Substrate

Question
Hi, i have a 20 gallon tank with 1 common pleco, 4 zebra fish, and a goldfish that my friend gave me because he bought an Oscar and that didn't end well.

ANYWAYS, i want to change my substrate from rocks to sand, i have read all about cleaning and maintenance for sand but i do not know how to simple, change it!

Can i just take out the fish and ornaments and do work? or is there a simpler easier way?

Also, if you have an suggestions about keeping a sand aquarium please tell me. Alot of sites say sand is just a terrible way to go because in the long run it will ruin your tank, but i think with proper maintenance i can make it cool, thanks!

Answer
Hi Bill

To answer your first question, yes, you have to remove the fish, the decorations etc and change it out. Basically, start over with your tank. I don't recommend doing this as you will start the tank cycle all over again. It will take another 4-8 weeks for bacteria colonies to reestablish themselves in the tank.

If you decide to change it out, keep your filter media wet at all times during the transition. This will preserve the bacteria colonies in the filter. If the filter parts dry, the bacteria die.

Keeping a sand aquarium isn't easy. You have to kink the siphon hose with each water change to prevent sand from being siphoned out. The tank generally stays dirty looking as the fish swim around the tank disturbing the sand. The sand can also get in your filter and damage the parts.

This is about the best advice I can give you.... I would definitely reconsider switching out the substrate if this is just a matter of personal choice. It's a lot of work, it's stressful to your fish and your tank, and your tank will have to cycle all over again. There have been instances where switching out the substrate has been necessary, but that is not the case here.

I hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide.

Richard