Replacing gravel with sand
- Thread starter snus29
- Start date
Maybe use a NEW kitty litter scoop, or a collander, or something else similar which you can scoop out gravel while letting the water drain back out.
You could also maybe use a strong suction on a gravel vacuum (a small hose with a lot of current) to suck the gravel up, depending on the size of the gravel. Not sure if that would work or not.
I would be concerned about trying to get the gravel out without draining the tank unless it's a real new or very consistently vacuumed setup, because once you start to stir that up, you're going to get a fair amount of gunk up into the water column. Every time I've had to totally change out gravel or move a tank or anything, it is amazing how much crud is in there and how nasty the water gets. I know it's a lot of water, but maybe drain most / some of it into a few big tote containers or something and use those to hold the fish while you are changing stuff. When I've added sand to a tank in the past, even well rinsed sand gets very cloudy. The first time I used sand as a substrate, I ended up having to do a 95% water change immediately after to get the massive cloud of particles out. Doing that with fish in there is not ideal (my tank was empty at the time). If you have one of the python or similar water changers, it is even easier. But even without, I would suspect you'll probably end up draining all or nearly all the tank by the time you're done so it's probably easier to just drain ahead of time.
Once the tank is drained or mostly drained, you can scoop the gravel out with most anything as long as it is clean - a dust pan, a container, a mixing bowl, etc. And then you can really rinse the bottom good as an added bonus. Plus you'll stay drier.
Don't change out the filter media at the same time as you totally replace the substrate - it can badly deplete your beneficial bacteria. Give it a good 2 weeks in between the two changes if possible.
You could also maybe use a strong suction on a gravel vacuum (a small hose with a lot of current) to suck the gravel up, depending on the size of the gravel. Not sure if that would work or not.
I would be concerned about trying to get the gravel out without draining the tank unless it's a real new or very consistently vacuumed setup, because once you start to stir that up, you're going to get a fair amount of gunk up into the water column. Every time I've had to totally change out gravel or move a tank or anything, it is amazing how much crud is in there and how nasty the water gets. I know it's a lot of water, but maybe drain most / some of it into a few big tote containers or something and use those to hold the fish while you are changing stuff. When I've added sand to a tank in the past, even well rinsed sand gets very cloudy. The first time I used sand as a substrate, I ended up having to do a 95% water change immediately after to get the massive cloud of particles out. Doing that with fish in there is not ideal (my tank was empty at the time). If you have one of the python or similar water changers, it is even easier. But even without, I would suspect you'll probably end up draining all or nearly all the tank by the time you're done so it's probably easier to just drain ahead of time.
Once the tank is drained or mostly drained, you can scoop the gravel out with most anything as long as it is clean - a dust pan, a container, a mixing bowl, etc. And then you can really rinse the bottom good as an added bonus. Plus you'll stay drier.
Don't change out the filter media at the same time as you totally replace the substrate - it can badly deplete your beneficial bacteria. Give it a good 2 weeks in between the two changes if possible.
Hello; Under the "all advice appreciated" category I would advise keeping the gravel and not going to sand. I have used bothe and have come to the opinion that gravel is a superior substrate. Sand can be made to work if you understand the various issues associated with it.
On using sand I would advise dry sifting it to get rid of the fine almost dust like particles followed by a thorough rinsing. This will help with one of the big problems.
On changing without taking the fish out, I know of no easy way. Perhaps the gravel can be siphoned out over a series of water changes untill all removed and then the sand put in the bare tank. I have not tried this and have some doubts that it can be done without potential issues.
Good luk in what ever you try.
On using sand I would advise dry sifting it to get rid of the fine almost dust like particles followed by a thorough rinsing. This will help with one of the big problems.
On changing without taking the fish out, I know of no easy way. Perhaps the gravel can be siphoned out over a series of water changes untill all removed and then the sand put in the bare tank. I have not tried this and have some doubts that it can be done without potential issues.
Good luk in what ever you try.
i run sand in all of my tanks and i rather prefer it. i did replace the gravel in my 30 gallon. i do not advise play sand as it is very dirty. even after rinsing very well. i would buy a form of cichlid sand or a marine sand from the ocean. these tend to be alot cleaner off the bat. i have used artificial as well but it tends to float. also make sure to turn off your filters. sand and filters do not get along together. i use hob filters and i have to replace the impellars once a year or so. but i have very active fish that kick up the sand alot. best of luck.
Pool filter sand works very well and does not need as much rinsing because it would cloud your pool its a lot cleaner but you still have to rinse it. I have done this with a slotted spoon and colander. I set the colander on the bottom of the tank and scoop up the gravel with the slotted spoon into the colander. Then once its full I dumped it and repeated. For the last few pebbles I sucked those out with the vacuum hose.
Sand????? Gravel??????? Both have +'s and -'s.
Sand????? Gravel??????? Both have +'s and -'s.