Need Opinions, Please

OK, don’t laugh. I have changed my opinion of sand substrate since using Quikrete play sand. The black sand I was using before was the culprit. Anyway, I have ordered 5 new cherry barbs for my 29G tank. Thought I’d do a makeover while waiting for them. I have 6 Glowlight tetras, 3 cherry barbs, 3 golden white clouds, and one danio. The numbers are down on groups as they have died over time and I didn’t replace them. Trying to correct that now. So I want to remove everything and change substrate from gravel to sand. Should I place everything in buckets, including fish while I do it. I will keep the same filters...an Aquaclear 30 and a 50G sponge filter. Will removing my gravel take out too much bb? These fish have been healthy and in this stable tank for a long time. Should I risk it? I know my gut but want other opinions.

Deanasue said:

OK, don’t laugh. I have changed my opinion of sand substrate since using Quikrete play sand. The black sand I was using before was the culprit. Anyway, I have ordered 5 new cherry barbs for my 29G tank. Thought I’d do a makeover while waiting for them. I have 6 Glowlight tetras, 3 cherry barbs, 3 golden white clouds, and one danio. The numbers are down on groups as they have died over time and I didn’t replace them. Trying to correct that now. So I want to remove everything and change substrate from gravel to sand. Should I place everything in buckets, including fish while I do it. I will keep the same filters...an Aquaclear 30 and a 50G sponge filter. Will removing my gravel take out too much bb? These fish have been healthy and in this stable tank for a long time. Should I risk it? I know my gut but want other opinions.

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Ive done the same thing your planning in my 29g with changing over from gravel to sand and everything work out absolutely fine.
Put decor and plants in one bucket and the fish in another with their heater and filter

Back some 7 or 8 years ago when I was convinced to use sand I began changing over the substrate in all of my tanks. The only safe way to do it is to have a temporary "tank" for the fish. I use a 20g (one of the tanks changed was 115g so 140+ fish) but a smaller would suffice depending upon the fish numbers. A bit of sand in the bottom, some of the decor taken from the existing tank (no washing, just swish in a bucket of tank water), filter and heater moved over. Plants can be laid on the surface. Fill this temp tank with water from the top of the existing tank, and net over the fish. Make sure the temp tank is covered; fish in situations like this love to jump. You can let this tank run several days like this (make sure the heater works for the smaller space, or use a separate heater which is better as then you don't have to re-adjust the main heater). This gives you time to take your time and get it the way you want without fear of losing fish suffocating in buckets. NEVER change the substrate with fish in the tank; pockets of anaerobic gas can poison them quickly as you disturb them.

Yes there are all sorts of different bacteria in the substrate, more species and numbers than any filter, but they will re-appear.

The fish will be fine in a LARGE bucket, or tub so long as is clean etc but ideally is to put them in a spare tank if you have one with a heater and filter.

Simple reason is, changing the substrate is not a 5 minute job, takes longer than one would think.

I know this because I’ve done this in the past thinking would only take an hour or so, nope, took me half the day!

Basically that’s the reason why I suggest a large tub or spare tank with a heater and filter is better as leaving fish in a 10 litre bucket for 3-4 hours is stressful on them.

Edit - I see Byron posted while I was writing this but seems am saying pretty much the same thing

I have a 20G long that I am setting up as a QT for the new fish coming in so I could put the original fish in there with some of their top tank water. This may actually help speed up the QT anyway as I am seeding it with used filter media and some of the gravel from their existing tank. . Thanks guys.

Deanasue said:

I have a 20G long that I am setting up as a QT for the new fish coming in so I could put the original fish in there with some of their top tank water. This may actually help speed up the QT anyway as I am seeding it with used filter media and some of the gravel from their existing tank. . Thanks guys.

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This sounds ideal, a win win scenario in your case

Done! Changed substrate from gravel to sand. 4 more danios in QT. Waiting for 5 new cherry barbs and 4 new golden white clouds to be delivered to get everyone back up to proper schoaling numbers. . Below are before and after pics of tank. Added a backing that I bought some time ago but never put on. I am buying a couple of tall plants for the back .

Looks lovely, love sand substrate

Deanasue said:

Done! Changed substrate from gravel to sand. 4 more danios in QT. Waiting for 5 new cherry barbs and 4 new golden white clouds to be delivered to get everyone back up to proper schoaling numbers. . Below are before and after pics of tank. Added a backing that I bought some time ago but never put on. I am buying a couple of tall plants for the backView attachment 115538View attachment 115539.

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Looks stunning!
I do like the substrate.

That’s better having the sand substrate and the tank is now looking lovely.

Nice job, I know it’s pretty hard work changing the substrate but well worth it!

What a difference New set up looks awesome. The sand and back grounds made a big impact and the tank looks much brighter

Tank looks great, I saved my gravel when I changed over just in case. I am just about done with my new tank. I think I am going to lose my female ember tetra, she was very pregnant and heavy with eggs and looks like she could not handle the stress so I have 4 males left. She is still alive but just floating.

Retired Viking said:

Tank looks great, I saved my gravel when I changed over just in case. I am just about done with my new tank. I think I am going to lose my female ember tetra, she was very pregnant and heavy with eggs and looks like she could not handle the stress so I have 4 males left. She is still alive but just floating.

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Poor little thing.

Hope she pulls round.