Top 23 How To Change Substrate With Fish In Tank 24 Most Correct Answers

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Make sure you vacuum out all the debris left from the old substrate before you bring in the new substrate. It isn’t necessary to remove your fish from the main tank before making the change, however, it can be harmful to leave them in as well.How often should you change the gravel in a fish tank? You don’t need to change the gravel in a fish tank unless you want to for aesthetic reasons. However, you should vacuum the gravel whenever you clean the tank or if the aquarium is dirty.

Changing the Gravel
  1. Turn filter off on the main tank.
  2. Fill holding tank 2/3 full of water from the main tank.
  3. Remove rocks, plants, and decorations and place them in a holding tank.
  4. Move fish from the main tank to the holding tank and cover the tank.
  5. Add enough water to the main tank to allow the filter to run.

Do you have to remove fish to change substrate?

Make sure you vacuum out all the debris left from the old substrate before you bring in the new substrate. It isn’t necessary to remove your fish from the main tank before making the change, however, it can be harmful to leave them in as well.

How often should you replace substrate in fish tank?

How often should you change the gravel in a fish tank? You don’t need to change the gravel in a fish tank unless you want to for aesthetic reasons. However, you should vacuum the gravel whenever you clean the tank or if the aquarium is dirty.

How often should you change gravel in fish tank?

If you have a healthy and well-balanced fish tank, you may be able to go for several months without cleaning the gravel. However, even with a highly efficient tank, it is a good idea to clean gravel at least once every two to three months.

Can I put gravel on top of substrate?

If you use layers, generally the largest gravel goes on top and the substrate should be at least 2 inches or about 5 cm thick for healthy plant roots and sufficient growth.

Can you reuse aquarium substrate?

Generally okay, but it won’t be like new Stratum ( pH lowering etc.). As it was kept in a bucket it is also possible that some anaerobic areas developed, likely due to organics accumulated in an old soil. I recommend that you wash the substrate really well and expose it to air a few hours.

Does Aqua soil need to be replaced?

A well maintained aquasoil tank need not be tore-down completely for many years. There are two main things that happen over a longer time horizon that is not immediately visible to most aquarists. The first is the depletion of nutrients as well as buffering capacity of the substrate.

How do I change the substrate in my reef tank?

How to Replace a Substrate in a Saltwater Tank
  1. Select a New Substrate. Sand substrate is known to cause nutrient levels to rise over time, making it necessary to replace sand every two to five years. …
  2. Clean the New Substrate. …
  3. Changing the Substrate. …
  4. Adding the New Substrate. …
  5. Allow Everything to Settle.

How to Change Substrate WITHOUT Removing Fish
How to Change Substrate WITHOUT Removing Fish


How to Replace Aquarium Substrate

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Replace Aquarium Substrate Updating Learn how to safely replace the gravel in your freshwater aquarium with this step by step guide, including planning checklists.
  • Table of Contents:

Where Does Bacteria Live

Planning Ahead

Timing

Set up Holding Tank

Move Fish

Replace Gravel

After the Change

Materials Needed

Tasks to Do in Advance

Changing the Gravel

How to Replace Aquarium Substrate
How to Replace Aquarium Substrate

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How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere Updating Owning fish or any other kind of aquatic life means that you have to invest a certain amount of time and energy into your aquarium’s maintenance.
  • Table of Contents:

What Do You Need Before the Changing Aquarium Substrate

What Do You Need to Do During the Change

Changing the Substrate

How Often Do You Need to Change the Aquarium Substrate

What Kinds of Aquarium Substrates Are There

Final Words

How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) - Aquarium Sphere
How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere

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How to Change Fish Tank Rocks – YouTube

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Change Fish Tank Rocks – YouTube Updating How to Change Fish Tank Rocks. Part of the series: Fish Tank Maintenance. Changing fish tank rocks, substrate or gravel, simply leave the fish in the aquariu…fish tanks, fish aquariums
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How to Change Fish Tank Rocks - YouTube
How to Change Fish Tank Rocks – YouTube

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How Often To Change Gravel In A Fish Tank? – Aquarium Focus

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Often To Change Gravel In A Fish Tank? – Aquarium Focus Updating Choosing the right substrate for your tank is challenging, but it’s equally important to know how to maintain it. The most common material used for the
  • Table of Contents:

When Should You Change the Gravel in a Fish Tank

How Often Should You Clean the Gravel

What Is Aquarium Gravel For

How to Add Gravel to a Fish Tank

How Can You Tell if New Rocks or Gravel Will Harm Your Fish

Can You Use Stones or Gravel From Your Yard in Your Aquarium

When Not to Use Substrate

Conclusion

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How Often To Change Gravel In A Fish Tank? - Aquarium Focus
How Often To Change Gravel In A Fish Tank? – Aquarium Focus

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Replacing Aquarium Substrate – (Hope you never have to do it) – YouTube

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Replacing Aquarium Substrate – (Hope you never have to do it) – YouTube Updating Replacing Aquarium Substrate is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemies, or yours! The process sucks! Your fish will hate it, but if it has to be done …replacing aquarium substrate, aquarium substrate, aquarium substrate change, freshwater aquarium substrate, aquarium sand substrate, replacing substrate established aquarium, aragonite sand aquarium, aragonite sand in freshwater aquarium, aragonite sand substrate, best sand substrate for freshwater aquarium, caribsea aragonite aquarium sand, changing substrate in aquarium, cleaning sand substrate freshwater aquarium, sand substrate, kaveman aquatics, cichlid tank
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Replacing Aquarium Substrate - (Hope you never have to do it) - YouTube
Replacing Aquarium Substrate – (Hope you never have to do it) – YouTube

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How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere You’re now ready to change the substrate. Scoop out the gravel from the aquarium and place it in a large bucket. Clear out the entire surface of the tank and … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere You’re now ready to change the substrate. Scoop out the gravel from the aquarium and place it in a large bucket. Clear out the entire surface of the tank and … Owning fish or any other kind of aquatic life means that you have to invest a certain amount of time and energy into your aquarium’s maintenance.
  • Table of Contents:

What Do You Need Before the Changing Aquarium Substrate

What Do You Need to Do During the Change

Changing the Substrate

How Often Do You Need to Change the Aquarium Substrate

What Kinds of Aquarium Substrates Are There

Final Words

How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) - Aquarium Sphere
How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way) – Aquarium Sphere

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How to Replace Aquarium Substrate – Advanced Aquarium Concepts

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Replace Aquarium Substrate – Advanced Aquarium Concepts Replace All of the Substrate at the Same Time · Do Not Take the Fish Out · Vacuum the Old Gravel · Remove the Old Gravel · Adding the New Sand · Other Articles You … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Replace Aquarium Substrate – Advanced Aquarium Concepts Replace All of the Substrate at the Same Time · Do Not Take the Fish Out · Vacuum the Old Gravel · Remove the Old Gravel · Adding the New Sand · Other Articles You …
  • Table of Contents:

Replace All of the Substrate at the Same Time

Do Not Take the Fish Out

Vacuum the Old Gravel

Remove the Old Gravel

Adding the New Sand

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

How to Replace Aquarium Substrate – Advanced Aquarium Concepts
How to Replace Aquarium Substrate – Advanced Aquarium Concepts

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How to Safely Replace Aquarium Gravel – PetHelpful

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Safely Replace Aquarium Gravel – PetHelpful There is one way to do a complete gravel removal in a day and not harm your fish, and that’s setting up another tank for the new substrate. …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Safely Replace Aquarium Gravel – PetHelpful There is one way to do a complete gravel removal in a day and not harm your fish, and that’s setting up another tank for the new substrate. Whether you want a new look for your aquarium or a healthy alternative for your fish, gravel replacement can be tricky. This article will show four options for changing fish tank gravel.Freshwater Aquariums,Fish & Aquariums
  • Table of Contents:

How to Change the Gravel in Your Fish Tank

Option 1 Temporary Setup

Option 2 Seeding Gravel

Option 3 Replacing Sections

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Option 4 Any Combination of the Three Methods

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How to Safely Replace Aquarium Gravel - PetHelpful
How to Safely Replace Aquarium Gravel – PetHelpful

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How to add substrate to your established fish tank

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to add substrate to your established fish tank Thinking about replacing your old substrate with a new one? We highly recommend you don’t. … This is because, ase from maybe your filter media … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to add substrate to your established fish tank Thinking about replacing your old substrate with a new one? We highly recommend you don’t. … This is because, ase from maybe your filter media … This guide will help you add your new substrate to your already established fish tank without making a mess and potentially harming your aquatic pets.
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Should You Remove Your Old Substrate

Removing fish and decorations

Should you lower the water level

Water Bottle Method

Categories

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How to add substrate to your established fish tank
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How to Change the Substrate in the Tank – Shrimp and Snail Breeder

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Change the Substrate in the Tank – Shrimp and Snail Breeder Preparation Tools · New substrate (Sand, gravel, soil, or dirt) · Quarantine or holding tank (large enough to keep all your fish, shrimp, snails, etc.). · Aquarium … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Change the Substrate in the Tank – Shrimp and Snail Breeder Preparation Tools · New substrate (Sand, gravel, soil, or dirt) · Quarantine or holding tank (large enough to keep all your fish, shrimp, snails, etc.). · Aquarium … Different ways of how to change the substrate in the tank step-by-step, pros and cons, and what we can do to increase the chances of doing it successfully.Changing the substrate in the tank is one of the most dreadful and stressful experience not only for the fish and shrimp but for the…
  • Table of Contents:

What are the Beneficial Bacteria in the Tank

What is a Mini-Cycle in the Tank

How long does mini-cycle last

Where Does Beneficial Bacteria Live

Two Ways of Changing the Substrate in the Tank

Preparation Tools

Preparation Tips

Changing the Substrate in the Tank

When should we add our pets back

Can We Change the Substrate without Quarantine Tank

Can I use Old Water After Changing the Substrate

Bottle Trick with Sand

Trick with Active Substrates for Shrimp Tanks

In Conclusion

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How to Change the Substrate in the Tank - Shrimp and Snail Breeder
How to Change the Substrate in the Tank – Shrimp and Snail Breeder

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How to Replace Aquarium Substrate

Replacing aquarium gravel in an established tank is debated because of the potential impact on the bacterial colonies that neutralize wastes in the tank. Some feel that most beneficial bacteria live in the substrate, and therefore the gravel should be disturbed as little as possible. Others believe the lion’s share of beneficial bacteria lives in the filter medium rather than the substrate.

Where Does Bacteria Live?

Beneficial bacteria live on many surfaces within the aquarium. Therefore removing anything, be it rocks, gravel, plastic plants, or the filter media, will have some impact on the bacterial colonies. Does that mean nothing can ever be removed from your aquarium? Certainly not!

Armed with a water test kit and the knowledge of what to look out for, you can successfully change your gravel to something more appealing to you as well as to your fish (blue gravel isn’t the norm in nature—your fish will probably enjoy the change to a more natural colored substrate).

Planning Ahead

To replace aquarium gravel, you should plan. A checklist of tasks and materials needed is a good idea to ensure all your bases are covered. See the checklists below.

Because changing gravel can be invasive, it’s advisable to move the fish into a temporary holding tank. If you don’t have a spare tank, purchase a 10-gallon tank. It only costs about $10 and can be used as a hospital or quarantine tank later. If you absolutely cannot afford a spare tank, the next option would be to use a clean 5-gallon bucket that has never had detergents or chemicals in it.

Timing

Time your gravel change day so that it is not immediately following a filter change or cleaning. This will allow the bacteria in the filter media to stabilize before you challenge them with changes. A few days before you plan to change the gravel, top off your tank completely. Test the water to ensure the ammonia and nitrite levels are zero. If they aren’t zero, address that problem before attempting a gravel change.

On the day before the big change, do not feed your fish. This will cut down on the wastes produced in the holding tank (nothing in means little goes out). Also on the day before the gravel change, review your checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

Set up Holding Tank

Start the process by rinsing the new gravel until the rinse water runs clear. Then set up a holding tank as close to the main tank as possible. This will allow you to transfer the fish from one tank to the other readily. Next, temporarily turn off the filter in the main (29-gallon) tank. Perform the next few steps quickly, so the filter is only turned off for a short period.

Siphon off enough water from the main tank to fill the 10-gallon holding tank about two-thirds of the way full. Then remove any live plants, rocks, and other decorations from the main tank and put them in the holding tank. This will preserve the bacteria growing on the rocks, etc. However, if you have large items, you may not have room to put them in the holding tank. Keep in mind that you’ll need room for the fish, which you are now ready to move from the main tank.

Move Fish

Quickly net the fish and move them to the holding tank. Because the water in the holding tank is from the original tank, you do not need to acclimate them—they can be moved directly over. Once you have moved the fish, cover the holding tank so none of your finned friends can jump out. If you don’t have a regular hood or cover for the holding tank, a newspaper or piece of cardboard will do. Add enough aged or treated water to the main tank to allow the filter to run, and then turn the filter back on.

Note: Don’t fill the main tank, as you need space to move back the rocks, plants, and decorations. You are now ready to swap the gravel.

Replace Gravel

Scoop out the old gravel and place it into buckets. Once all the old gravel has been removed, vacuum any debris from the bottom of the tank then put the new gravel in. After the new gravel has been added, you can move your rocks, plants, and decorations from the holding tank back to the main tank. Lastly, move your fish from the holding tank back to the main tank.

Leave the lights off for the rest of the day, and add some stress coat to the water to help ease the stress on your fish. Feed the fish sparingly the first day, then normally after that. Although your gravel swap is done, it is important to monitor the water for ammonia and nitrite spikes. Odds are you’ll have at least a small spike.

After the Change

Three days after the gravel change, test the water for ammonia. If it is zero, wait another three days and test again. If it is still zero, repeat the test after one week just to be on the safe side. If the test shows an ammonia spike, treat the tank as if it were a newly set up aquarium, which means frequent testing and water changes until the ammonia and nitrite levels fall to zero.

Materials Needed

New gravel

Holding tank (10-gallon leader is a good choice)

Cover for holding the tank

Siphon

Nets

Buckets for the gravel

Clean cup to scoop gravel

Stress coat/water treatment

Tasks to Do in Advance

At least two weeks ahead: Clean filter

Clean filter Two days ahead: Top off the water in the tank

Top off the water in the tank One day ahead: Test water for ammonia and nitrite

Test water for ammonia and nitrite One day ahead: Stop feeding the fish

Stop feeding the fish Day of change: Set up the holding tank

Set up the holding tank Day of change: Wash gravel

Changing the Gravel

How to Change Aquarium Substrate (The Right Way)

Owning fish or any other kind of aquatic life means that you have to invest a certain amount of time and energy into your aquarium’s maintenance.

An unhygienic aquarium can lead to several problems for your fish, the plant life, and can clog your filters as well.

While not everyone agrees on regularly changing the aquarium substrate, it is done quite often.

You will need to prepare a bit beforehand—such as finding a place to relocate your fish while you are changing the substrate.

You’ll also need to time the change so that it doesn’t coincide with a filter change or tank cleaning.

Here’s what you need to know about changing the aquarium substrate.

What Do You Need Before the Changing Aquarium Substrate?

To make sure nothing goes haywire at the time of the change, make sure you have everything you’ll need beforehand.

This includes another fish tank or a tub to keep your fish while the change is taking place.

If you do opt for a plastic tub, make sure it hasn’t been used for cleaning and has traces of bleach or cleaning agents.

You’ll also need to ensure that you haven’t recently changed or cleaned the filter.

If you’ve just changed or cleaned the filter—a substrate change could make it difficult for the filter bacteria to adjust to the changes.

To be on the safe side, clean the filter a minimum of 2 weeks before you plan on changing the gravel.

Additionally, in the last couple of days, before you go ahead with the substrate change, you should fill up your tank completely.

Then, check to see if the levels of ammonia and nitrate are at zero. If they are, you can proceed with the change.

If they aren’t, you will have to correct this issue before you change your gravel.

Finally, try not to feed your fish the day prior to the change. This makes things easier for you and lessens the chances of waste collecting in the temporary tank.

If you do feed your fish, they’ll produce waste in the other tank and make it difficult to clean up after.

It’ll also create a dirty environment for the fish to have to spend at least a few hours in.

What Do You Need to Do During the Change?

Now that you’re ready to proceed with the change, it is time to prepare the temporary tank.

Take water from the main tank and add it to the temporary tank.

The tank should be around ten gallons, so fill it a little above the halfway mark to ensure that there is enough water for your fish.

Using water from the main tank makes it easier for your fish to adjust to the change.

Next, move the live plants, rocks, and any other aquarium fixtures you have from the main tank to the temporary one.

Moving the live plants can be a challenge, so make sure that you don’t damage their roots or kill the plants in the process.

The benefit of moving these fixtures and plants to the temporary tank is that they’ll retain the bacteria that grew on them in the main tank.

This makes it easier for the tank to resume its original environment once you are done with the substrate change.

Before you move water from the main tank to the temporary tank, turn off the filter. Place the fixtures in the temporary tank before you move the fish.

Once you’ve moved the fish, you will have to close the temporary tank so that your fish can’t escape.

Because your makeshift tank could be a tub or another container, you can use cardboard or another covering to close the top.

If you are using a proper tank as a temporary tank, you won’t have to face this issue.

An extra tank may actually be a good investment, as you can use it to keep sick fish to prevent them from spreading their illness to other inhabitants of the tank.

They’re also more convenient if you need to keep your fish out of the main tank for several days.

Now that the water level has receded in your main tank, don’t try to add more.

The lower water level will make it easier for you to scoop out the present substrate.

Just make sure there is enough water in the main tank for you to switch the filter on again.

Changing the Substrate

You’re now ready to change the substrate. Scoop out the gravel from the aquarium and place it in a large bucket.

Clear out the entire surface of the tank and then clear up the remaining debris as well.

Wash the gravel with clean water until the rinse water is clear.

Dirty gravel can introduce unfamiliar bacteria to your aquarium and harm your fish—so make sure it is thoroughly rinsed before adding it into the tank.

Pour in the new gravel. The level of substrate is usually 2 inches or sometimes more when you have live plants that need enough substrate to take root.

Transfer the plants and fixtures back into the main tank once all the new gravel has been added. Add the fish, with the water, back into the main tank.

Let the lights stay on the first day of the change—this helps you identify if any of your fish haven’t adjusted to the change and are feeling ill, or if the water looks dirty or harmful.

Once you’ve transferred the fish back into the tank, don’t feed them too much right away.

They might even need a stress coat in the water to help them settle down. If you feed them too much when they are in discomfort, they could fall ill.

If everything goes well, you can resume your regular light timings and feed your fish the way you usually do after one day.

Check the water for ammonia and nitrate levels.

A slight rise is alright since you have just changed the gravel.

However, if after 2-3 days they still haven’t gone back to zero, you will have to treat the tank until the levels go back to zero.

What Other Things Should You Keep in Mind?

When changing the substrate, you may be tempted to change a little bit of it at a time to maintain the nitrifying bacteria levels of the water.

However, the nitrifying bacteria usually live in the filter, not the tank. It is a better idea to clear up all the substrate completely and replace it with new material.

Make sure you vacuum out all the debris left from the old substrate before you bring in the new substrate.

It isn’t necessary to remove your fish from the main tank before making the change, however, it can be harmful to leave them in as well.

Unless you are an experienced aquarium fish owner, you could hurt the fish while adding in the new gravel.

While it is stressful for fish to have to transfer to a new tank for a temporary period, it may be the smarter choice to make.

Before you add the new substrate, let your aquarium sit for a while.

This helps clean out any sand or debris that was floating around in the water settle it back down so you can vacuum it out.

How Often Do You Need to Change the Aquarium Substrate?

With newer filter technology, you actually don’t need to change your substrate very often.

You can even go for several years without feeling the need to do a substrate change.

Unless there’s a problem with the substrate you currently use—or if you want to change, for example, from gravel to sand, changing the substrate is a rare occurrence.

You might need to change the substrate if you get live plants that require a soil bottom rather than gravel, or if you are changing the kinds of fish you have.

For example, bottom-dwelling fish may need a smoother substrate so they don’t get injured from any sharp gravel.

Another reason to be changing substrates is if you are attempting to pair multiple substrates together.

Some tank owners pair soil and gravel together. This helps the soil stay grounded while having an aesthetic appeal with the help of the gravel.

Improper tank maintenance can lead to the dirty substrate.

This can harm your fish, make it difficult for your live plants to thrive, and can become home to dangerous bacteria. It can also affect the water pH level of your tank.

Therefore, if your tank water is changed regularly and you have an exceptional quality filter, you won’t have to change the substrate for a few years at a time.

What Kinds of Aquarium Substrates Are There?

There are several options for aquarium substrates.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be gravel and pebbles—although that is one of the most common options.

It can also be sand, soil, or water-changing substrates that maintain the pH level and texture of your water.

Final Words

Changing the substrate of your aquarium takes around two hours if you do it in one go.

As long as you have all your equipment and an extra tank prepared beforehand, you shouldn’t face any problems.

Be sure to keep a careful eye on your fish once they move back to their original tank.

Some fish experience more stress than others and may need extra attention to adjust to a different environment.

Other articles you may also like:

How Often To Change Gravel In A Fish Tank?

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Choosing the right substrate for your tank is challenging, but it’s equally important to know how to maintain it. The most common material used for the substrate layer in fish tanks is gravel; however, there are many different gravel types, and each type works better for some fish than others. How often should you change the gravel in a fish tank?

You don’t need to change the gravel in a fish tank unless you want to for aesthetic reasons. However, you should vacuum the gravel whenever you clean the tank or if the aquarium is dirty. If you have a lot of fish, you will need to vacuum the gravel more often.

This article will look at how often you should change your gravel, what aquarium gravel is for, and whether it’s safe to use stone from your yard or not. I will also show you how to test new rocks or gravel before putting it into your aquarium. Finally, I’ll explain when you should not use substrate.

When Should You Change the Gravel in a Fish Tank?

It’s better to avoid changing the gravel as much as possible. Most of the friendly bacteria that break down waste are found in your substrate level, and changing the gravel will negatively impact bacterial colonies.

Instead of changing your gravel, vacuum it when you change the water. Some of the signs your gravel needs cleaning include:

Visible dirt, like fish poop: if you can see a lot of dirt, whether it’s poop or food particles, it’s probably time to vacuum your gravel. However, don’t assume your tank is clean just because you can’t see any dirt. Particles of food, poo, or plant matter can linger underneath your substrate, especially if you have fish who like to burrow.

if you can see a lot of dirt, whether it’s poop or food particles, it’s probably time to vacuum your gravel. However, don’t assume your tank is clean just because you can’t see any dirt. Particles of food, poo, or plant matter can linger underneath your substrate, especially if you have fish who like to burrow. High levels of ammonia: if you’re getting high levels of ammonia when you test your tank water, you need to clean your tank. Ammonia comes from fish poo and decaying food and is toxic to your fish. I recommend testing your aquarium water regularly with API 5-in-1 Aquarium Test Kit. You can use it for ponds or aquariums, and it comes with large, easy-to-read testing strips.

if you’re getting high levels of ammonia when you test your tank water, you need to clean your tank. Ammonia comes from fish poo and decaying food and is toxic to your fish. I recommend testing your aquarium water regularly with API 5-in-1 Aquarium Test Kit. You can use it for ponds or aquariums, and it comes with large, easy-to-read testing strips. Small, white worms living in the substrate: otherwise known as detritus worms, the white worms in your substrate will eat decaying matter but can be harmful to your tank. If you’ve got lots of worms, it’s a sign that there’s a lot of dirt in your substrate.

How Often Should You Clean the Gravel?

It depends on the number of fish you have in your tank. The heavier your fish load is, the more frequently you’ll need to do water changes and vacuum your substrate. You may also have to clean the tank more often if you have substrate-dwelling fish like plecos (Loricariidae) or lots of burrowing fish.

It’s advisable to clean your tank more regularly if you feed your fish on vegetables or fresh meat, as these foods are messy and cause a lot of problems with your water chemistry when they decay.

If you’re unsure which substrate to choose, check out this video by Big Al’s:

What Is Aquarium Gravel For?

It’s easy to think aquarium gravel is just for decoration. It looks nicer than a bare glass bottom, after all, but there are several fundamental reasons why your pets need substrate:

Filtration and cleanliness: gravel provides a habitat for friendly bacteria that break down the junk in your tank, like fish poo. Without gravel, you won’t have enough of these bacteria, and you’ll have to change the water much more often to keep your tank clean and healthy.

gravel provides a habitat for friendly bacteria that break down the junk in your tank, like fish poo. Without gravel, you won’t have enough of these bacteria, and you’ll have to change the water much more often to keep your tank clean and healthy. Natural habitat: fish like a substrate for burrowing, resting, and feeding. It offers them a much more natural environment to live and behave naturally in. Some fish species won’t survive long without substrate, and many others will not thrive without it.

fish like a substrate for burrowing, resting, and feeding. It offers them a much more natural environment to live and behave naturally in. Some fish species won’t survive long without substrate, and many others will not thrive without it. Plants: if you intend on anchoring plants (live or artificial) in your tank, some form of the substrate is necessary.

if you intend on anchoring plants (live or artificial) in your tank, some form of the substrate is necessary. Decoration: tanks with rocks or gravel tend to look much nicer than bare tanks. You’ll also get a better view of your fish against gravel than you will against the glass.

tanks with rocks or gravel tend to look much nicer than bare tanks. You’ll also get a better view of your fish against gravel than you will against the glass. Fish health: some people find bare-bottomed tanks stress fish out. The extra glass creates reflections, which can distress your fish. If you want to get a good view of your fish to check their health, this will be much easier against substrate than against glass.

How to Add Gravel to a Fish Tank?

Before you add the substrate to your tank, you’ll need to rinse it thoroughly. Rinse your gravel several times, but don’t use soap or cleaning chemicals. The only thing you’ll need is an aquarium-safe dechlorinating agent. I recommend API’s Stress Zyme Bacterial Cleaner. It comes in saltwater and freshwater types and can be purchased in various sizes, ranging from 4 oz (0.11 l) to 1 gallon (3.78 l). It’s available on Amazon.

How Can You Tell if New Rocks or Gravel Will Harm Your Fish?

The best way to check that your new gravel won’t harm your pets is to leave the substrate in a bucket of your tank water for at least a week. Next, test the water the same way you’d test the tank water. If you find significant differences in the water chemistry, the rocks or gravel you’ve chosen is likely to cause problems in your tank.

If you stick to the pet-safe substrate from aquarium stores, you’ll know the gravel is safe for aquariums. However, read the packaging carefully, as every tank is different, and some packages may be unsuitable for particular aquariums or specific fish species.

It would be best if you were especially wary of brightly colored gravels that are not aquarium products, as paint or dye may leach into your water and poison your fish. Some fishkeepers say that colored gravel is distressing to fish, but others have no issues with it.

Can You Use Stones or Gravel From Your Yard in Your Aquarium?

It’s not recommended that you gather gravel or rocks for your aquarium. Outdoor rocks could contain contaminants, pests, or diseases that could affect your fish. You may also run the risk of disturbing natural ecosystems by removing the gravel or stones they’re built around.

It’s better to opt for the aquarium-safe substrate from pet or aquarium stores. That way, you know the gravel doesn’t contain anything harmful to your tank, like calcium.

When Not to Use Substrate?

Don’t use substrate in a hospital or quarantine tank, as the gravel may trap bacteria that could infect the next fish you put in the tank.

You may also want to use a bare-bottomed tank in a nursery tank, as it’s easier to spot fry. Otherwise, you may end up sucking them up during water changes.

Conclusion

In this article, I explained when you should change your gravel, clean it, and what the gravel in your aquarium is for. I also showed you how to add gravel to your fish tank and how to test your new gravel or rocks before you put them into your fish tank. Finally, I looked at whether you can use stone from outside in your tank and when not to use any substrate materials.

So you have finished reading the how to change substrate with fish in tank topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: how to change gravel to sand in fish tank, how often to change aquarium substrate, how often to change gravel in fish tank, how to change gravel in fish tank, fish tank sand, sand substrate for aquarium, aquarium gravel, best aquarium substrate

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