Substrate change

CichlidGold1 · 09-27-2006, 05:42 PM

Hey all,
I'd like to change my substrate. But I'm not sure how to go about it. What is the safe way to take out all the gravel without taking away all the good bac? Thanks in advance!

**JustOneMore20** · 09-27-2006, 06:17 PM

You can leave a little old substrate in the bottom and cover it up with the new substrate. And keep the filter media wet so you can preserve that bacteria. And don't change it out for a couple weeks after the change.

What are you changing from and to?

girth vader · 09-27-2006, 06:50 PM

No real need to worry about the bac in the substrate. If you have filters running, all the benificial bac you need is in there. Scoop out the old, add the new and keep your filter media wet. This will give you time to switch it out, just dont take hours.

BTW, Great pic of those Labs JOM. gorgeous!

CichlidGold1 · 09-28-2006, 07:10 AM

I'm changing it to a different color really. Going for a more natural look. It's a small gravel. You know, the type you get at pet stores. But thank you guys for the tips!
BTW, for you cichlid people. Is sand an ok substrate for digging cichlids like my jack dempsy? I worry about him swallowing the stuff.

09-27-2006, 05:42 PM	#1
CichlidGold1 Cichlid and Goldie lover Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: U.S.A Posts: 6 User Feedback: (0)	Substrate change Hey all, I'd like to change my substrate. But I'm not sure how to go about it. What is the safe way to take out all the gravel without taking away all the good bac? Thanks in advance!

09-27-2006, 06:17 PM	#2
JustOneMore20 Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama, US Age: 22 Posts: 3,404 User Feedback: (2)	You can leave a little old substrate in the bottom and cover it up with the new substrate. And keep the filter media wet so you can preserve that bacteria. And don't change it out for a couple weeks after the change. What are you changing from and to? __________________ *Kristin* 5 Planted tanks: 55g, 40g, 29g, 10g, 5.5g 10g N. multifasciatus tank, 5.5g Platy fry

09-27-2006, 06:50 PM	#3
girth vader Hey Now! Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 33 Posts: 616 User Feedback: (0)	No real need to worry about the bac in the substrate. If you have filters running, all the benificial bac you need is in there. Scoop out the old, add the new and keep your filter media wet. This will give you time to switch it out, just dont take hours. BTW, Great pic of those Labs JOM. gorgeous! __________________ I have a tank!!! A nice one too!

09-28-2006, 07:10 AM	#4
CichlidGold1 Cichlid and Goldie lover Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: U.S.A Posts: 6 User Feedback: (0)	I'm changing it to a different color really. Going for a more natural look. It's a small gravel. You know, the type you get at pet stores. But thank you guys for the tips! BTW, for you cichlid people. Is sand an ok substrate for digging cichlids like my jack dempsy? I worry about him swallowing the stuff. Last edited by CichlidGold1; 09-28-2006 at 07:15 AM.

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