How do I change the substrate?

[Gatewaylabs]

I'm thinking of changing out my smooth gravel substrate to sand (haven't decided which kind/color yet, though). How do I go about doing this in an established tank with inhabitants? I don't have a spare tank - do I just work around the fish, or ???

Thanks!

 

[Link119]

I just worked around the fish. If you could put the fish in a bucket, i think that that will be the best solution.

 

[frank98284]

do you have live plants ?

 

[Sharpchick]

How big is your tank? You can change in stages, and if the tank is of any decent size, that would probably decrease the change of a bump in your cycle.

 

[Gatewaylabs]

Sorry this took so long. No live plants - tank is 55 gallon tall - 30" x 18" footprint of the tank.