Tank Change-Over

[Yanks15]

I'm looking for some advice on the best way to completely change over my tank without causing too much havoc for the fish. The tank was originally my daughters and now it's mine. She used multi-colored gravel and I can't take it anymore! It's gotta go!!! I'm going back in with my normal river gravel and just need some ideas on how to change over peacefully. Thanks.

 

[rdp50734]

It shouldn't take long so depending on size put some tank water in a bucket and add the fish. I would drain most of the water and scoop out the old gravel, push the gravel into the scoop by hand not the other way as you might scratch the glass. Have your new gravel prewashed ready to go in and add when ready. Fill the tank and heat water to the desired temp. Dont forget to dechlorinate. When your happy add the fish! Dont forget to turn off the heater and filter while draining! I would also remove an internal if your going to dechlorinate last!

 

[Yanks15]

should I try to re-use any of the water or doesn't it matter? I've done 80% water changes before with no effect to the fish so I guess I could do a 100% without harm. Thanks.

 

[rdp50734]

100% change will be fine most of your beneficial bacteria will be in your filters so they should be fine as long as they aren't in contact with chlorinated water. Just try and match the temps a bit ie dont drop the fish in cold or hot water as it'll shock them but you probably know that LOL! Let us know how it goes!

 

[Yanks15]

Thanks. Washing gravel as we speak.

 

[Yanks15]

Change over went pretty well. Everybody seems to be happy and it looks soooooo much better. I forgot how hard it was to catch plecs and cories! Needless to say, it took longer to get them back in than it did to change the gravel! Thanks for the advice.

 

[rdp50734]

Glad to help! Any chance of a pic or two?

 

[Yanks15]

Love to, if I had a camera that was worth 2 cents! I've tried before without success. It does look alot better just changing the gravel. I added a couple fake plants I had laying around and a cave for the cories. Looks much more natural now.