My tank is disgusting!

[akhtar]

i had a cool little 3g and i had been so busy, i totally neglected it ( i feel so ashamed ) anyway its turned really nasty now, and im planning on re-newing it, im gonna take all the water (and fish ) out and replace it ( keep the fish in separate container whilest doing so.
problem 1 the tank will not be cycled then
problem 2 its all nasty i have to do it or else theyll suffer, the only way i can clean all the grime is in the toilet with a good wash out!!!!

i just want ur oppininons on what to do

 

[Phantom Thief]

Take the gravel out, and put it in a bucket of dechlorinated water. Also, keep the filter media in dechlorinated water. Then do whatever you want to the tank, put the gravel and filter back in, and voila, its still cycled!

HTH

P.T.

 

[akhtar]

hey, thanks for the help, i just wanted to say, ill keep the filter media safe, buttt!! i wanna change the gravel coz its got goo all over it (algae i think ) what do u say ?

 

[Phantom Thief]

Should be ok, the filter media may have enough bacteria. Be prepared for a possible mini-cycle though.



P.T.

 

[akhtar]

thanks, i feel so much better...

 

[Phantom Thief]

Out of curiousity, what fish do you have in there?

P.T.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi akhtar

It's good to see you back on the forum again.,

I agree with Phantom Thief. Save your filter media if you can. You can also save the bacteria on the gravel by putting it into nylon stockings and laying it on top of the new gravel for a week or so. It will still be working while the new colony gets established.

To do this, buy a new pair of ladies knee-hi or ankle length stockings. These are very inexpensive. (I can get them here at 2 pair for $1.) Rinse one in dechlorinated water, then fill it with vacuumed gravel and lay it in the bottom of the tank.

 

[littleme1969]

You can also save the bacteria on the gravel by putting it into nylon stockings and laying it on top of the new gravel for a week or so. It will still be working while the new colony gets established.

To do this, buy a new pair of ladies knee-hi or ankle length stockings. These are very inexpensive. (I can get them here at 2 pair for $1.) Rinse one in dechlorinated water, then fill it with vacuumed gravel and lay it in the bottom of the tank.

What a great idea