[jhoops]

Hey all I have a few noob questions about substrates. I currently have a ten gallon planted with java ferns, amazon sword, and water wisteria. The problem is the pea gravel I'm currently using. I started out using root tabs in the gravel, but over the long term they are too expensive and rule out growing more delicate plants. So my plan is to get some Eco Complete and put it under the gravel I have.
Questions:
1) What can I do to minimize the stress on my fish during a complete substrate change?
2) Does this seem like a wise plan? If anyone's done anything similar I would love to hear advice/horror stories.
Thanks!

 

[Avi]

Unless you really object to the way EcoComplete looks, why not just use that?

 

[markstanfill88]

Get rid of the gravel imo. Eco complete itself looks way way better. And just let the fish chill in the tank, shut off the filter, vac your gravel, scoop it out, pour the Eco complete in, let it settle for a few minutes and add the water clarifier and start your filter again. The fish will deal with it. Ive occasionally had a fish peter pan outta the tank because too much is going on, but I just scoop em up and throw em back in. To answer your question, Ive never had a problem. And you will probbably still use root tabs for your rooted plants.

 

[Avi]

I have to agree 100%...Just about a year ago, I did exactly what markstanfill describes and it worked without event or any problem.