Possable To Replace Gravel Without Complete Overhall?

[supaman900s]

Okay so i have a mixture of white/black/red gravel in my US 30g long tank. I want to go for a more natural look, any suggestions for this look? also how can i replace the gravel without having to start my whole tank over again? (i.e cycle)

One idea i had was to use a strainer to scoop it up from the bottom, but this will probably take a long time...

 

[DarkEntity]

Simply, you cant replace gravel with something else while the fish are still in the tank.

You will need to remove plants, wood, rocks etc anyway. Put the fish in a spare cycled tank then replace the gravel with what ever you want. replant and put the fish back.

Its the least stressfull for the fish imo

 

[crazie.eddie]

You can do it while the fish is in the tank.

1. Perform a a thorough gravel vac on one half of the tank.
2. Remove the decor only on that half of the tank. This will give the fish a place to hide.
3. Scoop out the old gravel from that half only.
4. Replace with new gravel.
5. Replace the decor

Wait about 2 weeks, then do the same procedure on the other half of the tank.

Whether you remove the fish and place them into another tank or my above method, the fish will get stressed. With my method, the fish will feel a little more at ease because they are already familiar with the surroundings and know where to hide.

I had to do this twice in my 55 gallon tank before. Once to remove the UGF plates. Then another time to change the gravel. Both times, no fish loss and my clown loaches never even showed signs of ich. Clown loaches are known to be very succeptable to ich.

 

[supaman900s]

Thanks but I would rather just get it all done in one sitting...

 

[Rooster]

biggish bore tube (1/2 inch or more) and syphon it out into a big net, or netting over a bucket.... once full ditch the gravel and return the water to the tank as per water change !

 

[Davver]

This thread describes a similar situation which could be adapted...

Dave.