Gravel Change?

[xCowlesy]

Hello there!.

Im wanting to change my gravel but i dont want to empty my whole tank to do so.

what methods is there to do this??




Thankyou!!

 

[Cazgar]

Are you wanting to change to sand or just a different type of gravel?
Either way, I think it's best to take the fish out as once you start disturbing the substrate you'll release all kinds of muck into the water

 

[xCowlesy]

Are you wanting to change to sand or just a different type of gravel?
Either way, I think it's best to take the fish out as once you start disturbing the substrate you'll release all kinds of muck into the water

I want to change to a different gravel even though i like sand, just dont think i have the patience to put up with sand to be honest as ive heard its hard to clean.
Its just the gravel i have always looks dirty and i want something a little more darker to make the tank look tidy.

So am i okay to just remove the gravel whilst the tank is still full with water? i dont have to fully empty it or anything?

 

[fluttermoth]

Agreed.

I changed substrate with the fish in once and it was a nightmare (and I'm very conscientious with my gravel cleaning!).

You could try syphoning the gravel out with a wide bore pipe, like a piece of hose, and that would take most of the the muck out as well.

 

[xCowlesy]

Agreed.

I changed substrate with the fish in once and it was a nightmare (and I'm very conscientious with my gravel cleaning!).

You could try syphoning the gravel out with a wide bore pipe, like a piece of hose, and that would take most of the the muck out as well.

I didnt think about that!! it just i have such a large tank and loads of fishies it would take FOREVER! i just cant stand the gravel i have.

 

[fluttermoth]

It's worth trying before doing a strip down, which I know would be a big undertaking in a tank of that size! You could always do one half at a time.

 

[Cazgar]

I used to like my black gravel, but after a while it looked kinda greyish.
I decided to change to sand in all my tanks, & although it took a while it was well worth it.
Culdn't believe the muck that was hidden in the gravel even with weekly vaccing.
Yes, the poop does look bad on the sand, but it's so much easier to syphon it off.
I removed the fish then syphoned the water out, then with a small plastic jug, just scooped out the gravel

 

[xCowlesy]

I used to like my black gravel, but after a while it looked kinda greyish.
I decided to change to sand in all my tanks, & although it took a while it was well worth it.
Culdn't believe the muck that was hidden in the gravel even with weekly vaccing.
Yes, the poop does look bad on the sand, but it's so much easier to syphon it off.
I removed the fish then syphoned the water out, then with a small plastic jug, just scooped out the gravel

i think sand does look so much better because it looks more natural then gravel, but i do like gravel too. I dont know what to do anymore (
Which would be more 'cost effective' because im not on a big income, but love my fish

 

[Man of fish]

Sand because you can get a 50 lb bag of play sand for 3-5 dollars.

 

[fluttermoth]

Oh, go with sand; every, every time.

Yes, you can see the poo, but personally I'd rather see the stuff and be able to get rid of it than have it hidden in the gravel. Also you can buy playsand, which is much cheaper than the aquarium stuff.

Does need a lot of washing though...

 

[Cazgar]

Sand is cheaper than gravel.
Argos play sand is very cheap, that's what I used, just rinse it thoroughly first
15 kilos for £2.99

 

[xCowlesy]

sand sounds like a good idea actually..

 

[fluttermoth]

Oh, you'll love having sand; one of the things that will make you happiest is seeing all the little dimples in the sand where the cories have been poking their noses in there

 

[xCowlesy]

Oh, you'll love having sand; one of the things that will make you happiest is seeing all the little dimples in the sand where the cories have been poking their noses in there

That made me chuckle!! i really want sand now!!

 

[fluttermoth]

OMG, I've become a sand pimp