The change to sand has been completed...

[Punkrulz]

Unfortunately I had to complete this daunting task well before I wanted to. I wanted to be able to let everything settle from within the tank before placing the fish inside. While out and about, I spent $5 at the LHS (local hardware store. ) for the sand, plus another $8 for a 15g tote that was intended to be used in my car, however was well suited for the task as well.

Drained some of the tank water into the tote... finally captured the fish, which was tough in itself. I hooked up the heater, bubble wand, and even the filter (almost had an issue, had to use a cup to support it) to the tote... and proceeded to clean out the tank, remove gravel, etc.

I think a total of 5 trips we made with the sand, adding to bucket, washing a few times until it was clear, once more, and placing it into the tank. The girlfriend smoothed it out while I continued working with the sand. Then we attempted to use the lid of the tote to deflect some water from hitting the sand directly... didn't work out as well, but again she continued to smooth the sand as needed. Once everything was setup, the tank was filled, I let it sit. I was getting concerned about my fish at this point, whom I'm assuming were so stressed that some colors were changing... my white guppy was orange, my 2 emerald corries and my CAE looked horrible.

After getting done eating, I continued getting more and more concerned for their well being. I did a 65% water change to remove most of the floaties. Unfortunately I just now realized I forgot to treat the water a second time when adding this time around... hopefully there was enough prime in the first treatment + water left in tank when filling for the second time. Still a bit milky colored, but I ran my tests which everything came out normal, and added the fish. I gave them some food, and am leaving the light off for less stress.

Going to be praying while I sleep, we will see how they turn out in the morning. The only thing that displeases me so far is I still cannot find a suitable position for my 2 pieces of driftwood in the tank to be able to make some sort of "Cave hideaway" thing. Will post pictures as soon as I can!

[CAPSLOCK]

You might be able to add a few rocks or some such to support the driftwood in whatever position you're trying to get.

For future reference or anyone else reading this, if you put a big bowl or jar on the substrate and pour the water into that to fill up the tank, it overflows slowly and calmly onto the substrate and doesn't mess up everything that you just carefully arranged.

[Punkrulz]

Not a bad idea. I'm kind of glad that when I refilled the second time (first was just using the lid to the container, second was utilizing the pitcher) that it was slower but less destructive to the bottom beneath. I know someone stated to pour over top of a plate or something, heard that a few times, but wasn't sure how to get it working. The bowl idea doesn't seem to be too bad, would just have to figure out how to make sure I always get it in the bowl to overflow.

Btw, everyone seemed fine today... the neons were back to schooling through the bubblewand and rising to the surface, the cories were playing together and hanging around near the bottom... the CAE was hiding as usual. All seemed normal for the most part, including color. Perhaps we can turn the light on tonight.

[MatthewLaw]

To fill the tank using the plate method, i leaned the inverted plate against a piece of driftwood in the tank and poured the water onto the plate. the water just flowed down and i didn't have any issues. granted i filled the tank on the 'gravel side' so less of a chance to distrub that substrate (as compared to the sand side).

Glad to hear that your fish are doing well.

[tom91970]

Post a pic when you can.

I used a saucer when I first filled my tank (the 14g with pool filter sand). I did not bother to rinse it, and never really had a problem. I think it took two days for the water to clear, though.

When I do PWCs I use a sponge...just pour the water onto that and I never have a problem with the water disturbing the sand.