Replacing Substrate

[Darkwynd]

Is the best/easiest way to replace substrate to move the fish to a temporary tank, do your rescaping while it's empty, then move the fish back? I think we're getting the kids gerbils for Christmas, so I'll have an empty tank I can use before I put the furballs in it. Been thinking about switching from gravel to PFS and figured I could take the opportunity while I have a spare tank at my disposal.

Also, I was thinking of venturing slightly into the planted realm and putting some anacharis and/or maybe anubias in during my substrate swap. Thoughts? I've just got the 24" light that came with my cheapo hood, not sure what the wattage is.

[screename]

Make sure you keep as much of your old tank water as possible while you do the substrate change. Also, run your filters on your temporary tank while you're working on it. This way, you dont lose all your beneficial bacteria. Anacharis, wisteria, crypts, anubias, and most mosses are good low light plants that don't require plant specific substrate.

[mikeb144]

+1 for the above advice. In addition, you do not say what type of filteration you are using. PFS will not work well with undergravel filters.

[Darkwynd]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm using a HOB filter; I've been warned off of under gravel filters.