substrate change

[MikeGio]

I've heard it suggested both ways. Personally I took it all out at once. I also took my rock out too but that's because I have coral and nems stuck on mine so you could probably just leave yours in. I mean in theory the creatures are used ti sand and all kinds of stuff in the water column. Be prepared for anything though. I syphoned out most of the water into a big container then put my rock and critters in that with the light. Then scooped out the remaining water and my old substrate into a waste container. I gave the tank a good rinse and wipe down. Then I put in my new stuff. I used caribsea arag alive hawaiian black. It comes wet so I didn't rinse it. Then put in some new water and gave the could a while to settle. I put my equipment in, then corals and rock, then fish/other mobile critters. The only thing that put up a fuss was my frogspawn. After a few hours she was back to normal. So far everything is looking better than ever and the whole process took a couple hours. Just have everything you need ready like salt water and a temporary container for the critters. Have a plan in your head and its smooth sailing. So worth it to get that CC out and get something beautiful and functional.

If I vacuum it out do I just leave the rock, fish, cuc, corals in or am I better off taking them out?, I don't want to stress them out.

 

[Tlro]

I would say to take them out. Safer is always better in my opinion.

 

[Tlro]

I'm sure if you left them in they would survive but there is always the chance they won't. Nothing is ever a for sure thing in this hobby unfortunately haha.

 

[MikeGio]

I'm sure if you left them in they would survive but there is always the chance they won't. Nothing is ever a for sure thing in this hobby unfortunately haha.

Isn't that true. I'm mad I even have this coral. So I will put my corals and fish in a bucket with my tanks water and a powerhead. Then vacuum all sand out and rinse new sand in RO water then put in ziplock to submerge and funnel onto bottom. Then fill w/ new water and add live stock.

I'm pretty sure if I leave my peppermint in they will survive they are immortal. I've tried catching them with know luck.

 

[mr_X]

You aren't worried about sand in the water column. You are worried about a possible nutrient spike. I would do it over a period of a few water changes, simply because I don't like any sudden changes in parameters in my system, and neither does my livestock.

 

[MikeGio]

You aren't worried about sand in the water column. You are worried about a possible nutrient spike. I would do it over a period of a few water changes, simply because I don't like any sudden changes in parameters in my system, and neither does my livestock.

Yes that's why I was thinking have the bed then the other half. It's only an inch anyway. I have a mesh bag that I will fill with the cc.

 

[Tlro]

You aren't worried about sand in the water column. You are worried about a possible nutrient spike. I would do it over a period of a few water changes, simply because I don't like any sudden changes in parameters in my system, and neither does my livestock.

+1 that's why I took everything out before I touched the CC.