| Changing Substrate [message #9579] |
Sat, 19 April 2008 14:05  |
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I have a question regarding a substrate change. I bought some pool filter sand and changed out my 20 gallon with no problem, Its my fry grow out tank so i do frequent water changes anyway, so i am not afraid of having spiking. Test it and everything, nothing bad. My question is regarding my 60 gallon. I have what i would call an overcrowded tank. I have somewhat like 25 fish in there and do 30% water changes every week. If i was to switch this tank over. How long would i have to let it cycle? I like the look of sand, I also have two bio wheel filters on it and a sponge filter. The thing I am worried about is the fact that i would have cycle the tank again. It has been set up for a year without any problems.
So my other questions would be.
a. Is it worth the change. Meaning. Do the fish like it that much. I want to make my fish happy.
b. Should i do it with the fish load i have in there.
list of fish
7 kenyi
3 afra cobue
8 electric yellows
8 peacocks
c. is it worth buying the eco-complete stuff to raise the ph. I have been told before that i had a low ph, but the fish don't seem to be effected by it. but once again, i want to make the fish happy. I was thinking about making a home buffer mix.
d. Is there anything else i have to consider being that i want to know anything that i need to consider or that i could do better.
Thanks in advance,
Charles
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| Re: Changing Substrate [message #9581] |
Sun, 20 April 2008 09:24  |
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Keep old filters on the tank and use as much as the same water as possible. The biosphere in your filter media should be able to hold it up for the most part unless you just changed that recently. Don't wash off any decor in your tank before switching out sand. Basically you want to keep as much biosphere from other things when getting rid of such a huge biosphere holder such as gravel.
Rinse sand first. Put in a bucket, fill with hose gently, and let water run over til rinsed.
Sand may make your water a bit cloudy when first putting it in but it should clear up pretty quickly if it is rinsed well.
25 fish I think is ok for a 60 gal as long as they aren't huge fish. You must also have tons of hiding in there for them right?
If you go to the nearest rock depot store, you should be able to find some pieces of limestone. This will raise your pH naturally. I would try that first. Cichlids can survive in 7.6 but they thrive in 8.2
Good luck.
Please come visit me at www.atozthatsme.com
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