Changing substrates?

[JStrider]

So I'm switching substrates from Red flourite to playsand, I've developed a plan and wanted comments.

Siphon most of the water out of the main tank and into the hospital tank, transfer fish into hospital tank.

if I cant catch the Dojo loaches/ get tired of chasing them around I'll leave a few inches of water in the bottom

scoop out red flourite into bucket.

Rinse play sand and put in tank.

wrap filter intake with filter media and tie in place

Bucket Brigade water and fish bank into tank.

Keep an eye on ammonia/nitrite extra well for the next couple weeks to avoid any harm from a potential mini cycle that may occur


any comments or recomendations on my plan?

and I am selling the flourite if anyone is interested look at my thread in the market.

[Lucy]

Re: Changing substrates?

about a year ago I changed my 55 from gravel to sand....no small task, I did it a portion at a time, every other week....It was  a pain and I could not get all of the gravel out but here is how I did it:

Whenever I did my water changes I just scooped out about a foot long section of the gravel from one end of the tank (front to back and about 12" long) and replaced it with sand, 2 weeks later and during another water change, I scooped out another foot long or so section (picking up where I left off the time before) and replaced it with sand.....and so on until it was done.  I didn't remove any of the fish but I did turn off all filters ect while adding the sand.  so there wouldn't be as much current.  I used a 1 cup measuring cup as it was easier to place it where I wanted.  It worked out pretty good and I actually like the look the few remaining gravels give the tank.  

The reason I did it in sections is so I could maintain most of my bacteria living in the substrate.

 One thing I would like to add is that sand and back of the tank type filters don't go so well together, it will chew up the impellors something fierce. I was buying new ones every few weeks.  I switched to an Ehiem 2217 and I haven't had problems with the sand eating the impellor since then.

[rrocket2002]

Re: Changing substrates?

Have you considered Pool Filter Sand?  It doesn't cloud the water like the play sand, not easily stirred up.  It runs about $12 for a 50lb bag at Leslie's Pools or use the White Sand from Steve...I hear it works great too.

[JStrider]

Re: Changing substrates?

I wanted a more tan/brown appearance for the bottom of this tank
the pool filter sand is white isnt it?

I do have enough white sand from steve for a 30, but I'm saving it for a tank with one of the electric blue crays I got at auction a while back.

[rrocket2002]

Re: Changing substrates?

The PFS I get from Leslie's is a Tan/light brown color.

[JStrider]

Re: Changing substrates?

I'll have to go check it out at the leslie's up here.

how big is the grain size of the pool filter sand?

[Leprae]

Re: Changing substrates?

I've always used play sand in my planted tank and have changed it out once.  Using the stuff you can buy at Toys R Us, I've never had any problem with cloudiness assuming I washed it thoroughly.  Several good, hearty rinses in a bucket with adequate churning of the sand should be enough.

As far as the biological filter goes... I honestly don't know.  If you have a good filter that's well established, I think you should do pretty well without having to cycle again.  I have limited experience on the matter though.  Keep an eye on those levels either way!

[rrocket2002]

Re: Changing substrates?

I'll have to go check it out at the leslie's up here.

how big is the grain size of the pool filter sand?

Size?  Not sure.  I just know its small and heavier than sand.  I can pick some up with my hand in the tank and drop it.  It floats down like a feather.

[mikeb144]

Re: Changing substrates?

I agree with Raul, PFS will do a much better job, as long as you don't try to run undergravel filter.  Play sand seems to turn to mud.  If you save the water like you plan, and your filters are still seasoned I don't think you will have any problem.  Just M/O,  good luck

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Changing substrates?

Play sand should be kept in the sand box...

[Nickintex]

Re: Changing substrates?

For 2 of my 10 gallon aquaria, I switched from gravel to the colored "marine sand" (the non-calciferous type) that I got from 800-Seahorse and Houston Aquatics with no problems at all. I use  biowheel HOB filters on these 2 tanks so had no problems with cycling. In one, I used a mixture of blue and white sand for a nice marbled effect. Much nicer than the one where I used only blue sand. The tank with the mixture contains a long-nosed and a horse-faced loach. It's fun watching them dive into the sand and making trails under the surface as the burrow.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Changing substrates?

I had used that for my zebras....it was estes marine sand...

[JStrider]

Re: Changing substrates?

well I made the swap,

it went well, flourite left a muddy gritty mess behind that was a pain to rinse out.

the fish (including the dojos) are much easier to catch when you've taken out all the decorations.

my cats really enjoyed having the temporary tank on the ground, they were totally entranced the whole time.


The dojos like the sand, they already are rooting around in it.

I like the look of the sand better then the flourite.

Thanks for pointing me at the pool filter sand instead of the playsand!

[rrocket2002]

Re: Changing substrates?

So you went with the PFS instead of PS?  If so, I'm glad it worked for you.  Did you get it from Leslies?

[JStrider]

Re: Changing substrates?

yah I went with the PFS and I got it at leslies

I actually got 2 bags, but only used one... the bags looked smaller then I expected... If I'm too lazy to drive up there maybe one will show up at auction/raffle in the future.