Best way to change substrate?

[mattman0182]

I currently have rocks and a few plants on them....I would like to go to sand....partly since I have a new mystery fish that I think may be a black striped loach (long story there).

Whats the best way to take out the rocks and add sand? without harming the fish.

my current animals: African Clawed frog (baby)--Bristlenose Pleco--Upsidedown Cat--Striped Loach?.....snails that are quickly becoming food.

srry no pics at the moment..long story there.

 

[Mordred_]

That will be a fun project if you own a large tank. Here are a few options:

(a)If the tank is a decent size, you may be able to do a water change and remove most of the gravel with a wet/dry vac at the same time. Just be careful about what you are sucking up.

(b)Use a colander/pasta strainer and scoop up the gravel. At least then you won't lose as much water.

(c)Before you do some of the above options, maybe fill up a large container with some of your aquarium water and fill it with the aquarium residents that you are worried about. Add in a little Stress Coat to help out with the whole move.