Is it possible to switch gravel???

[gabysapha]

After looking at my tank and wondering
why it's an eyesore (literally) I realized the gravel color doesn't suit me! I have natural colored pea gravel. I think it's actually prettier out of the tank, I wonder why I went ahead and used it....

Anyways, is it possible to switch out gravel in a planted tank? Or does it require the tank to be broken down?

I think I already know the answer but it's worth asking....

 

[LyndaB]

I've changed substrate numerous times. If heavily planted, I'm not sure. In the one tank where I have plants in eco-complete, I left that there and then covered with sand. It looks cool.

In the lightly planted tanks, I just removed the plants, changed substrate and replaced plants.

 

[gabysapha]

I assume changing the gravel might cause an ammonia spike by removing some of the biological filter? But changing the gravel a little at a time seems silly, especially if the gravel are two different colors! Mmm.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Jarviek]

I performed a 100% gravel change in my tank a couple of months ago. Other than cloudiness, there were no spikes in ammonia or nitrates.

 

[LyndaB]

I agree. I've changed it out completely in well established tanks with no change in my water params.

 

[skiweeangel]

If you are worried about a mini cycle just after a 100% substrate change just leave a little bit of the original substrate Ina container of some kind in the tank. Make sure it has good waterflow through it. A mesh bag works best. I used a tiny laundry bag in one tank when I started it up with sand and put gravel from my established tank in it.