What Kind Of Maintenance Would I need To Know About To Change My 30 Gallon Freshwater Tank From Gravel to Sand?
I have a new 30 Gallon tank and it has Pink Gravel (eww). So I wanted it to look more natural so I would like to change it to sand.
I know that I can use pool filter sand and I think I am going to use some. Could someone tell me what I would need to know about using pool filter sand. I know I need to rinse it and such but what about cleaning and doing water changes?
Thx
First don’t change it all at one time. after washing the sand only change 1/2 of the bed here. TURN your filter off. Sand and filters don’t mix. Remove 1/2 of the gravel (one side) Clean if need be while the sand is wet, place it in a cup cover with your hand and sink to the bottom of the tank This will help with the sand floating all over the tank. Empty the cup slowly and move the sand to where you wnat it. Within a week repeat with the other side.
Doing it this way will allow for the beneficial bacteria to build on the new sand.. So there won’t be a bacterial bloom. Any sand but beach sand will work.
Also do not wash the sand in a pillow case. You want to get rid of impurities and dirt not have them swishing around. Bucket less sand more water over flow the bucket.
Water changes and cleaning will be a bit tricky at first since you will need to hover the gravel vac above the sand to remove wastes. Yes you will remove a little sand each time, and over time will need to add more.
Bott Family Swim Pond