are much more efficient than undergravel filters

anyway
replace half the gravel only
wait at least a week
then replace the other half

 

[BobK]

You can use clean nylon stockings to put the old gravel in so you don't mix it up with the new gravel.

 

[Angry_Platy]

I did this on the weekend....but mine was 30gal!!

How i did it....

1. Took out all ornaments
2. Moved fish into appropriate container (in my case, my 10gal tank)
3. Drained water to just above point where filters work
4. Take as much gravel as possible using suitable plastic container (KEEP ALL GRAVEL WET)
5. Use a ruler to push remaining gravel to one side
6. Reill tank some then drain again
7. Remove more gravel
8. repeat steps 6 and 7 till all gravel gone
9. Repeat water chages tilll tank has some clarity
10. put washed gravel in tank with water at lowest level possible
11. Fill tannk to top
12. Put back decorations
13. Wait for tank to clear
14. Put back fish

notice I said to keep all old gravel wet....what you need to do now is put some of this into stockings (panthose)....this will help with your biological filter.

As for the UGF, this is a good opportunity to clean it if necessary.....

One week on nd my tank hasn't done a mini-cycle....I have done small water changes every second day tho....

GOOD LUCK

 

[glolite]

Thanks guys!!! Really quick and helpful replies, I shall be busy tomorrow morning.