I want to change my gravel

[Rob 28]

Ive decided I am going to change my substrate. I put too much in there to make it slope up towards the back and its damn hard to clean. Instead I want to replace all of it with some black small grain almost sand like gravel which i have tried in one corner of the tank which the corys love - the food and waste lays on top of tis rather than falling under the gravel so easier to clean - anyway, im waffling -

Whats the best way to change it ? Do a small section per week so as not to kill of bacteria ? Use dividers ?

Any suggestions from those that have done this ? Thanks alot.

 

[tstenback]

RIght on both accounts. I would do a section each week using the divider to ensure the rest of the substrate is undisturbed by the process. I usually divide the tank into small workable sections say 1 foot wide and change one section each week until your done. It is the same way i generally clean the gravel. HTH

 

[Dubby]

You have got it right. Do it one section at a time. I have changed over from gravel to sand for the same reasons as you.

I have left a small layer of gravel at the bottom to try and reduce the compacting that can arise out of using only sand.

If used barriers (pieces of slate) to prevent the sand from getting mixed up with the gravel.

 

[LiQuOrIcE]

Ok, when you say dividers i.e. slate, you mean the tank it fully filled with water, just the base is divided? if i wanted to add sand in there, how would i get it to go where i wanted...any tip/tricks?

 

[Dubby]

This is what I did:
- reduced water level to a manageable level (about 3 inches above gravel level in my case)
- removed the gravel in one portion (about 1/4 tank)
- placed slates to cordon off that area
- gently poured the washed sand into this area

Yes, getting it to go there was not easy If I was to do it again I would try pouring it using a thick pipe.

Hope this helps.........

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Definately do small sections at a time. I changed mine 3 weeks ago (before i found this wonderful forum) and did too much. My tank started cycling. Patience pays of in this hobby. Now i still cant put any new fish in. Very frustrating. Also wash the new stuff very well first.

 

[tstenback]

Hey rob 28 have you started this yet? If not perhaps the best thing to do would be to complete this all at once. It would be less stressful on the fish and it would be done in one shot. If you are worried about bacteria colonies jsut save the old gravel and hang it or lay it in stockings in the new setup until your levels are stable. Might be a better way to approach it because the stress on the fish of doing this in stages could cause problems. Good Luck