Tips On Replacing Substrate?

[KingKenny]

My tank is currently fishlessly cycling. I have plans to change my current playsand substrate for coral sand to help with buffering (going for Mbuna Cichlids).

Can someone tell me the best way to do this? Are there any specifically designed nets etc to help with removing the sand in a tank full of water!

I don't want to empty the whole thing out as surely this would be detrimental to the filter as it would have to be off for the whole time I'm changing the substrate. It's a 6.5ft tank.

 

[Qays]

ooh, waste of sand! must have cost you alot...

anyway - i would empty the water half way, untill you can put your hand in and scoop out the sand. when youve scooped it all out, youll have some remains left, just siphon them out. only problem is it will be time consuming and youll need somewhere to put all that wet sand!

 

[ncjharris]

I would suggest you wait till you have finished cycling too.