re-aquascaping

[scottayy]

I didn't really know what I was doing when I set up my first saltwater tank, and as a result it looks very freshwaterish.

I understand the the substrate and rocks have a lot of beneficial bacteria on them.

I want to replace the gravel substrate with sand and rearrange the rocks. Then I'm going to get a blue background and take out the artificial plants.

So I think I will slowly move the rocks over to one side of the aquarium. Then slowly scoop out the gravel with a fish net... maybe 1/4th at a time and replace that with sand. Then wait a week or two and repeat until I have the whole tank's substrate replaced.

Then I can rearrange the rocks.

Think this will work with fish in the tank? By not replacing too much gravel at once and by not taking out the rocks I can keep most of the bacteria in there. And doing it slowly will allow me to test the water and try to keep it stable.

 

[scottayy]

Any comments? I'm about to scoop out my first batch of gravel.

 

[JustOneMore20]

I would do it all at once, but that's because I'm kind of lazy. Your method of doing it a 1/4th at a time will work too though. You should have enough bacteria on the rocks to do it all at once though, if you change your mind. You will need to do a water change afterwards because you'll stir up alot of gunk. Good luck and take pics when you get it all arranged.

 

[carey]

You better have some pictures ready when you finish! A before and after would be cool.

 

[scottayy]

Thanks. I'll probably do half at a time then. Just so I have a place to move the rocks and to not rush it.

Pool filter sand works good, right? (I've read that) Rather than buying the expensive sand at the LFS.

 

[scottayy]

halfway done with half!
the water is a little cloudy so I'm letting it settle before doing the other half

the blue background mad such a huge difference
and the sand is looking great too

will definitely post before and after pictures
though it'll be a while before i get to the other half LOL
exhausting!

 

[Henry405]

I would test the water after awhile to be safe since you did stir stuff up. waiting for pictures

 

[scottayy]

Yeah, I'm fully expected to wake up with dead fish tomorrow.

The water got so cloudy, even after I thorougly rinsed the sand. I then did a 20% PWC, which I didn't want to do because I'm tired.. but I felt obligated to, so I did.

Wonder if fish inhale these little sand particles in the water and if it harms them?

PS: Henry, this is my first month SW experience too

 

[Henry405]

I don't think people have had fish die from the sand clouding the water. Just leave your filter running and it should clear up pretty fast.

 

[scottayy]

Sweet, fish are healthy and water is clear.
Going to do the other half tonight!

I have an excellent idea for what to do with the rocks. I hope I have enough.

 

[scottayy]

OK, never change your substrate unless you're prepared for a crapload of work!!

I finished the second half and did another 20% PWC. Tomorrow I will arrange the rocks and decorations and show before and after pictures.

 

[carey]

Nice. Will be looking forward to seeing what all the hard work was about.

 

[scottayy]

Lost a green chromis
Just tested the water. Ammonia looks like it's between 0 and 0.25 but everything else is good.
Wonder if I stressed him out too bad

 

[carey]

You may have stirred up some nasties in your substrate plus maybe the stress too . :-(

Sorry about your fish, that sucks

 

[scottayy]

Yeah. I just cleaned the filter.. I unplugged it before I removed it and a bunch of gunk came out of it into the water. I did not know that would happen.

Rinsed off the filter pads with tank water, though one was so gunked up I threw it away and put a new one in there (+new activated carbon in it). I have two filter pads in there so I still have a lot of the bactera on the other one.

Now I have the cleaned filter running removing some junk in the tank. Tonight I'm going to vacuum the sand, clean the glass, and do a PWC. Then I'm done messing with these little guys for a while! I'll just keep them nice and happy and healthy and clean!

So I may have pics tonight and if not.. definitely tomorrow!

So in my first month I've had a crab and a green chromis die on me. The crab was weak but the green chromis was definitely my fault.

I'm sure you guys have accidentally killed things before?

 

[0o.Kelsey.o0]

Yes and i feel terrible when it happens. Sucks that fish can't talk! or at least whine a little like a dog haha

 

[nxb161]

Sorry about the death, but your tank will be better in the long run. I think I remember a pic you posted before with the gravel and lots of plastic plants.

 

[Henry405]

Sorry about the fish. How clear is your water clearing up?

 

[scottayy]

Sorry about the death, but your tank will be better in the long run. I think I remember a pic you posted before with the gravel and lots of plastic plants.

Yep. I thought I liked it at the time but I want my tank to look more like a saltwater tank to distinguish it. I think it looks good! Will post a pic in the morning after the water settles.

Sorry about the fish. How clear is your water clearing up?

It cleared up from the sand nicely.. settled pretty quick. But I had a filter mishap and then did a PWC and cleaned the glass. However by morning it'll be pretty clear.

So glad to be done with this rearrangement. This will be permanent LOL.. maybe a few minor tweaks though.

 

[scottayy]

Pictures. May move things around a little bit. I think the rock looks cluttered on the right side, though my fish love all of the little holes and caves. And i used the white rocks to build a little rock island

Before:

After:

Some closeups: