Gravel Change

[Epic]

So I was readying that the tetras I have show color better when gravel/sand is a brown/black/grey or dark color.... I have White and some Baby blue gravel which I read is the worst for my fish to bring out their true colors.

I am still cycling and trying to complete my nitrogen cycle and establish the tank so I wont do it now (another topic/thread).

What I want to ask is, how should I go about doing such a change in the tank?

[vince0]

might as well get it done now rather than later, your just going to reset the cycle. Empty the tank, put the fish in buckets with air stone, remove the gravel, add new substrate of choice, and refill, add fish when water settles. I did this on my tank a few months ago with zero losses.

keep an eye on ammonia and nitrite levels for the next few weeks, and do wc's as needed.

[Laura]

Can you get a grungy filter sponge from another fishkeeper nearby? It will do wonders for your cycle.

When I was changing out an established tank, I moved half the gravel at a time so as not to mess up the cycle - can't say which is the best method if the cycle already isn't complete.

If it were me with a tank that wasn't fully cycled, I would add a filter sponge from a mature tank and just change out all the gravel at once.

[Epic]

Ok Thanks.

I don't personally know anyone else who keeps fish. I might be able to get something from Paul's Aquarium / Pacific Aquatics (http://canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=76) (or PETSMART if last resort) since its only a few blocks from me!

Sooo... correct me if im wrong; I should do the following.

Remove Fish and place them in a bucket with tank water.
Move the filter to bucket.
Empty the rest of the tank water and remove decor/plants and gravel.
Put in new graved, fill with new water and replace decor.
Treat water and wait 3/4 days.
introduce fish back into tank.And by doing this, it will start the cycle again correct....

Since it's been two months now and ammonia is upto 8ppm with no sign of nitrites yet because I had little proper bio-filtration (I just changed from carbon to bio-pellets/foam a 5-7 days ago) doing this will be just like starting brand new basically.

The only thing is... I have a feeling that the cycle might start going from ammonia to nitrites soon because of the media change I did a week ago.

I dunno I feel like I screwed up. I've sank money into this tank and it'll need sink more to correct the small mistakes i've already made... poor fish.. I just want them to be happy, the happiest they can be!!! :)

Signed,
Epic a.k.a Mr. Frustrated

[Laura]

It's not critical that you change your gravel, but it is important that you get your fish through the cycle. I have pale gravel in two of my tanks and my fish look fine. While they may look better with a darker substrate, I'm happy with the tanks.

If you're into the cycle already, I would focus only on staying on top of regular water changes to get them trough the cycle.

I tend to not pay attention to much testing so I hope another whiz at it chimes in here, but 8 ppm of ammonia sounds deathly high to me. I would be doing partial water changes on a daily basis to help the fish through this.

Once your filter is established and your fish are not stressed, then you can pull out the gravel and replace it if you want to - I didn't pull down my tank for it, I just scooped out or sucked up the substrate.

If another member can share some filter material with you, or Paul's can give you some, then it would help you along. You may want to post that you are looking for some filter material and see if someone nearby can help out. If you have some good lighting in the tank, or good ambient lighting, something like najas grass or duckweed would help the cycle along.

I understand your frustration, but at this point, I think all you need is lots of water changes. You don't have to sink in more money.

It's a very relaxing hobby when things are going well, but hard for all of us when they go badly. Hang in there and you'll sort it out.

What size tank is it, and what fish do you have?

[Epic]

29 gal, 15 fish... See "Plus one more to BC... Hello (http://canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9569) " for details.

For about a week i've also had 3 things if valisneria in the tank to assist with the cycle.

I have been doing two waterchanges a day... one every 12 hours approx. but only about 2-4 gallons at a time (I need a bigger bucket...).

[Laura]

Nice looking tank - Personally, I wouldn't mess with it until you get your cycle under control.

I think you're on the right track, but would do larger volumes for water changes if your ammonia is reading as high as it is.

Stick with it - you fish look happy and it's a nice size tank. And a belated 'welcome!', thanks for the intro page.

Cheers,
Laura

[jewels]

I have done this before carcinoma in situ and would do it again the exact same way.

Find a big bin - 10 gallon in your case.
Detach the hose from your upright vacuum
GO !!Be prepared !! This happens really fast. Regardless of your gravel size, it will all be gone in about ten seconds. :BOLTS:Take the fish out first if you must although there is no need - this will be an entirely cloudless operation.

[Epic]

I think I might just wait it out... and when I get my second tank move the gravel from this one into the other and just put new gravel this one. We'll see, right now im not dooing anyting

I did a 40-45% water change last night and brought the ammonia down to about 4ppm.

I have a feeling I will get nitrites soon... i'll give it another week.

[CACAdmin]

Ok Thanks.

I don't personally know anyone else who keeps fish. I might be able to get something from Paul's Aquarium / Pacific Aquatics (http://canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=76) (or PETSMART if last resort) since its only a few blocks from me!


I'll be heading to Paul's Aquarium sometime over the weekend on on Monday (not sure when yet) but I'll PM you and if you want to meet up I can bring you some "well-seeded" filter material from one of my filters if you like.

[Epic]

I'll be heading to Paul's Aquarium sometime over the weekend on on Monday (not sure when yet) but I'll PM you and if you want to meet up I can bring you some "well-seeded" filter material from one of my filters if you like.


That would be greatly appreciated Jay. My rotaion this week has me off work for Sat, Sun, Mon & Tues. PM me and lets discuss further.

Epic