Whats The Best Way...

[Harlequins]

To remove gravel from tank and replace with sand with fish still in there?

I could syphon out the gravel,but its replacing it with sand thats what i'm pondering over??

Any ideas please??

 

[Bobtastic]

You would have to remove the fish, plants and any decore and put them in a container (a bucket would do).You'll need to turn off and remove your filter and heater (u'll probably want to keep the filter media wet).

Drain as much water as you can. Scoop out the gravel (a clear/unused dustpan has been suggested in the past).

Add the new substrate (following the recommends preperations), add the decore/hardscape and plants, then refill dechlorinate, add back the heater and filter.

Leave a little while for everything to "settle" then re add the fish.

Just a rough guide btw.

 

[Oscar Betta]

^What Bobtastic said, and don't put the fish back in until most of the sand is not flying around anymore.

 

[Bobtastic]

When I filled my 240l after I placed a couple of plastic bags at the bottom of the tank to stop the substrate flying around.

I went to TGM to watch Oliver Knott do an aquascaping display and he used scrunched up newspaper and a sheet of clear plastic to disperse the water and stop it ruining the scape.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Harlequins

I agree too. Be sure to wash the sand in small batches and get it very clean before adding it if you plan to get your fish back in right away. If you can use 1/4 to 1/3 of the old water to start the tank it will help keep the number of air bubbles down too.

If you have an air pump and box filter, use it to clear any remaining silt quickly without worrying about damaging an impeller. You could make something like this, but bigger, to do the job.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/85297-super-simple-5-minute-sponge-filter/