Changing to sand

[paulioo]

Yeah i'd turn my filter off. Just make sure its really really clean, and use a cup or a bowl to put the sand in and then put the cup/bowl on the bottom of the tank. If you take your time you should have very little or no sand floating about.

Paul

 

[Phantom Thief]

A way to stir up the bottom without getting involved yourself is to get a few Malaysian Trumpet Snails. In the day, these guys will burrow in the sand, keeping it from compacting. They only come out at night to eat any leftover food and algae, and will not touch your plants. I highly recommend them

P.T.

 

[Inchworm]

Could someone please explain a little more about the gas that builds up in the sand? I heard that if you keep the level of the sand shallow, this will not happen. Is this correct? If so, how deep can it safely be?

 

[paulioo]

I think its only if the sand is more than 3 inches deep, though i could be wrong.

My sand is roughly 1 inch deep but some parts are maybe 2, i just do it anyway to be on the safe side.