How to Restart A Tank and Make it Safe for RCS?

[I3raven]

So I have a 5 gallon tank that has been running for at least 6 months with Neon Tetras and Ramshorn Snails that have breeded successfully with no problems besides algae, so I know the perimeters should be safe for shrimps. However, I really do not like the scape, and I want to replant and dirt my tank. I want to clean the filter, but I know that is the source of beneficial bacteria, so I would probably clean it out after everything has been established. Could someone give be a general or specific order of partially restarting my tank? Thanks!

[Nubster]

Empty it, clean it, re-do it how you like. You can keep the filter media good by keeping it wet. Maybe run the filter on a bucket of water or something until the tank is set back up.

[I3raven]

Originally Posted by Nubster

Empty it, clean it, re-do it how you like. You can keep the filter media good by keeping it wet. Maybe run the filter on a bucket of water or something until the tank is set back up.

Hmm I haven't thought of that, I can even put my Neon Tetras and my snails there until it's redone.