Switching to sand...

[littletankbigworld]

I'm thinking of switching from gravel to sand in my 29 gallon. I'm a bit apprehensive about it. I'd have to remove all my fish and set them in baggies while I removed the gravel and poured in the sand. (I'd turn off the filter while pouring.) I have many questions, and Google isn't loading. (I have dial-up.)

1. How long does it usually take for sand to settle? I've heard it clouds the water a bit, so a more reasonable question is: how long after can I safely add fish?

2. Will removing my gravel cause an ammonia spike, since I'm taking out a lot of the good bacteria? I'll probably seed the sand with a cup of some of the gravel.

3. Looking at my species list, do you think any of the fish will have issues with the sand? I know my tank is understocked, and I plan on adding more tetras, more catfish, more cories, and ottos. I already checked Aqadvisor.com/.

Any help is greatly appreciated! I'd love to see my tank with sand sometime this weekend! Thanks!

 

[brian1973]

I'm thinking of switching from gravel to sand in my 29 gallon. I'm a bit apprehensive about it. I'd have to remove all my fish and set them in baggies while I removed the gravel and poured in the sand. (I'd turn off the filter while pouring.) I have many questions, and Google isn't loading. (I have dial-up.)

I recently made this change in one of my tanks and just started another tank using sand. I left my fish in plastic containers instead of bagging them.

1. How long does it usually take for sand to settle? I've heard it clouds the water a bit, so a more reasonable question is: how long after can I safely add fish?

If rinsed well as little as 4hrs but expect some cloudiness for 24hrs. I added my fish about an hour after the change with no appearant ill effects.

2. Will removing my gravel cause an ammonia spike, since I'm taking out a lot of the good bacteria? I'll probably seed the sand with a cup of some of the gravel.?

You may experience a mini cycle when you change it out, test your water frequently and use Prime to condition your water.

3. Looking at my species list, do you think any of the fish will have issues with the sand? I know my tank is understocked, and I plan on adding more tetras, more catfish, more cories, and ottos. I already checked Aqadvisor.com/.?

Your fish will be fine with sand, the cories will definately benefit from the sand since rough gravel can damage their barbels.

Hopefully that answers your questions, it is hard to give solid answers because alot of it depends on you and how well you rinse the sand.

 

[littletankbigworld]

I'll rinse it a long time. Just let it soak in a bucket? That's the main reason I want sand. My poor cory is suffering. I've heard many people talk about Prime. Is it usually very expensive? How much does a bottle cost, would you guess?

 

[Newman]

the smallest bottle is the best value. plus it has the dropper cap that larger, "refill" bottles don't. they cost like $3 or something...but the little bottle treats a LOT of gallons.

 

[littletankbigworld]

Good. Now, do I add this Prime to the water while it is in the tank with the fish since it removes nitrates or something like that? And how do I rinse the sand? Do I pour it in a bucket with water and do water changes in the bucket with dechlorinated water?

 

[Newman]

yeah that's how you rinse sand...

you treat the water before you add it to your tank in a water change..

Prime does not remove Nitrates....it works on ammonia and if you dose more than normal it can detoxify nitrite. but has nothing to do with nitrate...that's why you do water changes lol.

 

[OrangeCones]

but has nothing to do with nitrate...that's why you do water changes lol.

I thought high nitrates is why you grow more plants. *confused*

 

[brian1973]

Below is the statement on the side of a bottle of prime. The main reason we use it is to remove chlorine and chloramine anything else is a bonus..as Newman mentioned nothing replaces the need for weekly water changes. I add Prime to the tank as I fill it, I stopped using the bucket method along time ago and use a python on all my tanks but my smallest tank currently is a 25G.

"Prime is the completeand concentratedconditioner for both fresh and salt water. Prime removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia.Prime converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form that is readily removed by the tanks biofilter. Prime may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime detoxifies nitrite and nitrate allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in tap water at typical concentrations levels. Prime also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat. Prime is non-acidic and will not impact pH. Prime will not overactivate skimmers. Use at start-up and whenever adding or replacing water."

 

[Newman]

I know it says that but in small amounts nitrates aren't toxic to fish, and the bio filter cannot remove nitrates unless you have green algae or something growing on your filter to soak up the nitrate...
I think bio filter refers to the nitrifying bacteria, and those only deal with ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate, but the nitrate either get used by algae, plants or gets taken out with water changes..

Maybe prime means that If you have a very stinky tank with nitrates that are through the roof (80ppm+) it will detoxify the nitrates and make the tank safe for fish until you do water changes to remove excess nitrates? or plants use them up lol.

yes cones that's why we grow more plants

 

[littletankbigworld]

Haha. I've never used the stuff. But I already know NOTHING can replace water changes.

I have a very important question!!! Is desert sand aquarium safe???

Hardware Store Sand

 

[littletankbigworld]

By the way, it's Mosser Lee Desert Sand Soil Cover and the bag says it's good in terrariums, but says nothing about aquariums. The bag also does not say what is in the sand.