substrate switch?

[mommytron]

so is it possible or am i crazy?

i've got PFS in my 20g high planted tank. i'd like to switch to something that will benefit my plants. i keep seeing everyone's dirt/soil tanks and getting jealous.

so what do you think...i'm thinking i would have to move the fish temporarily?

would the change from PFS to a soil substrate chemically change the water and be unsafe for the fish (the fluctuation)?

is it possible at all? or should i think about permanently re-homing the fish and starting the tank from scratch if i want to change substrates?


i want to change over because i feel like my plants need it. plus i'm realizing that the sand bed is not as deep as i really want it to be so i was thinking of adding more sand anyway. i know that taking sand out and totally replacing it is a whole other thing, but i don't want to go adding sand only to remove it if i go through with switching over.

also, any suggestions for "easy" nutrient-rich soil/dirt substrates? possibly something i can pick up at a garden supply store?


TIA for your input

 

[mfdrookie516]

YOu can swap substrate pretty easily.. I did in my 40 breeder. I don't think you're going to be able to swap with dirt though. Dirt usually leeches ammonia for a while, which you definitely don't want. IMO, dirt is best left for new tanks that you're in no rush to stock.

 

[rich311k]

I have never used a soil based substrate so I cant help you there, I always use Ecocomplete or gravel.

I have changed substrates. I removed the plants and decorations. Filled a cooler up with tank water, put the fish in it. Emptied the tank, removed the substrate. Added the new substrate which I had clean and ready to go.

I replanted the tank and decorations. Filled it back up with water at close to the temp it was before, let it circulate for a few minutes and put the fish back in.

Be sure to block off a couple of hours and have everything ready that way you will not need to rush or feel panicked.