Substrate on Substrate?

[Jme]

Like others said, I was advised against using it by my LFS. I bit the bullet and paid for the real deal. As another poster said, play or pool sand works too.

 

[connorlindeman]

Sorry to resurrect this thread but I have one other question.

I have an empty 10-gallon tank that's not set up. Should I put all the fish in there then change the substrate and then move them back? Is this necessary at all or do the fish not really care.

 

[connorlindeman]

Just my $.02, but... If it was me, I'd remove the fish into a 5g bucket, then remove all the gravel, add 2-4" of sand, - either pool filter or play sand. After the 'dust' settled, I'd add the fish back in.

Would 22 smallish fish be too much for a 5-gallon bucket?

 

[Byron]

I have an empty 10-gallon tank that's not set up. Should I put all the fish in there then change the substrate and then move them back? Is this necessary at all or do the fish not really care.

This would be far better on the fish, removing them to a temporary tank, and a 10g is fine for temporary housing (one day, could extend overnight to the second day and the tank allows you this option) of fish from a 20g tank. When I changed substrates in my 5-foot 115g tank, all 160 or more fish went in a 29g set up as a temporary, and they remained overnight. A 5-foot tank takes time. Put in a couple pieces of decor for cover, and float the plants. Run the filter on the 10g (without cleaning, just move it over).

 

[OliveFish05]

How many Cories do you have? I agree it would be best to put the fish in a separate tank for the switch. It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to move substrate when you have bottom dwellers

 

[AbbeysDad]

Would 22 smallish fish be too much for a 5-gallon bucket?

With an air stone it might be okay, but I think I might use two buckets for that many fish!...but it's short term crowding to be sure.

 

[connorlindeman]

This would be far better on the fish, removing them to a temporary tank, and a 10g is fine for temporary housing (one day, could extend overnight to the second day and the tank allows you this option) of fish from a 20g tank. When I changed substrates in my 5-foot 115g tank, all 160 or more fish went in a 29g set up as a temporary, and they remained overnight. A 5-foot tank takes time. Put in a couple pieces of decor for cover, and float the plants. Run the filter on the 10g (without cleaning, just move it over).

thanks. i think im going to get this done on sunday

 

[connorlindeman]

How many Cories do you have? I agree it would be best to put the fish in a separate tank for the switch. It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to move substrate when you have bottom dwellers

I've got 4 cories. I was kind of worried about switching with the fish in the tank