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Changing gravel/substrate can be a very tough endeavor. In all honesty I'd simply do a complete restart and hopefully save the filter and media. Sand can be cleaner if not kept too deep. There are a variety of options and each has its perks and drawbacks.
PFS - (Pool Filter sand) what most of us use, its cheap and very clean out of the bag, does not alter the Ph and is inert. Its con is the size bag you have to buy (usually 50# bag, which will be more then you'll ever need) Could try and ask someone for some on the box here, you only really need a small bit)
Argonite - ground coral sand, sold in smaller bags, but way more expensive. It buffers the TDS and Ph up to 8.2+ Its used in marine or African Rift lake tanks to help buffer the PH to what is their more natural enviroment.
Play box sand - Home depot has it and its cheap, but way DIRTY. Wash it a million times and when the water runs clear do it 5 more. Once cklean it is basically PFS, just a bit more golden.
Craft Sand - Likely your best option, get it at Micheals or Hobby Lobby. Sold in tiny bags (perfect for you), but can be dirty and any 'colored' sand will likely act up. It might be dyed or who knows what. I'd rinse it good and watch it in a bucket for a few days to see its acting normal before doing a tank swap just to be sure its not going to be an issue.
Use your Stability and just work through your cycles again, these should be smaller and it will take far less time with a seasoned filter.
PFS - (Pool Filter sand) what most of us use, its cheap and very clean out of the bag, does not alter the Ph and is inert. Its con is the size bag you have to buy (usually 50# bag, which will be more then you'll ever need) Could try and ask someone for some on the box here, you only really need a small bit)
Argonite - ground coral sand, sold in smaller bags, but way more expensive. It buffers the TDS and Ph up to 8.2+ Its used in marine or African Rift lake tanks to help buffer the PH to what is their more natural enviroment.
Play box sand - Home depot has it and its cheap, but way DIRTY. Wash it a million times and when the water runs clear do it 5 more. Once cklean it is basically PFS, just a bit more golden.
Craft Sand - Likely your best option, get it at Micheals or Hobby Lobby. Sold in tiny bags (perfect for you), but can be dirty and any 'colored' sand will likely act up. It might be dyed or who knows what. I'd rinse it good and watch it in a bucket for a few days to see its acting normal before doing a tank swap just to be sure its not going to be an issue.
Use your Stability and just work through your cycles again, these should be smaller and it will take far less time with a seasoned filter.
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