Changing from gravel to sand, advice needed!

[jodie_jo]

I really want to change from gravel to sand but am confused about how to go about it. Do i take my fish out? I dont have a spare tank so dont really have anywhere to put them. When (if) i put new sand in can i put new plants in too? I realise this isnt an ideal thing to be doing with the fish but if it is going to put them in serious danger i wont do it.

My gravel isnt that old but looks really dirty and i have the odd bright green stone which i assume is algae...if i cant change to sand, is it spossible to give the gravel a good wash!!!

Thanks for your help!

 

[nitrous]

how long has it been since you vaccumed your gravel?

 

[Zagz]

Excellent advice....http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=27

Is your tank cycled? I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a cycled tank.

 

[jodie_jo]

my tank is cycled, but now im scared! i havent exactly vacumed my gravel but done as best i can with a piece of piping and my mouth! can i get an actual vacum for the tank? looked on the internet to no avail!

 

[rich311k]

http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=28833;category_id=2937

Get one of these or a python no buckets at all. I am sure someone in the UK must sell something like it.

Here is what the regular one looks like: http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19131;category_id=2001

Found a UK site: http://www.animalinstinct.co.uk/cat170_1.htm

 

[jodie_jo]

I must not have been looking hard enough because when i looked a few minutes ago I found one. Typical. Now my paypal payment has been sent!!

Thank you for the links, confirmed that i bought the right thing!