Can i change the gravel

[MasterDrummer]

can i change the gravel in my tank?

it's 40 gallons and it has had the same gravel in it for years.

thanks

 

[fish_r_great]

is there any fish in your tank

 

[dirty332]

I would say go for it but be careful of the fish, And maybe take them out put them in a bowl or something until your done G/L

 

[KnuckleHead]

Only change a quarter of the gravel at a time over a period of a month. Theres beneficial bacteria in the top layer of the gravel that you want to keep. Removing all the gtravel at once will throw your tank into a mini cycle and cause un-needed stress on your fish.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi MasterDrummer

Knucklehead is right. Do it a little at a time and give the bacteria a chance to get established in one section before you move on to the next.

You can get a piece of plastic or whatever will fit in your tank to serve as a barrier. Push it into the gravel and remove the old gravel from the first section. Add your (well washed) new gravel to this part. In a week or so, move the barrier and repeat the process until it is complete.

True, your tank will not look its best during this renovation, but this is a much better alternative than having to recycle the tank.

 

[MasterDrummer]

thanks for the advice