The Puffer Forum

Is it possible to change my tank over from gravel to sand while my Fahaka Puffer is still in the tank?

If so what would be the best way to go about it?

How much sand for a 125Gal?

Slide in a divider and do half at a time? I recently switched from gravel to sand in my tropicals' tank: just make sure the sand is REALLY well rinsed, and I literally ladled mine in with a soup ladle so I could just lay it on the ground. No death cloud of sand!

IDK about the Fahaka though, I don't have anything that big...

How long has the tank been established? It shouldn't be too difficult.

J-P wrote:How long has the tank been established? It shouldn't be too difficult.

Tank have been going for about 2 years.

Then it is well seeded.
I'd grab some stockings and start loading the gravel in that. As much as you can and leave it in the tank. Add your sand, keeping the gravel in the stockings around the outlet of your filter. You can keep it there for about a week and then take it out. The gravel will seed the sand with beneficial bacteria.

Not overly complicated.

What do you think the stress level would be for the Puffer?

I suggest removing most of the the water (50-75%) to a container and transferring the fahaka temporarily (Use a bucket...no nets).

Then take a large siphon hose and vacuum the gravel out,...replace with rinsed sand (pool filter sand is best IMO)

Then return the water and fahaka,...and top up the tank just like a large WC.

Draining 1/2 the water should make less mess. I'd scoop out the gravel in a big net, leaving behind some of the mulm & water. I planning on doing this over the Spring/summer.

I would.

1. turn off a filter
2. remove gravel
3. wait for a water to clear
4. add sand by using a cup or a glass.

to looks like 4- 6 hour job.

Good Luck