Switching substrate

[Pix4c]

I'm going to take out my gravel and switching to Eco complete my ? Is will I go through a cycle I have a fluval306 and aquaclear 110 for filters. I have about 30 fish 75 gallon aquarium

[ronnie6989]

I just done my 2----8 gal tanks. Do not clean the filter.......that has all the good bacteria in it. Just unplug it and put to the side. Put the fish in a bucket or container and keep them warm (even take the heater and run it in the bucket). Save as much of have the water out of the tank if you can. Change ur substrate and fill half with tap water at the same temperature you are keeping ur fish at. Then add old water and fish. Do this will save the most of bacteria and you should only mini cycle. I do this all the time and never lose fish. Make sure you do not change filter, this is carrying most of ur good guy bacteria.

Ronnie

[Pix4c]

Thanks that's what I planning on, just wanted to make sure, thank you

[ronnie6989]

The substrate has the most bacteria on it, then the unchanged filter and save at least 50 water if you can and use tap water to adjust the temp lost if it is cold where you live.

[Pix4c]

I should be able to save about 90 percent so I should be good there

[HybridHerp]

I'd save the substrate you have as well....keep some of it in there if you can, even if its only in a mesh bag temporarily.

I did this last year for my 75, drained half the water, took all the fish out, all the hardscape........it took me all day I can tell you that much for certain.

Didn't help either that I started with very few plants. Do yourself a favor and have a ton of plants on the first day.

I'm assuming when you say you have 30 fish that they are smaller fish right?