Changing Rocks

[tbay2005]

Sorry for the multiple posts with questions tonight.

Here's a pic of my new 10 gal aquarium.

4955

How hard would it be to change out those rocks and put aquarium gravel in there? I have 6 fish in the tank now.

I didn't realize until it was too late that I hate those rocks!

Plus, after seeing some pics on hee, I wouldn't mind having a couple, small, live plants in there too. Plastic ones look cheap.

[Drumachine09]

Sorry for the multiple posts with questions tonight.

Thats what AC is here for. Don't EVER be afraid to ask questions here.




About the rocks, if you have a small holding container, you could transfer them there for a while, while you took out the rocks and added gravel. It wouldn't be too much of a hassle.

[Ty]

is the tank cycled yet?

[gm72]

No hassle at all. I totally changed over one of the 40 gallon long tanks from gravel to sand and honestly didn't even remove the fish. Didn't lose any, no apparent stress from the ordeal either. Moving the fish to a bucket or such for a short time though is probably a better idea.

[tbay2005]

Would a fish bowl do and how long am I looking at, just long enough to change the rocks or do I have to let the tank settle a bit, a couple of days?

Is there a past post or sticky somewhere here that I can read about changing out the rocks?

Thanks so much for the help so far!

[Ty]

just take out the fish, and put them in a bucket of tank water, then take out the rocks, and add the new rinsed gravel or sand to the tank, and put the fish back in.

[tbay2005]

is the tank cycled yet?

No.. Didn't read the cycle post until after I bought the fish. I started with just the two Red Mickey mouse's and they have done fine for over a week now.

[Drumachine09]

It would probably be better to wait until your cycle is finished. Sometimes, when you disturb gravel, your cycle gets a bit screwy.

[gm72]

I totally agree. If you aren't cycled yet you are best to wait a little while until everything gets stable, then go for the change.

[Ty]

why not do it now before the gravel has things living in it?

[tbay2005]

Just wanted to say thanks but it won't let me post a reply that short so....

Thanks everyone.

[gm72]

We are here to help as often as needed!