Wood, Ph, Sand And Gravel!

[Shaman]

Hi

I'm new to all this fish keeping business! Just in the process of cycling my tank (already posted question pertaining to that elsewhere and got some great replies )

These questions are for my longterm plans!

When I bought the tank, I bought several bags of "Nordic" style gravel (greys and whites) but having had the tank for around 3 weeks I've decided that sand would be more aesthetically pleasing! As the tank is still cycling (with fish!) do I have to wait until it's fully cycled to avoid getting rid of any bacteria already established or can I just plough ahead and change it. (Plus I get the impression this'll be better for the Plec that I'm after buying).

And now my second question! I've tested my pH of the tap water and got a reading of 6.8. I know this doesn't make much different for most types of fish but I want to put in some drift/bog wood for the bristlenose catfish that I'm planning on. I've read somewhere (can't remember where!) that the tannins lower the pH of a tank. Will it lower it substantially or is it a case of put it in and keep monitoring!

Hopefully, one day I'll be answering questions like this rather than asking them!!!

Cheers

 

[Twinklecaz]

Hi

I don't think it'll matter about your cycling, just make sure the filter doesn't dry out whilst you're doing the change over.

As for the PH, yeah the bogwood can lower PH but it doesn't always and it will also wear off over time (at least mine has). It won't lower it loads so I shouldn't worry too much but I would keep an eye on it. Most fish can adjust to most PH's if aclimitised properly so I wouldn't worry about it.