Best way to add more gravel?

**DrNic** · 08-26-2009, 04:09 AM

I would like to thicken up the gravel beds in two of my tanks. Is there anything I should watch out for when adding it?

Aside from not burying any of the corries are there any problems I should watch out for? Will the addition of gravel cause the tank to mini-cycle? Can I simply mix the color ratios that I want, rinse it and add it to the tanks?

I know this is a total newbie question but it seems too easy to just add more gravel in.

**Lab_Rat** · 08-26-2009, 04:13 AM

Pick the gravel you want, rinse well, add to tank. Pretty simple. Unless you're removing the old gravel you're really shouldn't mess up the biofilter.

**Wiggs** · 08-26-2009, 04:15 AM

I dont see it messing up anything with your gravel at all. being gravel I don't see you having to worry about air pockets being created by simply adding it either.

To lean to the safe side, I would just rinse it off, put it in and give it a quick stir around the tank to mix.

**iZinedane** · 08-26-2009, 05:23 AM

For me i just take the decorations and fish out and pour the gravel.

**Northernguy** · 08-26-2009, 05:35 AM

Do a water change and vacuum your gravel really well first!
It will lesson the chance of a bacterial bloom in the tank.Especially if you plan on mixing the two.You will have to stir it up quite a bit.
Then add the new well rinsed gravel.

**mac** · 08-26-2009, 05:40 AM

I agree with NG. IMO I would take the decor out first though. As for the fish hmm, up to you. I have found that just placing it in by hand full dose work but takes time, and if you have plants a real pain. Really I have found just taking the fish plants out, do a good water change then add what you want, works much easier.

mac