Substrate Question

[kufan]

I'm going to change the substrate in my 30 gallon tank from rock to sand. My question is, can I partially change the substrate, say in 25% incriments, and not lose my good bacteria that is on my rocks, so I don't have to re-cycle the tank?

KU

[Fishguy2727]

That would most likely end in a messy mix of sand and gravel. Most of the nitrifying bacteria should be in the filter, not the gravel. So as long as you don't mess with the filters for a little while after the switch (and you will want to because even though you will gravel vacuum very well, it will still stir up a lot of debris) you should be fine. When I switched the substrate in the 90 at work it didn't re-cycle. Keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrites because every tank is different, but I think you should be able to do it just fine.

[f1oored]

One option would be to get a mesh bag of some sort and keep the old substrate in the tank for a while. This way you could remove the gravel a little at a time without it getting mixed with the sand.

[cocoa_pleco]

wash the sand thourally. if you dont wash it well, it turns the water dark brown:4:

[kufan]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll try the mesh bag, I may just use a ziploc bag in it and cut some holes in it since I don't have a mesh bag laying around. Would that work?

yeah I've got a rubbermaid tub that I'm gonna use to rinse the sand

KU

[f1oored]

A mesh bag would probably be more effective but you likely won't have any problems because of the reasons RG mentioned above.

[Fishguy2727]

Ziploc would create a nice little anaerobic zone for denitrifying bacteria if anything.

[Sin]

check local fish store for mesh bags , use several of them if nessary , it sounds like the best bet . .good luck

[kufan]

Well I'll scartch the ziploc bags and will see if my lfs has some mesh bags that I can use.

KU

[Drumachine09]

Well I'll scartch the ziploc bags and will see if my lfs has some mesh bags that I can use.

KU


Ive heard that pantyhose works well.

[Lady Hobbs]

Use panty hose for that gravel. It works great.

[Ivana]

When you put the sand in, don't forget to unplug your filter until the dust settles.
Sand in the impeller is not good.