Yeah I forgot the 'washing the sand in a bucket with a hose' bit...hahaI had recently changed from gravel to sand. I used Kids play sand because I could not find pfs.
When I made the change, I washed the sand in a bucket and power hose till the water cleared. Then I placed my plants and snails (I didn't have fish in the tank) in a bucket of conditioned water that I have sitting around for water changes. Then drained my tank half way using a gravel vac, carried it outside and dumped the rest if the water. Took the gravel out and scooped the sand in. Wiped down the tank, took it back inside, and filled it with the bucket water, half way I put my plants and decor back in. Then filled to preferred line with more conditioned water. If you have fish, you may want to put them in their separate container. But anyway, thats how I did it. If your running a filter, make sure it can't suck up your sand and get clogged.
I'm going to replace my gravel with sand. Any information will help, I've never had sand before. What's the best sand? I was thinking of PFS. Best way to switch them. Anything, thanks!
I might be doing it next weekend and I will certainly be posting pictures of my progress. Should I make a new thread or keep it in this one? LolI have been thinking along those same lines. Let know how it goes...maybe some pics?.........
That's exactly how to clean it. I would just fill the bucket 1/3 with sand, it makes it easier to wash/stir. The water doesn't have to be crystal clear. Slightly cloudy will be fine. With the floss, it will clear pretty well in an hours or so. I used a 20g storage container for mine. They won't be in it for too long anyway....Thanks so much I really appreciate it! What's the best way to clean the sand? I heard filling a bucket half way with sand and letting water run in it and stirring it around a bit to let the dirt and stuff overflow. How big should the bucket be to keep the fish? I have 11 three inch African cichlids and a four inch pleco. Does the water have to be completely clear before you put the fish in? Any tips on taking care if the sand in the future?
I would just update this thread. It's the same topic....I might be doing it next weekend and I will certainly be posting pictures of my progress. Should I make a new thread or keep it in this one? Lol