Changing Gravel

[crimsonrain]

Im planting my tank so i am changing my gravel to smaller. How should i do this in my 20 gallon keyhole, gold ram, tetra tank? Should I push the old gravel to one side, add half new and wait a few weeks to add the other half? or should i put all my fish in a small tank while i switch the gravel out quickly? i am worried about my natural bacteria depleting. I have heard two things (1) that the bacteria is in the filter so just switch it all quickly or (2) the bacteria is in the soslowly chang it out. which is true? thanks
Rachel

 

[aquabillpers]

A lot depends on how heavily your tank is stocked, the kind of filtration that you have, the plant, if any, etc.

The good bacteria are all over your tank - on the glass, on the plants, and on the rocks and driftwood, as well as in/on the gravel. If I were doing it, I would probably change all of the gravel at once and be ready to do a partial water change if the fish looked uncomfortable.

Bacteria grow fast.

Good luck!

Bill

 

[crimsonrain]

i have a hanging filter. i am not overstocked and have driftwood. i think i will chnage it all at once. Someone recommeneded i leave some of the old gravel in a stocking in the tank if i am worried about the bacteria. Should I vacuum before i switch gravel?

 

[farm41]

you could just add some gravel to the tank, it will get mixed in on it's own

 

[crimsonrain]

i dont want my old gravel.

 

[crimsonrain]

i want to completely swap all gravel. should I take the water out? or can i do it with a half full tank?

 

[crimsonrain]

just an update, i swapped the gravel out and saved about 40% of my old water and just refilled it. thanks

 

[aspen]

watch your amm and nitrite levels for a little while. if they start to rise, act accordingly. i've never had a problem, as long as the tank was lightly stocked and i didn't disturb my filter.

rick