Changing out the substate

[RaygunK]

I've decided to change out my substrate from black gravel to river rocks. I'm trying to figure out the best plan to do this. I'm thinking i should remove all the fish and decor and then scoop up the gravel and then lay down the rocks. Anyone ever done this? Ideas, thoughts?

 

[paytertot]

Some people debate on exactly how much of your beneficial bacteria resides on the substrate. Either way, I've heard a lot of people say to replace portions of it at a time. You could try that.

 

[LyndaB]

This is what I just did changing out my 75 from sand to eco-complete:

Step 1 (scoop out some used tank water, place plants and fish in large bucket with airstone):



Step 2 (set up python to drain tank):



Step 3 (use small dustpan to shovel old substrate out of tank and into bucket)

(

Step 4 (tank is as empty as it's gonna get)



Step 5 (choice of substrate)



Step 6 (lay substrate down, place driftwood, stones and plants in place)



Step 7 (fill with appropriate temp water and Prime, place fish into their new home)



Step 8 (After - Happy Fish!)

 

[jetajockey]

I've decided to change out my substrate from black gravel to river rocks. I'm trying to figure out the best plan to do this. I'm thinking i should remove all the fish and decor and then scoop up the gravel and then lay down the rocks. Anyone ever done this? Ideas, thoughts?

That's how I do it. I'm planning to change out around half of the substrate in my 125 to river pebbles for a riffle biotope theme.

If there is concern about going into a minicycle from removing all the substrate at once (I've not had this issue, but have heard of it especially when using UGF's) you can also put the old substrate in the tank in a mesh bag for a while.

 

[maxwellag]

This is what I just did changing out my 75 from sand to eco-complete:

Step 1 (scoop out some used tank water, place plants and fish in large bucket with airstone):

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101089-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-1.jpg

Step 2 (set up python to drain tank):

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101099-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-2.jpg

Step 3 (use small dustpan to shovel old substrate out of tank and into bucket)

(http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101104-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-3.jpg

Step 4 (tank is as empty as it's gonna get)

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101114-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-4.jpg

Step 5 (choice of substrate)

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101543-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-5.jpg

Step 6 (lay substrate down, place driftwood, stones and plants in place)

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101555-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-6.jpg

Step 7 (fill with appropriate temp water and Prime, place fish into their new home)

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101565-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-7.jpg

Step 8 (After - Happy Fish!)

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/a...35101574-75-gallon-before-after-75-step-8.jpg

That's what I do too, but I run the filter on the bucket. I can see why a lot of people don't, because most buckets are round. Mine are square.

 

[LyndaB]

My filter is a canister, that's why you don't see it out.

 

[maxwellag]

My filter is a canister, that's why you don't see it out.

Ah, another good reason lol. If its a large tank you could also put the biological filter media in the bucket with the fish and plants and stuff.

 

[RaygunK]

This is what I just did changing out my 75 from sand to eco-complete:

Step 1 (scoop out some used tank water, place plants and fish in large bucket with airstone):



Step 2 (set up python to drain tank):



Step 3 (use small dustpan to shovel old substrate out of tank and into bucket)

(

Step 4 (tank is as empty as it's gonna get)



Step 5 (choice of substrate)



Step 6 (lay substrate down, place driftwood, stones and plants in place)



Step 7 (fill with appropriate temp water and Prime, place fish into their new home)



Step 8 (After - Happy Fish!)

Wow! Thanks for the great reply! I think i'm going to do this method, it seems clean & efficient. I"m really excited b/c the black gravel (kind of inherited it) makes everything look so dark and the river pebbles i got are really going to brighten it up in there! Maybe i'll try to post a before and after pic. thanks!~

 

[Freakgecko91]

I did mine in much the same way from gravel to sand. Didn't lose a single fish, and never went into a mini cycle your filter holds enough BB to keep your cycle going

 

[LyndaB]

It takes surprisingly little time to do this. It took me less than 1 1/2 hours.

As with cooking, having your "mise en place" really helps. This means, have your python hooked up and ready to go. Have your scissors handy to cut open the substrate. If your substrate dictates, rinse it first and have that done with. Have your buckets and fish nets in place. Have LOTS of towels nearby, you're gonna need 'em.

One step I didn't mention or photograph. After you put the fish in the bucket, drape a towel loosely over it. This keeps the temp steady and prevents any jumping fish from getting out.

 

[RaygunK]

that's great LyndaB, thanks! going to change it now.

 

[LyndaB]

We demand before and after pics!

 

[paytertot]

We demand before and after pics!

Agree!

 

[RaygunK]

Woohoo! All done. i'm waiting for the water to "settle" a little then i'll do an after pic. but you're right LyndaB hour & a half! The difference is unbelievable! Can't wait to show you pics!

 

[RaygunK]

Before:



After:



Makes a huge difference. Much cleaner & natural looking!

 

[jetajockey]

Looks nice! The pebbles I'm using are jelly bean size.

 

[LyndaB]

Looks great!