Replacing Aquarium Substrate - (Hope you never have to do it)

[@KaveManAquatics]

If you’re having trouble achieving crystal clear aquarium water, I can help! Download my Free ebook with the best tips and advice - KaveManAquatics.com/Free-Ebook

[@charlescandela2373]

Thank you so much you are a legend I respect it nothing but love brother keep on fishing 💯

[@musuddin1711]

Hey bro, I have brown rust like algae in my tropical tank I have tried everything from lighting to filters.. any advice ?

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@charlescandela2373 thanks bro, appreciate that!

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@musuddin1711 Do you have a pleco? If not get one! Then do a black out for a week, no light or food! But first do 50% water change and scrub as much off as you can, then lights out!

[@musuddin1711]

@@KaveManAquatics I got 2 plecos. ill give the black out a go thank you brother 👊🏼

[@rahimkhakee7750]

Also, I wanted to offer a cool lil tip that I used when I transferred my sand substrate to a bigger tank. Instead of that plastic scooper. I used a plastic dust pan. Works awesome, fills up the dust pan with a lot of sand, but best part is, if you just tilt the dust pan back, all the water drains out the handle, leaving it full of just wet sand but no loose water. I never new that dust pans have a drain on the handle till recent!💪

[@KaveManAquatics]

awesome tip bro! But I hope I never have to use it LOL 🤣

[@brandeecastilleja1753]

I do the same.

[@joef4845]

That's a pro tip.... dust pan...niceeeee

[@rahimkhakee7750]

@@KaveManAquatics haha Never say never, haha

[@lewisamis5084]

Good tip 👌

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Thanks for the tips. I made the mistake years ago and didn't put enough substrate in, now I'm adding little by little along with quick start so I don't get a bad bacteria bloom. It helps a bunch.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad I could help! 😁

[@BartTheSpartan]

Every time I move I use a clean dustpan for a broom to scoop up the substrate, works really well and you can scoop out a ton at once even into the corners

[@MickyTubbs1985]

I dare say that when one does what one does well (your "KZbin Series)and presents it for consumption in an easy to understand and in an informative/educational format that is presented with both a knowledgeable enthusiasm and with a most enjoyable demeanor; KUDOS to you from me and my four budding aquarist grand-children.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you William! Always appreciate your feedback! 😊💪

[@jaygoode6332]

Hey Kev. I wanna thank you for inspiring me to get back into the hobby. I was done when I kept losing fish. You brought the passion in fish keeping for me. I have a 55 gallon now. Looking to upgrade to a 90 gallon. Just stacking my supplies now. Thanks again. My All male peacock coming soon

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats awesome, Glad I could inspire you! Welcome back to the hobby, we all missed you! 😊

[@maxkeller2673]

I used the sand, wave maker setup, hob filter, and top fin rock display you recommend…thank you very much. All of this brought new life to this tank

[@trickyicky1980]

Small helpful tip I learned when taking out substrate was to use a pasta strainer or a dustpan. Have a great day everyone!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Pasta strainer wont work because the sand will sift right through, but a dust pan is a great idea.thanks

[@celbornagain141]

I just suck out the substrate out with the 25’ python cleaning tool. Works like a charm, now I only have a tiny bit left in the tank, of course this was each time I did a water change, so it took about 3-4 months

[@sdr109]

I changed my substrate out for aragonite back a while ago and saw a tip for using a juice or pop liter container to put the rinsed aragonite slurry in, then put it in the tank with water and it pours out without clouding up. It worked. Great videos Kev.

[@jimdee]

This post is over a year old, but I thought I would add my 2 cents worth.. I've only done this once and the process was much easier, though longer, that you've demonstrated. Briefly, here is what I did. I turned off the filter and heater, and removed everything but the fish. Everything I wanted to keep I put in a holding container with water. I took the tubing that I use for vacuuming the tank, and siphoned out the sand into a bucket, doing it gradually and carefully so as not to cloud the water excessively. I only siphoned until I had emptied about half of the water. I then refilled the tank to the top. After waiting a day (maybe not necessary, but made me feel better), I repeated the siphoning process until all of the sand was removed. If its done carefully, every grain of sand can be removed. With the tank about half full, I added the new substrate. I did that by putting some substrate in a plastic container, filling it with water, and slowing pouring the substrate while holding the container at the bottom of the tank. Here again, if done slowly and carefully, the water will be only minimally cloudy. Plants, driftwood etc was returned, tank topped off, filters restarted and it was good to go.

[@SG-Cichlids]

I had to do the same thing for the same problem. To get the sand out I took a hose like you hook to your pump ran it outside into a bucket and started a siphon. Sucked all the sand out. Worked like a charm and didn't cloud up the water.

[@Darwinstheory8]

Thats unfortunate brotha. Atleast you figured it out and acted fast. I've been through the same with black sand and my water still had a black tint after washing my sand for a few hours. Like you said wouldn't even wish this upon your own enemy. Always touching important parts of the fish hobby!! Lets goooo💪

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sucks you had to go through that too! Glad you enjoyed the vid though 😊💪

[@gingersnaps6279]

Hey Kevin. I'm glad you gave in and removed the substrate. A lot times people don't want to make changes because of the money involved. I was telling the Ha Y in fish keeper, I will always have back ups for everything that keeps my tank operating. I learned my lesson the hard way. I was brand new in the hobby. I lost (3) 10" Oscars and (2) 8" goldfish because my filter stopped working and I had no mean of getting another one. I did all I could to save them. AnyWHO, I learned too, my tank wasn't nearly big enough for such big fish. It was a 55 gallon. But the goldfish wasn't supposed to be in there. They were supposed to be food. ( I never saw them eat the goldfish) Thanks Kevin.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sorry for your loss, unfortunately in this hobby sometimes we learn things the hard way, myself included. Thanks for sharing.

[@nwcrowe1]

Bro feel your pain, had to do this about 6 months ago, a Royal Pain in The Butt. Takes an age to get your head around doing it and then an age doing it, but well worth it. Good Job!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

We know the same pain!! lol Glad you enjoyed the vid 😊💪

[@CichlidCharmer]

Perfect timing! I will have to do this soon, and using that sand will keep me from disaster in my newly cycled tank. Thanks!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure 💪

[@monchug]

Man. I was doing this last week + wife was nagging during the entire process. the feeling i was going through lol bout to choked myself w the sand🤣

[@KaveManAquatics]

HAHAHAHA 🤣🤣🤣 You had it worse than me bro! 🤣

[@michaelphillips2875]

Wow a nightmare that I have been through. Thanks for sharing this Kev. Keep building your video library, very helpful and entertaining.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup I agree...Thank you, Will do! 😊

[@City_Cichlids]

Tonight I switched my substrate from white gravel to the African Cichlid sand and Aragonite in my 125. Thanks for everything Kev I’m leaving a lot. Thinking about investing in your course to go to the next level.

[@KaveManAquatics]

It'll definitely make you feel confidant about keeping happy and healthy Africans! 💪

[@SilverPredator1]

I have the same problem with caribsea cichlid mix sand when I was watching your video, I realized that I was right with my suspicions! great channel

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro! Always sucks to find out the substrate is the problem, but at least now you know! 💪

[@joef4845]

One of your best vids brooo....great job!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, Glad you liked it!! 😊💪

[@BenOchart]

Looks much better. I would have tossed some BB in there like Seachem Stability or Fritzyme 7, but it looks like all your fish did great. Thanks.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks Ben! I had just added some stability into my filters a few weeks ago, that and the live bacteria in the sand made me feel confident in the BB 😊 Thanks for sharing that tip though! Love your channel Ben 👍

[@codycampo2738]

Using live bacteria sand that’s made for salt water doesn’t help. The bb for salt water doesn’t survive in fresh water and can cause an imbalance in your cycle from the bacteria die off.

[@ghostnappa42]

Just did a 55 gallon tank and bought some white sand and slate stone super cheap from local quarry working great so far

[@kengumaru9277]

I did this one time and luckily not on the big tanks but I used new and rinsed Dusk pan, and a Tip to those who wants to change their big tank's gravel to sand use new and rinsed Cat litter scoop.

[@chrisc2683]

Fish looked PISSED bro lol... Glad it worked out in the end and thanks for saving us the trouble.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My Pleasure 😊

[@jackdavies391]

For bigger tanks instead of taking water out then scooping the sand out use a big diameter tube and siphon the sand out. Stops it clouding up and less stress for the fish

[@KaveManAquatics]

That is a great tip! I actually did that the second time I removed and replaced the sand 😁

[@ironfae]

I’ve given up on sand substrates. Recently I replaced the white sand in my 40gal. tank with 30 lbs. of mixed river gravel. The water has never been clearer and the gravel is so much easier to keep clean. The only real change is having to treat water levels more often, but chemical bacteria really helps balance that out. I wouldn’t use sand unless I cared for exotic fish professionally.

[@erictherocker]

I changed my substrate to Fiji pink after watching this video! Awesome! Loving it!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Glad you like it, and Im glad I was able to help! 😊

[@thebackyardbear]

I love your info... and the way you put it out... but I won't EVER share your obsession with sparkling water. I want it clean and comfy for my critters... but you go to the MAX. A++ for the effort... and results. You are an aquarium ROCK STAR

[@KaveManAquatics]

LOL, thank you bro! Even though I know the water parameters are perfect for my boys, I do also enjoy looking at a crystal clear tank 😊

[@thebackyardbear]

@@KaveManAquatics I think that's the thing people miss about the Aquarium hobby... every person gets to build a tank... or tanks... to fit their own tastes and purposes. It really allows for individuality to shine through. I see a million people searching for ONE answer... when they need to realize... there are a MILLION answers to one question... its all relative to your goals and situation.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Couldn’t have said it better myself. You are 100% correct! 💪💪

[@kiwiasian]

Thanks for the videos, they helped me a lot. I’m 6 weeks into this new hobby. Funny this substrate change reminds me of car mods I did previously without proper research. I ended up changing it all out again later again as it made the car handle worse than before lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad it helped, and yea it would suck replacing things in a car too lol Check out this playlist I made for beginners, it'll be very helpful for you - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er

[@kimmorankm]

The end result is amazing! Crystal clear! 👏👏👏 🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks!! 😊😊

[@marlenes4805]

I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, either! That is a huge job. Glad you got it sorted out. Your tank is beautiful! My husband wants to know how Flava Flav is doing! 😁

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you, Tell your husband Flave is doing great and growing!! Thanks for asking 😊😊

[@ladonniscelestine5719]

Glad I saw this video, I thought I did something wrong, my water was so cloudy. Thanks I just need to be patient and wait to see what will happen.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup patience is key at first. Glad I could help 😊

[@briaspe9911]

Tank looks beautiful. That is a complete drag but I think you just keep in mind the end result and the look and happiness of our guys. So it was worth the work. Awesome tank! Now if only my little guys would grow up!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, definitely worth it! 💪

[@briaspe9911]

@@KaveManAquatics I marvel at your big fish and my guys are so little. Haha where can I send u visuals of my tank

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@briaspe9911 They grow fast bro, enjoy the ride. Try my IG @kavemanaquatics

[@chrisf14cf]

I'm in this exact position now! Thanks for the video. Just waiting for my new substrate to be delivered and then the fun can begin! Got my new tank set up and the sand particles have been ruining my enjoyment

[@KaveManAquatics]

Let the fun begin! lol

[@chrisf14cf]

@@KaveManAquatics sand out.. coral sand in.. much improved

[@TCS_Aquatics]

I read the TITLE and related 😂 been there and done that ✅

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣💪

[@mrespr3sso1988]

I wanted the African Cichlids but i had black gravel so i change it to white sand for them and I actually did not remove the fish while doing it only 2 died though.

[@billkigathi3492]

Sorry for your troubles.... loved just how well you took us through your process 👌👌👌 and that clear aquarium feel aaaahhh!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@blocke]

Hey Kev. I decided to swap my pool filter substrate out for river sand for my Mbuna tank. Thanks for the video. It was super helpful! However, maybe you can use this tip. I used a standard clear hose (no attachments, just hose) to create a syphon and vacuum out the old gravel. Man it worked like a charm!! There was almost no cloudy water during this process and the fish were super chilled. Maybe give that a go for your next change. Just make sure that the hose is wide enough to not get blockages.

[@pelhamsaquatics]

I really like the caribsea substrates. They are a must for African cichlids, thanks Kevin🙂

[@KaveManAquatics]

I agree! 😊

[@Noriko1988]

I am changing my substrate AND the whole tank while I'm moving into another house with my fish. :D Perfect time for a "fresh" start, brand new tank, new substrate, new plants and deco!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice, Good luck with the move! 💪

[@danieljeffries6430]

Awesome 😎 Once again I was looking for the best Substate for my Tank. I’m just getting all the needed Materials for my Tank, Not gonna get the fish 🐟 until next week Thank Bro, for the Great content , keep up the good Work

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad I could help! 😊

[@nunyab.5426]

Even though its a year later, thank you for this video. It's been years since I've kept fish. I put together a medium freshwater community a month ago. All my parameters are great but I couldn't figure out why my water wasn't clear until I saw this video. It looks like the same sand substrate I purchased. I'll be slowly taking it out and replacing it as I do my water changes.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@tigs6941]

I was just about to swap my Australian white Aussie sand out for aragonite.. I might second think it now 😂😂

[@cooltank83-UK]

Kave, I was seriously worried when the water went fully cloudy specially I was worried when you add the wood and sand coz couldn't see a thing but in the end it was outstanding job.... Its worth it.... 🥰😍👌👌 I also noticed a black shark in the tank nice..... (I got a Bala shark in my tank) anyway overall its job well done 👍👌👌

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yea me too bro, lol He's a red tail shark been in with the boys about 2 years now 😊

[@cooltank83-UK]

Hope that shark won't be a snack to others 😁... Its always nice to see your videos kave (it's interesting and informative) keep up the good work 👋👋👋

[@KaveManAquatics]

Na, 2 years with the boys and nobody messes with him 😊 Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@cichlidslover8166]

I did it too once...when I chosed white sand! A lot of work and also a patient test!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sir!

[@reba4327]

Hi kav glad to see the video we are upgrading to a 90 gallons and I was going to use the same substrate in my old tank in my new tank well I guess I’m not now We will wait until after Christmas to place our order for a new substrate for the new tank thank you so much

[@KaveManAquatics]

Cool, Glad I could help! 😊

[@thedoctor4515]

I did this 2 days back in my 90G, switched from white to black substrate. After looking at the result, l just forgot the painful process. Some forums and KZbinrs insisted about cichlid showing vibrant colors in black substrate since they change their color pattern based on their surrounding. And it really worked.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad it worked out for you, But I think substrate color is just a personal preference. Fish will pop regardless 😊

[@thedoctor4515]

@@KaveManAquatics yeah I was also thinking that way like how a substrate color decides the fishes color, but it's their natural instinct to survive it seems. For about 2 months I did a research kev, testing it in my 40G. Even I left the fishes without substrate since my tank bottom is itself black that also made a difference. So I gave it a shot in my 90G and yeah I'm glad that it worked becoz I can't do this process again to switching white😂

[@andrewbrown8523]

I changed from gravel to sand(on your recommendation) it was a huge pain in the ass on my 90 gallon, I would not want to do it on a 210 lol.

[@KaveManAquatics]

We know each other’s pain lol

[@randealarid]

I appreciate this info so much. My kids and I are new to the hobby (started November 2022). We decided on a chunky rock bottom since we also have baby turtles, I soon found out that my constant bacterial blooms were from “stuff” hiding under the rocks. Last night, we switched to sand (no small task lol). The aquarium is super clear this morning (I also followed your awesome advice on filter media in my fx4). African cichlids and turtles seem super happy.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats awesome, glad to hear your tank is doing well now! 😁 Many beginners get frustrated early on because they dont have good info. I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er

[@randealarid]

@@KaveManAquatics your videos have really helped me figure things out. I’ve watched many of your beginner videos, I really appreciate your channel. 😊

[@Jevababy25]

I saw a video where they put the washed substrate/sand in a big ziplock bag and slowly let it slide from the bag onto the bottom of the tank. I’ve used this method to change substrate without removing my fish and it’s super easy and doesn’t mess up the water. I also siphoned the old substrate out instead of using a cup.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Cool tip!

[@rogerjuarez8596]

Hey kev you should do a short video of al your fishes names! I though it was just me who named all my fish haha. great videos man keep up the good work.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Great idea lol Thanks! Next week I’m doing a full stock list with species names but I like your idea too 😊

[@morganjones7856]

Love this video. Can't wait for next weeks video been waiting A long time for it !!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Agentshadowolf]

This carib sea fiji pink sand is what I used in my new tank and it looks great with a black background :D

[@KaveManAquatics]

Agreed! 💪

[@ilcancelliere6010]

Great job bro and really glad you managed it without major hiccups. Always learning from your videos. Agree with you perhaps it would have been better remove our friends but, like you, I would have done the same as well so can’t blame you at all as I would have been very impatient to remove it as those particles would have driven me mad. And we know how critical patience is in our hobby. Much appreciated for the great video brother. Stay safe and have a peaceful and merry Xmas to you and your family.🎄🎄

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yea patience is definitely a virtue in this hobby lol! Thanks bro, Same to you and yours! 😊

[@Apex_wolf]

If you domt want cloudy sand floating . Take the scopper gently drag the bottom and come up the sides easy

[@lev40123]

Stunning as normal bro love it

[@KaveManAquatics]

Much appreciated bro 😁💪

[@TheSpiritualBrat]

My tips. Make sure and clean the substrate before hand. It’s going to stir up and murk up the water. Dustpans work great, get one with the rubber tip. Pre-wash your new substrate in the backyard. A sink won’t cut it. Rinse and rinse until completely clear and set aside and have ready before even draining the tanks water. Don’t clean your filters for at least a month before changing substrate. You need all the beneficial bacteria you can to keep from crashing your nitrogen cycle. Last of all have fun!

[@hookedonfishing2095]

You don’t prewash live sand that has beneficial bacteria. Only dry sand.

[@worldoffish7119]

Advance Merry Christmas Kev

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, same to you! 😊

[@dieyoung8259]

Great video

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks!

[@bilalhashmi8636]

I just want to say one thing love you Kave...❤️

[@KaveManAquatics]

😆 Thanks, love you too!

[@jenniferbrook1720]

Thank you for posting this after we discussed this lol 🙌🏼

[@KaveManAquatics]

No problem!! 😊

[@user-fd1wl9jb8m]

Just watched this video and I can report a, in the same situation like you were prior to making the substrate change. I am ordering the bags of sand from your link right now

[@jmoon4686]

Was thinking of getting sand from my local lake? Maybe I will test it in a jar first to see how cloudy it gets.

[@kenaultman7499]

I just suck it out with the water change siphon. Usually takes a few water changes to get it all. Then, put the fish in a bucket, and replace the sand. The trick is to rinse, rinse, and rinse the new sand some more before adding it. Once I think it's clean, I fill the tank, stir the sand up as much as I can, let it settle, and then siphon off all the small particles that you can.

[@anesvick]

I have fallen in love with the Black Diamond blasting sand from Tractor supply. It looks beautiful, costs $11 for 50 pounds, and as long as you rinse it, it will leave you with crystal clear water within an hour or two.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Totally agree with you! Did you see the video where I installed it? - kzbin.info/www/bejne/inebY3uYYrJ1fpI

[@cindymetcalfe1878]

I used black slag sand at tractor supppy, It came out so clean. It's affordable and looks like glass

[@darthblunt3833]

Great advice Kev, saving that time and $ isn't always our best options, or as my Grandma use to say.... stick with what you know!!! Thanks for sharing bro, you're the best

[@KaveManAquatics]

Smart Grandma! 😊 Thanks bro!

[@mickeydr392]

You are the man brother!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! 😊💪

[@petroman-cg8tt]

i use fluval stratum with 2 inches of sand over the stratum works great for m, the plants love the stratum. joe h navy seabee, you marines are the best. great tank

[@KaveManAquatics]

Cool, thanks for the info! 😊

[@karlacorcoran1375]

I changed from rock Gravel to sand yesterday, I was really worried about the end result, this morning the water is crystal clear and the fish are looking good, all the food settles on top and doesn't sink into.the rock Gravel 😀

[@KaveManAquatics]

Exactly! Thats one of the major benefits...your fish waste will also set on the surface and wont sink under it. This helps in letting you know when its vacuuming time. Or even better, with a wave maker positioned correctly it can do the vacuuming job for you! Watch this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoW2eH2jbtysmdE

[@sudhakarvytla6665]

Just gravel vacuum the sand directly with the hose by removing the plastic pipe.. which will remove the sand lot faster and easier without making the water cloudy, I have done that way multiple times when I was upgrading my tank and moving from Sand to Aragonite for my African Cichlids and it saves lot of time and stress on the fish. Just have the pump in the bucket to remove water so it is not overflowing...

[@KaveManAquatics]

hmm, Thanks for that tip...not sure if that would take more time or less...Hopefully I never have to try it lol

[@TheCRDMiller]

Love your tanks man looks great

[@KaveManAquatics]

Much appreciated bro 😊

[@user-ct2fk8zq7v]

Wicked swipe at your son 😂

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣

[@terryschwarzenbach324]

The black diamond blasting sand is it bad for the fish. Alot of people say it hurts their gills

[@seansquill8773]

I’ve had to do this before. Once on my 32 and another time on the 75. Man it was a real pita getting it out. Like you I left the fish in, lol they were not happy. I do get what you’re saying with the substate. This is why now I only buy Caribsea and I make sure when washing it that the washing water is crystal clear before adding it to the tank. These mofos are always, and I mean always swimming around with a mouth full of sand looking for food, and I know the feeling of seeing particles floating around. You have a 407 on there right? I’d recommend Fluvals new UV that connects right to the filter. My boy got it, and lemme tell you his water now is crystal clear with zero particles at all floating around. I ordered one already 🤗 Happy Holidays My Bro🙏🏻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for that tip, didn’t know fluval made one like that...will def check it out! 💪

[@dennispeleg7843]

I'm upgrading my tank this week and I'm using new substrate. Having the same issues with my substrate blowing around being too light. I have enough beneficial bacteria in both my canisters, sponge filter and decor so I'll be ok once I put my Africans in the new tank the same day.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I think you will be ok too! 😊💪

[@dmphins8349]

Great video man that was a lot of work Great job

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes it was, thanks! 😊

[@danaquatics4031]

yooo Kev i JUST switched to pool filter sand and rushed it, switched from 70lbs of gravel to 70lbs of pool filter sand in about 2 hrs before I had to leave for work. Rinsed it thoroughly the best I could with what I have (large basin with powerful faucet, no garden hose plus it's winter here now) and after watching this video all I have to say is LOL wish me luck. Most of my fish are south american cichlids and not fully grown yet so....hopefully i don't end up with 1 month of cloudy water!

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, You'll be alright. The pool sand will settle soon and you'll get your clear water back in a few days!

[@danaquatics4031]

@@KaveManAquatics actually it was clear in 24 hrs! I got lucky ^.^

[@briggjohnson358]

Bro..same issue size of the grain...started getting into my fx6..now im gonna black out the tank for my dovii..good video man..210 look like baby oil.. nooo particles at all

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@meyou805]

Love this video. I am replacing the sand in one of my tanks. Shouldn't be too much work though as it's only a 38 litre with a betta.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad it helped

[@meyou805]

@@KaveManAquatics It sure has :) Now I just have to find the motivation! Haha

[@Trewill12]

Hey ! Thanks for the content man! I’ve learned a lot from your channel. I am dealing with this exact problem. Bought couple cheap bags of sand from LPS and mixed it in with my aragonite for a deeper bed in some areas and low and behold 4 months in and still water not clear. Tank is fully cycled. I’ve bought all new sand and LPS Advised to skip water changed and just remove sand and add new and then do a water change later due to the old sand will hold a lot of the beneficial bacteria. Just Looking for a second opinion before I dive in 😅

[@KaveManAquatics]

If you've 100% confirmed its the sand, just get it all out of there and save yourself more future headaches! Since tank is fully cycled dont worry about the bacteria loss from the substrate. Dose with Prime and Stability for the first few days after the switch to make sure the water stays safe while your bacteria reproduce and catch up. You'll be fine! Heres a more recent video of me changing the sand AGAIN...lol - kzbin.info/www/bejne/inebY3uYYrJ1fpI

[@Trewill12]

Thanks tons Kev! I swapped out the substrate over the weekend. It was a smooth transition. The second video was a huge help ! Thanks for your advance and looking forward to more content!!

[@adkgaladkgal1799]

Your fish are stunning thank you. my opinion bare bottom as in my 2 goldfish tanks.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, My african cichlids love the sand too much for me to take it away from them lol But thanks 😊

[@user-ns6zm4jg8j]

I had to do that today as I had unwanted visitors from live plants lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, that’s the best way to get rid of them! 😁💪

[@user-ns6zm4jg8j]

Going back to plastic plants as defo not doing that again took me ages

[@KaveManAquatics]

Once I removed all the substrate they never came back...Until I add new plants i'm sure lol

[@ItsVenomViper]

Great video Might rethink doing this lol

[@fabian050408]

Good thing I waited till Saturday.

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, 😊💪

[@fabian050408]

@@KaveManAquatics LETS GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

💪💪💪💪💪

[@KevinLee-pq5sm]

Thanks bro 😎

[@notJimmyKimmel7]

8:01 whos the little black and red guy

[@MarkusL]

Thanks Kev! Very knowledgeable Information Brother. I hope I will never have to do this process.. Question.. Can Arag-Alive sand be used in NON reef tanks?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sure bro, This is a NON reef tank. These fish are freshwater fish but require hard water with a high PH. And the arag-alive is perfect for that. 😊

[@KingAdams90]

Sweet video brother!.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@edjeffery1]

Great video! Happy xmas

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! Same to you

[@KevinLee-pq5sm]

It’s soooo much easier to take out substrate is with plastic dust pan 😎

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sure is! I did it the second time I had to do this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/inebY3uYYrJ1fpI

[@Anytyme06]

I learned when you gotta talk yourself into something it's because it's usually wrong.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I learned if you stay in your comfort zone you'll never grow.

[@worldoffish7119]

I need some substrate but they are expensive

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes thats true, the good stuff is expensive!

[@jayquicks]

Let’s Gooo💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@KaveManAquatics]

😊😊💪💪

[@Miss_Lexi92]

Just done this and added aragonite live sand! Cloudyness is painful I didn't wash the sand

[@KaveManAquatics]

With aragalive you dont need to wash the sand. It will clear up in a few days. Add those packets it comes with to help bind and clump the sand so it settles faster.

[@Rose-dt3gl]

Just to confirm, it is ok to add tap water directly into the tank given Prime is added to tank ahead of time?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Correct! 😊

[@brakubee]

Oh man. Ill tell you what. I strongly recommend the ultimate quick way to remove sand without disturbing almost any sand at all. Simply use a wet/dry shop vac. Suck the substrate right out in a fraction of the time. I've done this many times. The bigger your shop vac the faster the job gets dun. It would take minutes even with as big of a tank as yours.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thought about that but was worried about how much water was also going to be sucked out. Didn’t want to have to keep dumping out the vac and resetting. Hopefully I never have to do this again 🤣

[@lewisamis5084]

You know I'm going to do this now 😃

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, Good luck!

[@JourneywithBrandon]

Four days too late lol Fortunately my fish made it through just fine. I replaced cheap gravel with some good sand, hopefully it will trap less poop and make it easier to clean.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sand is much cleaner IMO. Hope your swap went well! 💪

[@dc.coversph]

I am new to this hobby . Im done removing the sand before i watched your video and i hope what ive done is right. My substrate is a gravel mixed in sand . Im having a hard time cleaning the gravel since the vaccum sucking out the sand everytime i clean it. So i decided to remove the sand only. I take off all the substrate but not like what you did i only left 20% water (because my fishes are small fishes only) and use a strainer to separate sand from gravel and i put back all of the gravel to the tank and fill it up again with water. The only difference is i removed all of my fishes because im worried of making them stress during the process. I hope they wont float to dead after that changes when i wake up tomorrow morning.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Im sure you're fish are fine if you did it this way 😊 I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er

[@dc.coversph]

@@KaveManAquatics sure man i will check it . my fishes are still good im still watching your vids to know more about this hobby . I wish you make a video about small fishes like molly, tetra or guppies . More power to your channel man . ♥️ from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@faye8968]

I just finished rinsing my Carib Sea and a couple of minutes later I saw this video🤦‍♀️

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, at least now you know 😁