Changing Gravel

[Andos99]

When I set up my 55 gallon tank about 6 months ago, I put in a nasty blue gravel that I regret now. In hind-sight, I wanted a more natural look, but I can't do this unless I change my gravel to something a little more natural looking. How do I do this without harming my fish or killing off all the helpful bacteria that already exists? I'm thinking, you would do it in sections at a time, but I'm not sure.....any opinions?

 

[lyquidphyre]

Hmm what you could do, since you are concerned about the bacteria... is empty out your tank... maybe 25% at a time (to let things settle and to not freak out your fish... and put your last 25% in a plastic bag and leave that in the tank after you add the new gravel.. that way that bacteria will "jump" on your new gravel n stuff

And, with the bacteria thats in ur filter, you should be okay *nod*

HTH some =o)

 

[Fishyfanatic]

You shouldn't ahve any problems because as said before, your filter should already be filled with bacteria. I did the same thing and never saw even a mini-cycle.

 

[Guest]

i just moved my tank and i kept the filter like it was, but i changed the gravel to a more natural gravel (looks so much better by the way) and i put some of my old gravel in a panty hose and am using that to seed the water, so far no problems, but we'll see how it goes.

 

[ScottVinVA]

If there is such good bacteria in the gravel, why do we vacum it out?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

You are vacing the fish poop and left over fish food (if overfeeding).

 

[oscarbreeder]

When I changed my gravel from green.. .. to natural gravel I only changed half of it at a time as to not disturb the bacteria.