Switching from Gravel to Sand

[Pac-Man]

Hi. My 29g has some emerald green catfish in it (Brochis) and currently has gravel as substrate. Although they are active and happy, I was thinking about switching the substrate from gravel to sand, as I know it is better for them. How should I go about doing the switch? I am a bit hesitant to move the cats for fear of shock, but I have extra tanks if need be. Could I do the switch fish-in by adding small amounts of sand at a time? Also, what would be the most efficient way of moving the gravel? Just by net? Thank you.

[JustOneMore20]

I would go ahead and move them out. The stirred up mulm and stuff from removing the gravel would be harsher on them than just temporarily removing the fish. You'll need a couple hours for the sand to settle also and the fish won't like being in the tank while the sand is still in the water (and not settled). Move them to another tank or just set up a temp. holding tank out of a plastic storage tub. Run the filter on the holding tank to preserve the bacteria. I'd also save some of the old gravel in some pantyhose/nylon stockings to help seed the new sand.

[joe kool]

If you are using some of the eco complete sand from caribsea you can save the wifes nylons. I switched my 100 gal from crushed coral to the african sand with the water and bacteria (eco-complete) and it was a smooth transition. I got the gravle out with a plastic collander and my hands and poured the sand in straight out of the bag (slit the top of the bag all the way across and put the whole bag in the water and poured it out on the bottom of the tank ... yes NO RINSING ) the tank is awesome and I even just had a spawn of A. Calvus. Tank had a FULL bio load on it and I never moved a fish and my amonia, nitrite, or nitrate never budged. ( nitrates spiked a little that night but from all the crap in the water I'm sure, I did a quick water change and sucked off the surface scum and it was back to normal the next morning.)

every one has their own ways of doing things and I'm sure someone will typographically chastize me but it worked for me and I'll do it again if I change substrate on a tank already set up. (which I would never reccomend to anyone ... chose your substrate wisely the first time! I just had soem sand for another tank AND some extra sand fall in my lap and a buddy setting up a 100 gal that wanted to go crushed coral all at the same time so I said "why not" but I've got a little more experiance than your "average" fish keeper)

[MaryPa]

I kept the fish in when I switched. They were all ok. Just slowly scoop a net on the bottom to dip out the gravel. Only do 1/3 every other day so you don`t mess up the beneficial bacteria and start a mini cycle. The trick is to do it slowly and nothing gets stirred up.
You`ll love the sand, just skim the vac over top and remove all the waste. Oh and if you have big poopers like cichlids the poo will really show up on the sand so daily poo vacuuming is needed.

[Pac-Man]

And I guess I should add the sand slowly too, to avoid too much cloud?

[MaryPa]

I put the sand in a plastic bowl and slowly lowered it into the tank and slowly poured it in. Oh and turn off the filter just in case you go a bit too fast and make a sand cloud. Your bottom dwellers will love the sand.

[Pac-Man]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think Ill opt for the in-tank suggestion. I can't wait to see my cats in all the sand! Nah no cichlids though. Phew

EDIT: Should I replace the sand as I go? Or just leave it bare bottomed until it's all removed?