I can't believe myself

[MandyK]

So my tank has only been running for about a month, and I'm already planning my next aquascape. Oh my husband is going to KILL me.

Anyway, my general plan will change the entire look of the tank, and I am wondering how long I should wait before I do this. Well, lets get real here. All the things I want are going to take a while for me to get.

If something happens and I end up getting everything I want freakishly quick, about how long do you think I should let my tank go as is? I don't want to freak my fish out too much considering they haven't been in the current set up very long.

I'm thinking 3 months minimum...

The changes would be--

Substrate:
Layer 1= Eco Complete
Layer 2=Black Sand (partial)
Layer 3=White Sand (partial)

By partial I mean that the sand would be thicker on one side than the other, and on the side that is thinner white sand would go on top of the black. I'm thinking some sort of cool half and half design. I realize it probably wouldn't last long, but I'm okay with that. Not to mention the coolness for as long as it does last!

New driftwood purchased from a store that will hopefully just stay down.

Same plants, different layout.

[openbook]

For me I think I would find it easier to just get another tank.

[ScottishFish]

I second the motion for another tank

[Cermet]

The joy and fun of this hobby is to do what you desire as long as the fish are well taken care of. Changing substrate is not too hard if you plan right and follow a few simple rules - place fish in a small tank that has a heater and air stone running. Net the fish out of the main tank after draining out 90% of the water.

Rinse the new substrate well.

Then change out the substrate. Add new substrate and plants. Fill the aquarium partway, drain this out, then fill completely (use prime!) with new water. The first partial fill and drain will remove much of the cloudiness.

Add fish back.

This method works very well for me (just did it a few months ago)

[MandyK]

Oh guys I would LOVE another tank! My problem is that I live in a 5 room house, only two of which are really stable in the temp area. I have two tanks in one, and the big tank in the other. I might be able to figure out how to get one in my bedroom (which I would love), but probably not right now. It wouldn't be a big one either, which if I don't get a bigger tank then why am I getting one??? Lol.

I'm sure I'll have a new tank at some point though.

Thanks Cermet. So I could basically just do it as soon as I get everything I want then? I'll most likely be buying this stuff slowly anyway so I don't upset my husband too much.

I DO have a question though. Where on earth can I get a bag of aquarium quality sand that isn't $30 per 5 lbs???

[Crispy]

pool filter sand is relatively cheap and lots of members here use it.

[Evilash]

+ 1 to the pool filter sand. I got a 50lb bag from namco for $5. Looks awesome too!

[Lady10Godiva]

The pool filter sand I got was really clean too. One good rinse and done. I even have plant bulbs sprouting in it after 3 days ( I used laterite and roof tabs in it)

[Cermet]

I use home depot play sand since pool sand does not exist for love of money now - every ounce has been bought out for ... pools (also, it is seasonal)! Worse, after they ran out of that, these pool bought all the play sand and worse still, people who needed play sand also bought it ... leaving me empty handed after searches of five stores and two hardware stores!!!

[MandyK]

Does pool sand come in different colors? I can't see why it would but I'm hoping I'll get lucky here.