Amanda

I want to switch my 20 gal. from sand (currently) to gravel.
The ICH is OUT OF CONTROL, and I'm losing fish. I think one of the problems is is that the sand is so fine that I'm not getting out the ich spores.
What's the best way to remove the sand while the fish are in the tank? I'm probably going to leave it bare-bottom until the ich is gone.

Shawnie

to be honest, id remove the fish into a bucket, turn off the filter and heater, and then take the sand out that way....much easier and no worries about sand getting in gills or going up in the filter..

Amanda

That's a good idea, I could put them in my WC bucket.
Should I remove all of the water?

Shawnie

hows the cycle ? did it crash?

agabr123

i'd probably remove all of the water, i don't see any other way to be able to get it all out but i could just not be creative enough

Amanda

The cycle is fine, as of right now. I'm kinda nervous that it will crash when I remove the sand, but it really can't get much worse than it already is in that tank.
I just thought that removal of the sand = easy removal of ich spores.

Shawnie

maybe take out 50% of the water and suck up as much sand as you can..then use a boiled large spoon to get out the rest...you may put it in a mini cycle but like you said, its worth it to be able to clean the bottom good with all the ich issues you have had...goodluck!

Amanda

Thanks Shawnie & Alex.
I will try to get that done sometime this week.
So...much...stress...

Red1313

<hugs>

Amanda

Thanks Red.