Loaches Online Forum

I have an unusual question for you guys. Is there anyway of changing or partially changing the substrate of the fish tank that I already have up and running? I'm sure that I would have to remove at least 50% of the water to even attempt it. I would really like to have some sand in there for them to dig around in and bury themselves if they choose, but I don't want to do anything that could be harmful or really traumatic to them. I was thinking that smaller size gravel might do the trick if sand is out of the question. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

There are at least two solutions that I have used, and others who have done this may have more solutions.

You can take the fish out, put them in a bucket with an airstone, heater and things to hide in, and remove the substrate. Turn the filters off, so you don't get the stuff in the filters. Add the sand, wait for things to settle, turn on the filters and put the fish back.

I had a fifty five that I wanted some sand in and I didn't want to remove the gravel, so I got a shoe box size plastic container, filled it wet, clean sand, dug out a space in the gravel big enough for the container and put the container in the hole. Worked pretty well. Has been there for years, and mostly my banjos sleep in the sand, but everyone hangs out on top.

I changed my gravel in two stages a week apart last year.

It is mentioned in my thread in which I show the transformation in the colours of the fish:
http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/clown ... ccess.html

Thanks for the advice I'll keep you guys posted on how things go.

You can take the fish out, put them in a bucket with an airstone, heater and things to hide in, and remove the substrate. Turn the filters off, so you don't get the stuff in the filters. Add the sand, wait for things to settle, turn on the filters and put the fish back.

If I were to take that route how long should I wait for things to settle? I have never really worked with sand before.

I would use a brine shrimp net to sift the water to clear the water more quickly. I would say it would take about 2-3 hours, you can put the fish in the water while it is cloudy. Just make sure that the sand isn't floating when you put the filters on.

Ok thanks for the great tips. The brine shrimp net is something I never would've thought of

When I do water changes and add water, sometimes it stirs up gunk, so I use the brine shrimp net and sift the tank. It clears up very quickly.

A pump driven sponge filter will also clear up your water quickly. When I move and/or switch substrate out I use 1-3 (depending on tank size) Maxi-Jet water pumps with sponge filters on the end, works awesome.

I always take the decor/fish out and put them in holding tanks with their canister filters, heaters and tank water. I drain the entire tank and remove the old substrate. Then, add the new substrate and THEN add water. If you are using a hose, put a glass at the end so it doesn't disturb the substrate as much -- a few sponge filters and 15-20 minutes and you're ready to go!

That sounds veyr efficient. I will steal your ideas next time I attempt this.

That is brilliant I will have to try that. Thanks for the advice