hey guys yes another post... i have regular gravel in my 30gl tank and i wanna put in different kinda substate... like stuff that will wanna start growing plants in it... how would i go about doing that...

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55gl Semi-Agressive
5-Tiger barb
2-Tin foil barb
1-Pictus Cat
1-Blood parrot
1-Rope Fish.... My Fav

30gl Tetra/ Planted
4-Red Minor Tetra
1-Dwarf Gourami
1- Angel

The best way is to set up a separate tank with nothing but water, gravel, and a light.

Most good pet stores have various starter kits of nitrifying bacteria. Add the destination gravel, then the appropriate amount of starter solution (bacteria) then just chill and wait for nature to take it's course.

Once the appropriate amount of time has elapsed (varies based on enclosure size) then simply drain the water from the starter tank, scoop out the old gravel and replace with the new bacteria rich gravel.

Walla !

Be sure to use the appropriate lighting and water chemistry for the live plants, as some plants are a little finicky when it comes to environmental needs.

Light and water quality are the keys to your success.


Hope this helps.


Peace

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Scott • iFrog Director
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iFrog • Expand Your Awareness
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Check out what happened to me, posted at this link Recommend you never change substrate with fish in tank

It can be done and if I had to do it over, I'd be more careful and perhaps do less than I did, at least not all at once. Others, as you may see from the link, have had better success than me.

Overall, I think if I need to do this again, I'm going to move the fish into another tank, even just one of my 20 gallon plastic "backup" tanks. I keep a couple of air pumps with bubble filters and one hob filter rated for 30 gallons in reserve anyway. I wish I had used them. Just me though, your milage may vary.

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60g tall, all artificial plants, Rainbow tank; 55g for African Cichlids. 20g long for fry; 20g hex, 2 black Angels at my desk; 10g planted, with 50 Molly fry; 10 gal, 2x 13w cfl lightning, planted; 2g hex for "Buddy the Betta"; Wanting a 200g +, MTS getting bad.

This has been asked quite a bit of late. It really is not a big hassle. You really don't need any extra equipment or such but that's your call.

HERE is another post that outlines the way I do substrate changes.

Keep in mind, you will get many varying answers. In the end, you have to go with what you feel comfortable with.

Depending on how crazy you wanted to get in your plant selection, you may be fine with what you have. Many plants will do just fine in regular gravel, especially the root heavy plants. Root tabs are needed no matter which substrate you have.

I like the James method.