How to change gravel in a fish tank

Question

how would i change the gravel in my fish tank with out killing my oscae. he is about 7 inches long, but he is a messy eater and food and glunk is on the bottom, i would like to chnage my gravel, but i have no dea how to. do you save some of the water from the tank, what would be a good idea to put it in. my tap water is hard and it took me a while to get my bio filter going. i have a 55 gallon tank. Thanks in advanced!

Answer 1

You could use a gravel vacuumer.  Here is an informational video showing you how to use a gravel vacuum:  http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Start-a...  Be sure to click the play button because the video may not start on its own.  

And here is a website with a gravel vacuum for sale http://www.petguys.com/-010838115560.htm...

I would suggest trying your local pet store before buying one online, though, since most pet stores carry gravel vacuums and they don't make you wait for it to come in the mail  :)

Answer 2

well definitely a gravel vacuum

Answer 3

Go buy a siphon at Wal-Mart. They cost like 7 dollars. There are instructions that come with the siphon.

Basically, you fill the little plastic thing with water (no air bubbles) and you hold it vertically in the water and then move it up and down, up and down, up and down, until water starts flowing through the hose. You put the tip down in the gravel and it will suck up the junk (and the water) but not the gravel. Make sure not to take too much water out, and don't forget the bucket to run the water into.

*** I don't know if you mean "change" like change out the gravel and put new gravel in or clean the gravel. Sorry if I gave you the wrong information. ***

Answer 4

You really don't need to give you fish water or gravel  a complete change if you have an efficient boi filter. You are concerned about the glunk so firstly clean the filter and make sure its working. Siphon off the uneaten bits of food. Top up with water treated to remove ions and chlorine (Can be bought at the pet shop). Clean the filter again after topping up. Depending on your situation this formula can be followed even daily without danger. In fact a daily service like this is really best.

Of course if it is not needed don't do it. Your fish tank's water must be biologically balanced because the build up of micro organisms is what is really doing the cleaning. Do some serious research on the topic to really understand the science involved.  

Answer 5

just use a gravel siphon

Answer 6

Move the fish into a plastic container with water for a few minutes, get a colander for cooking (you know, a strainer, like a meshy one), remove the rocks into the colander, and run water over the rocks. It'll wash the c**p off and leave the rocks perfectly contained. Then pour the rocks in, refill the water lost, and replace fish.

Answer 7

why replace all gravel first of all you will ruin the cycle just go and buy a siphon and it will vaccum out the gravel leaing it nice and clean!

Answer 8

Typically the easiest way is collect up a large portion of your existing gravel, take a pair of women's pantyhose, and put several pounds in one of the legs of the hose. Cut it off, tie it in a knot and drop it in the tank in the corner somewhere on top of the new gravel. This will allow you to transport a portion of your existing bacteria to 'seed' the new gravel. Keep it in there a month or so and remove it. Keep about half the water and your existing filters. Since your water is hard, you could fill the remainder of the tank with water that has gone through Reverse Osmosis. This will dilute the existing water hardness and at the same time provide you with a phosphate, silicate and nitrate free source of new water for you tank. During the first several weeks, monitor the levels, feed lightly and be prepared to do small water changes to counter any mini cycle your tank undergoes. Any questions let me know. Good luck with the change.