Substrate Change

[Fishy_7]

I would love to change the substrate in my tank, fed up with the white sand, would prefer black. However, has anyone attempted a full substrate change with the fish in the tank. If someone has a method, I would love to know. Thanks.

 

[erk628]

I would love to change the substrate in my tank, fed up with the white sand, would prefer black. However, has anyone attempted a full substrate change with the fish in the tank. If someone has a method, I would love to know. Thanks.

Youll want to take the fish out and put them in something else take all the water out and sand clean it up rinse the new sand put itin fill with water and put the fish back in. You can do it with fish and water but youll have a cloudy tank for days.

 

[OldMan47]

I have seen a possible method described where someone used a narrow tube to direct the new substrate to the tank bottom while not ruining the tank's water. I have no idea if it works but I liked the sound of it.

 

[erk628]

I have seen a possible method described where someone used a narrow tube to direct the new substrate to the tank bottom while not ruining the tank's water. I have no idea if it works but I liked the sound of it.

Hmmm Ive nver heard that method but I can see how that would work pretty nicely. I might have to try that next time I wanna do a substance change or need to add a little more sand. Thinking about it I can see how it would work nicely if the sand was dry but if it was wet it would want to clump togethermaking it very difficult to go down the tube.

 

[OldMan47]

They were using the tube as a sort of funnel and just pouring the new sand through it. With the open end at the bottom of the tank, it directed the new substrate right where it was wanted.

 

[mini_matt]

lol that was me! lol i used a water bottle with the bottom cut off when changing from gravel to sand, made sure I washed the sand loads before using it though so it wouldn't cloud up. I scooped up my gravel with the bottle with the lid on then put the washed sand into the bottle, lowered it into the water bottom of the tank then took the lid off as long as you wash the sand well so that it will settle quickly then you have no problems I poured it all at the front then pushed it back with my hand oh yeah turn any powerheads off while you do it to stop it going everywhere

 

[kiriyama]

Best putting the fish in alternative "container" still stressful but less strssful in the long run, have changed/added/removed substrate a couple of times, not much fun, good luck

 

[Saracirce]

I've actually been thinking about changing my gravel to a more 'natural' type and the would be good for the plants I've got now. I might do it now that I've seen this but I'm still thinking.

 

[mini_matt]

I think If your really that worried put your fish in a bucket for a few minutes while you do it but with mine when I washed it I swooshed up all the sand/water in the bucket left it a couple seconds then poured the water out then repeated, this way I knew that the sand left in the bucket would settle straight away btw I kept my fish in while I did this

 

[minxfishy]

Changed from gravel to sand, sand to gravel etc loads of times, always with the fish in the tank. Lowered the water level to half, used a large net to take out the sand/gravel (into a tub) used the python (syphon) to remove the last bits etc, then put the new substrate into the tank (pre-washed of course) using a cup/jug/bucket, the fish move out the way, if Im adding sand, turn off the filters whilst re-filling, put the decor back in, re-fill tank with clean dechlored water, hey presto, never had a problem yet. Whilst people dont agree with the way I do it, assuming too much stress on the fish, never had any losses or fish that seem particularly bothered, like I say, they move out the way and are happily swimming around as soon as its done. Takes less than a hour start to finish even on my 5ft tank which I did a week ago changed from gravel to black sand.