Fish Tank Gravel Replacement Guide

In a fish tank, gravel not only serves as decoration but also provides habitat for beneficial microorganisms at the bottom, helping maintain water quality. However, over time, gravel may accumulate dirt, food residue, and dead microorganisms, leading to water quality deterioration. Therefore, regularly replacing or cleaning gravel is an important step in maintaining a healthy fish tank. Below is a guide for replacing gravel in a fish tank:

Tools and Materials Needed

• New gravel (choose the same or similar material and size as the original gravel to avoid causing excessive stress to the fish).
• A clean container (for temporarily storing fish and other creatures).
• A water hose or siphon tube (for sucking away dirty water and debris from the bottom of the fish tank).
• An appropriate amount of new water (treated to ensure it is similar to the water quality in the fish tank).
• Nitrifying bacteria or other water quality stabilizers (for accelerating the stabilization process of new water).

Preparation

• Reduce or stop feeding one or two days before replacing the gravel to minimize debris accumulation at the bottom of the fish tank.
• Carefully transfer fish and other creatures to a clean container, ensuring they have enough oxygen and water.

Cleaning the Fish Tank

• Use a water hose or siphon tube to suck away dirty water and debris from the bottom of the fish tank.
• Gently stir the gravel to help remove dirt attached to it.
• If there is algae or other debris on the fish tank walls, use a soft cloth or algae scraper to gently clean it off.

Replacing the Gravel

• Gently remove the original gravel from the fish tank, avoiding scratching the bottom.
• Evenly spread the new gravel on the bottom of the fish tank, ensuring a moderate thickness.

Adding Water and Stabilizing Water Quality

• Slowly add treated new water to the fish tank, avoiding direct impact on fish and other creatures.
• Add nitrifying bacteria or other water quality stabilizers as needed to help stabilize the new water quality as soon as possible.

Restoring Creatures

Return the fish and other creatures to their home, ensuring they are comfortably settled in their new environment.