Switching Your Aquarium Substrate From Gravel To Sand! 125 Gallon Aquarium Overhaul!

[@KGTropicals]

Check out our new series "10 Things" where we cover the top 10 things you should know about fish keeping topics!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3acpaVjqs-Xqbs

[@cassykellogg3216]

Can you keep a plecos in a tank with sand?

[@brigidnativio3772]

@@sjarvis4839 there's only one thing from Nat Geo at my PetSmart It's a filter.

[@isaactooliveTV]

I want to have sand in my 30 gallon there are fish in there now, when I remove the water after I’m done adding the sand can I re use the same water to feel it up? Like 50 percent or do I just use new water completely?

[@amandajones9917]

I am wanting a soft smooth sand for my cory catfish. Can someone tell me which kind is softest and smoothest?

[@naranza65]

Yes please make a video about all things about sand in an aquarium. Good stuff my friend.

[@ivysolarflare1619]

naranza65 please dooooo🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@soggyfries4347]

Thats how the aquarium world operates add "aquarium" to the title and jack up the price by 75%

[@rahuldoes]

SoggyFries 3-400%, at times.

[@scuds03]

It's the same thing with forensics equipment

[@rebeccaseeley9053]

You did a great job and hit all the really important highlights like - you can NEVER wash your sand too much!!!! It really makes a huge difference in the tank. And i agree with your choice of PFS versus play sand, play sand is lighter than PFS, thus the PFS will settle more quickly and easily, thus less chances of ruining your filter impellers, always a plus! I think a follow-up video on properly maintaining the sand bed is crucial as it's a little different than gravel but just as important to be kept up properly and those new to sand need to know what to do. Thanks for a great video!!

[@lizzi407]

Would love to see a sand maintenance video!

[@KGTropicals]

Your wish is my command, I just put it up on the channel today;-)

[@craigwoodhull3028]

Sand is like another filter. Cheap sand you can get anaerobic Pockets, not live sand. I still stir up a portion every W/C. Cory cats love sand, it does not hurt their wiskers

[@MAFishGuyAquarium]

I love rinsing my sand in pillow cases. alot less mess and just throw out cases when done. good video kg

[@KGTropicals]

That's a great idea, I haven't heard of that trick before.

[@MAFishGuyAquarium]

***** you tank looks awesome

[@KGTropicals]

Thanks brother!

[@tjenkins1126]

That's a great idea, never thought of that. I just rinse in the bag.

[@paulchippington7498]

Good idea, also once in aquarium I use large sheet bubble wrap on sand then fill slowly the plastic wrap rises with the water good clarity and the substrate doesn't move.

[@Tackleberry657]

I have been using pool filter sand for the past two years. Great setup, John.

[@Eric.schmidt]

Love the look of that sand. Let's see a video on the sand maintanance.

[@stevenking2088]

Yes! Sand maintenance videos please!!!

[@inventoryking]

I agree with the sand John. I over wash my sand so it doesn't screw anything up. Love speeding up the vids as well! 👍

[@gains7207]

Whats up with the intro, i thought i was loading up a porno dvd.

[@joshdominguez341]

Yo thanks making me laugh 2 years later 🙏🏻

[@antman0899]

I would like to see a sand water change vid!!! I’m thinking bout changing to sand substrate just doing research before the switch

[@terrillpitts4222]

When painting the background I have been using black latex. If u need or want to remove it peels right off! Great video!! Setting up a new tank for my cichlids and really leaning toward sand!

[@MrDoozie21]

I’m doing my substrate change from gravel to sand today actually and glad I seen this video :) thank you for the great tips. Love the videos you been uploading. Keep on the great work and love how you have the set ups running ❤

[@albertoramos1927]

Please do the sand rinsing video. Also thank you for the great information your putting out there for us hobbies. Keep up the good work.

[@grlygirl1264]

So glad I stumbled across this (and your sand maintenance video). I have one 55 gallon that's empty...I want the background black...so I will be painting it. I wanted sand, but found aquarium sand expensive (and people complained it was too fine). I will get pool filter sand... I also have another 55 gallon that is up and running and I think once I sand the empty one I am going to want to take what's in there out and sand it as well. Now I see it can be done and done affordably. Great video thanks for posting it!!

[@benbrown4433]

excellent! I recently swapped from sand to eco complete without moving any fish. Good luck with your plants and the sand. It seemed to choke my roots out I could only grow annubias and java hence going eco complete.

[@williamavongaurd7794]

I too was battling the substrate because I wanted live plants. So yes, I’d love to see your cleaning process of a planted sand substrate. Also. I too sent with pool filter sand for its cleanliness.

[@ne.laser_jon]

A video about sand and rank maintenance with it would be awesome!!! I've been watching most of your videos as I'm getting ready to set up my first cichlid tank and all your videos have been incredibly informative and helpful! So thank you sir!!!

[@AquaPeet]

Wow! That pool filter sand ree-hee-heally looks nice and natural and beachy in the tanks!! What a great idea and yet so cheap!! It is a great contrast against the brown wood and the grassy plants in the little sand dunes you created, really fit in well... Top tip!! Pool filter sand!!

[@garybernstein3539]

You're the best. I'm a semi newbee to aquariums. You're professional and simple explanations of how to do it all right is amazing. Thanks. Keep up the good work.

[@Icealote]

Yes please. More sand maintenance videos, especially using a siphon. Always struggled cleaning sand and I took my Black Tahitian moon sand out because I could not get clean without taking so much sand through the siphon. Can you also show how you would clean used sand substrate again without chucking it away and buying new sand as that would be too expensive?

[@giakurstenschweizer73]

I honestly have learned so much from you! I would definitely purchase an e-book of a step-by-step how-to guide for beginners. Unfortunately, there’s so much misinformation out there! My mother went to a small chain local fish store and sold her (an impulse buy for my kiddo) two albino corey cats in a tiny FISH BOWL! One of them has ALL of his/her fins nipped off! I calmly and respectfully educated the owner on the correct requirements. I bought a proper 30 gallon tank (from a more reputable place) for them. So far they are doing fine. I will get more, but I’m trying to avoid stressing them too much since they have been through so much. Finless apparently has a strong will to live. He/she is eating well and Dr Who (my husband named that one) is keeps Finless company.

[@roland_the_cursor]

How are they today?

[@melissaaultman1755]

Thank you for such a educational video on the sand and how to vaccum it. Now make us a video on what live plants will do well in this sand.

[@richardmiller4418]

Let's see that video of how to maintain a sand substrate. Great series John...thank you!

[@iceman82aj]

I know this is old video but alot of your videos have helped me out

[@Grady252]

I found this video and see it is now over 5 years old. How is the sand doing now? Are you still happy with it? I need to do some searches on your channel to see if you have any updates. I am tired of my gravel and love the idea of the sand. I want to move from my Angel tank to a Discus tank on my 125. Also, what color is that blue tank background in the right? I love that look!

[@KGcichlids]

Looks like you went to town on that tank, great job on hitting the reset button.that should do the trick :) and great shorts! Lol! Thanks for the shout out, I laughed at that😂😂😂

[@reddragonstacking5247]

I would love to see a clip on seeing how to maintaining sand substrate in tanks

[@vanschermerhorn7167]

Watched your presentation of gravel to sand . Great . I have 150 gallon tank that I used Carib sea Super Naturals sand . However with white sand and white holey honeycomb rock I thought I need too break the monotony of white . So when everybody said no I put some small pebbles on top . Looks good .but probably wrong . Hum. Your setup looks neat and clean .

[@jlathem56]

sand video = YES! also could you include black sand in it as well? thanks John.

[@bigsky445]

Pool filter sand is amazing in the aquarium! Its heavy enough that it doesn't cloud the water & ymir vacuum it like I would gravel & its heavy enough to drop & not get sucked out. Upgrading all my aquariums to pool filter sand!

[@kelseymullenix6509]

This is…just what I needed! I’m doing exactly this today! Thank you!

[@duaneheller8165]

I would LOVE to see a "maintaining sand aquariums" video!My issue with sand is removing all the droppings which seems to be needed 2-3 times a day. There has to be a better way. If you want to know how I am doing it I would be glad to post a description. Just let me know.

[@sheliaglover565]

I haven't tried this yet but I had my husband buy me a small orange juice strainer it has very small holes in the screen I thought would be perfect for sifting the sand and removing debris my section siphon doesn't have the power for me to stand it upright and work I have to keep it late down to drain the water

[@ericj1500]

thanks for sharing friend and yes I would like to see a video on sand maintenance pal.

[@tattoodude8607]

Thanks for this video , being a new aquarium owner I need all the help I can get

[@kritykat69]

I would love to see a video on maintain sand. I had a huge loss in my 60 gallon over a period of 3 months an many failed attempts to treat the fish. I have 2 cichlid left and a common pleco. I've decided to break down the tank and start from scratch. While in that thought process, I'm thinking of getting a 75 gallon and building a double stand and using the 60 to grow my 20 gallon saltwater. That being said, I hate cleaning the sand. gravel vac while doing water changes has been so easy. my 20 and 10 gallon have sand. I hate the look of gravel and prefer the look of sand, but it's kind of like carpet vs wood floors. What am I not seeing in my gravel? I can see the dirt on top of my sand! so I'm hoping the switch and I'm painting my tanks black :) will be a huge improvement. I'm still not 100% positive I'm ready for a bigger saltwater, but I know I'm ready for a bigger freshwater and have alternate plans for the 60 gallon if the saltwater does not work out :) so long story short. Yeah, how do I keep sand pristine clean and recommendations of clean crew for both fresh and saltwater.

[@borisbuliak3626]

My only tank with just sand is clean as a whistle. Do not disturb the sand while doing water changes, I stir it lightly about twice a year. The plants and panda Corys together with sponge filter keep it extremely clean. You may want introduce a pathos plant 🌱 in a ciclid aquarium. Hold it up with egg crate or thru a small hole in the back plastic. It’s a way to introduce a plant in a plant hostile tank imo

[@lyndabalkoski1885]

Yes please show more on maintaining sand thx!!

[@eugenedanker2377]

I set up a new 36 gallon three weeks ago, and last Saturday "remodeled' my 60 gallon tank. I used Caribsea Floramax in areas where I will add plants, and Topfin gravel, although the "gravel" is actually sand. I didn't want extremely fine sand because it packs too hard. The Topfin is still safe for corys and will allow some air circulation.

[@johnatella8498]

I am going from a 75 bare bottom to a 125 gallon sand tank. I have three hang on the back filters producing a flow of about 800 gallons an hour. If I just move my water, filter, plants, driftwood, and fish to the 125, do I need to worry about cycling it if I now have sand in it? My plants are Anubias, Java Fern and some floating plants. I also have twelve 3-4" Discus, some tetras, and 2-3 Bristlenose plecos. I am thinking that if I do nothing to the filters, I am fine. I am also thinking of just adding a very thin layer of pool sand (1/2 to 3/4ths of an inch). WIll be adding some Amazon Swords and will probably have to get rid of my bristlenose as they seem to eat more plants than algae. Thoughts?

[@EmilyPepperman]

Yes... please videos on maintaining sand substrates. I love the look of sand and want to give my Corydoras sand as well. :-)

[@Ninja8021]

I have learned so much from you John as a new person to the aquarium hobby. You are extremely informative! I have a question or request for a video; Bigger filtration vs Tank Size. I have a 30G tank, and random websites are stating that manufacturers overrate the filtration power. Your opinion will greatly be appreciated! Thank you!

[@gina7759]

I would love to learn about sand and maintenance of sand aquariums!

[@williamfeltner8356]

John u need to put some Al Borlin shorts on the website, they'd sell like hotcakes lmao

[@joeymolnar8450]

really want to see that sand video!

[@juniorkhan650]

Joey Molnar i would assume, alot of the bacteria lives in the substrate

[@thelitepredator]

hey thats a great video idea i would totally watch maintenance on sand substrates

[@TrishsOrchidLife]

Getting ready to set up a new tank so cleaning sand would be great- thinking of using

[@d.j.crigger9126]

What is your thoughts on using black diamond blasting sand? I'm seriously thinking about changing from creek pebbles to the black diamond blasting sand. A 50lb bag is under $10 from tractor supply store.

[@vapelounge6110]

awesome video. AS ALWAYS!! stumbled across this bc tomorrow I was planning on going to home depot because it's 5 mins from my house right by my local pet shop to get some quickrete pool filter sand then goin to grab some dwarf african cichlids for a new 55g that's been cycled for a Lil over a week now. but has new gravel in it and out of 20 years I been into fish keeping I've always wanted a sand substrate but been afraid of it for some reason but was wondering how to go about converting it so this helped. and it looks beautiful man. love ur videos Bro, I watch all ur vape related videos as well. keep up the awesome work, an I love ur passion an knowledge for your wet pets!

[@joseCalderon1976]

I used pool filter sand in my 75g African chiclid tank. I might try the black diamond sand from tractor supply for the black substrate look that I want

[@thomasashe2681]

I love the tanks. Looks so great with the sand.

[@stevec4411]

I'm about to swap out my Home Depot pea gravel substrate to a sand because I want a Ray in my 210. This video helps so thanks! Also, unless I'm wrong, you purchased 240 lbs. of pool sand not 160. Not that it matters but that caught my attention

[@RickySutphin]

I know this was over a year ago, but it turned it great. Thanks for sharing.

[@danielmcsween884]

*240 pounds

[@stonigee7997]

Daniel Mc Sween Right? I was like huh???

[@her209]

6 bags x 40 lbs bags = 160 lbs Huh?

[@SunSparkle8]

I would love to see a video about maintaining a sand aquarium. I'm thinking about changing my aquarium to sand from gravel. Thanks for this video it was very helpful.

[@Xavier_915]

It's looking good John! I might do sand next time I set up a tank...👍👍

[@paultrow7108]

Regarding fish piling up the substrate: to quote from one of Richard Pryor's routines, "The monkey live here, *****, you visitin'."

[@erickvillalva8959]

Awesome Video!!!! inspired me to retouch my existing tank with some background paint

[@joserogriguez3894]

Your tanks look amazing. Lots of work but lots of fun as well. Love your videos and your advises

[@johnmorris2231]

John, I am planning on Caribsea live freshwater sand when I set my tank up. Definitely would be interested in cleaning and maintenance video. Thanks for your videos!

[@duenasj]

So what's the final verdict? Which substrate do you recommend, gravel or sand?

[@Facts_Are_Facts_Are_Facts]

It says in the title, changing from gravel to sand.

[@borisbuliak3626]

Am personally leaning more and more towards sand, at first I was hesitant. I am also experimenting with both gravel and sand in my tanks, way more natural looking. 60-40 or 70-30 ratios in favor of sand. Rocks and plants, in over ten years I have yet to stick any wood in my aquariums. That will change when I set my 10 gallon rack.

[@daveclifford7895]

Great video . Could you put gravel in first with a layer of sand on top ? Would this help keeping the tank cleaner ? Or would the waste still get through to the gravel ?

[@DeVor-Art]

I'm going to be using the CaribSea cichlid sand. Some people have said not to rinse it because it removes beneficial bacteria and to use the biomagnet packet to help clear the tank. Is this correct or should I still rinse it?

[@stclairstclair]

As a kind of fish dumb-ass i would like to share two things, The Magic Eraser for glass cleaning, For hoods and plastic parts Crusted over in hard white water deposits Soak in a pan of vinegar! I had filter parts i was ready to throw out that came clean after soaking for a few days (it will eat rubber)

[@VK4VO]

Nice project John,, I just finished my new tank a couple of weeks back. A new 90 with PFS as well. It looks fantastic. My sand was very clean to start with, a few rinses in a bucket and I had zero cloudiness when I filled the tank.

[@didleydo]

I use both sand and gravel. I put the sand down for my plants and then add the gravel on top. This has worked well.

[@judasjunior6503]

Does the gravel sink to the bottom?

[@reptileguy8458]

Black background and tan pool sand substrate. Hmmm.....I was going to go with a white sand. ( African cichlid mix) but I think I like the pool sand look better. I too have my sides and back painted black.

[@ScottM]

Great update and sand maintenance video sounds great.

[@aptbid2007]

I never thought of painting the back of my 125, great idea. Now what to do with my fish while I work on my only tank?

[@PULAG]

Do you recommend moving fish to another tank before switching substrate or can I do it with them in there?

[@danielwcheng6381]

Hey thanks for the video...but I got a question concerning a broken tank...I have 55 gal tank where plastic center broke. and ofcourse the front glass is now bulging out a bit, Using 24in vise I kept the front and back glass from bulging. But now here's the question are there any tips/resource you can recommend about transferring plants from the 55 gal established tank to a new one? My plan is to move from a 40 gaL bowfront to a new standard 75 gal 4 fish: Jack Dempsey, Pleco and T-Barb and Synoditis cat. Then reestablish the 40 with plants from the 55 and eventually move the 55 gal community tank fish to the 40 bowfront.. What do you think?

[@RadicalMT15]

Nice looking tank John. I really like that half moon rock you have there. By the way... No disrespect here. Your wife have a beautiful black hair. Good luck with this new re-do for the Discus.

[@darrenparsons1988]

looking good boss. cost me a fortune in black aquarium sand for my 5ft but will probably get pool filter sand for my 3 new tanks.

[@hotchnerpittman3566]

I used multipurpose sand, washed it about 14 times, put it in the tank, let it sit for a day (it was so cloudy It looked like I poured milk in the tank) the next day it was crystal clear. Play sand is fine, as is sands other than "pool filter sand" don't let people tell you that you're limited to one kind of sand because in reality sand is all made from the same compound: Quartz. Just different grain sizes.

[@hugocarreon6523]

One question. Wouldn’t draining all the water ruin your cycle of the tank? Do I keep some of the water and poor it back when I fill it back up?

[@camronthomas394]

Yes a sand substrate video please !

[@dlaw1954]

I'm late for this one, but can confirm that play sand takes literally forever to clean. My wife and I made the "mistake" of using it for her betta/neon planted tank, the water still clouds up during water changes no matter how careful we are.

[@dwainkitchel1316]

I added 1/3 sand covered bottom to my L260 set up, i am old school and sand scares me with the chance for anaerobic bacteria pockets...but i am adjusting slowly. The other 2/3 are gravel and plant substrata and the a layer of styrofoam for my rockwork to set on. Would love to see the further videos you spoke about. Have enjoyed this series on the tank tear down thx!

[@michaelthemootz2797]

Hey I'm sorry if this has been asked but I've taken quite the interest to the stand you made. Do you have a video on how you built it, dimensions and such? I've got a 125 and a 75 that I wanted to stack but my stand I'm using doesn't permit that.

[@brukernavn1]

Play sand often has a lot of silt in it to keep more moisture so it sticks together better

[@Cyberchild101]

Lighthouse on a rock island some open water more rocks and a shipwreck but a realistic shipwreck would be sweet

[@teaforthree1]

Sand looks great, I want it for my new tank as I like corycats. But how do you grow plants in it?

[@kinglyzard]

Very easily in my experience. They need fertilizer though

[@providedjoker2649]

Very informative n helpful. I'm going to do my 55 gallon tank that exact same way u showed us!! THANK YOU!! 👍👍

[@cmchamp13]

I got 50lb bags at Home Depot for $5

[@AlphaAussies]

Do you have to do anything to it before putting it in the tank?

[@BUJU2007]

@@AlphaAussies probably just wash it. Put it in a bucket and fill with water. Mix it up and throw out the dirty water. Repeat until the water looks clear.

[@hooftrim4589]

can one run a" reverse flow" undergravel filter, with fine sand?

[@JohnJames.]

@@hooftrim4589 , I would say no, I used cheap play sand , and nothing gets through

[@brigidnativio3772]

Wow

[@allisonbehringer2790]

Great video... Sand maintenance? Yes please!

[@cyrvanessa]

Help! We made the rookie mistake of dumping the sand right into our 45 gallon tank. It is winter in Canada so running the hose outside is not an option, anyway to salvage the water in the tank?

[@Mreye45]

You can put the the sand in a pillow case and rubber band it to the hose. Way more efficient.

[@MacHamish]

Yup, definatly rinse the sand outside as you do not want to get sand in your house plumbing system.

[@vvv1227]

Awesome video Sir only my suggestion was you could have use window film for your background glass just my suggestion anyways beautiful video Greetings from India 🍻🍻🍻

[@lucashuff1153]

What is the best paint to use on the back of the Aquarium, something that doesn’t scratch off very easy. I’m fixing to get a new tank Saturday and was gonna pick up a Black color for the background. Does it have to be a paint for acrylic? Also can I keep 4 full grown Angelfish in a 37 gallon tall? I’ve got 10 Corydora’s also, but if it’s good to go with the 4 in a 37, can I put a few schooling fish with them, or just stay with my soon to be new setup?

[@joselavoy8591]

after like 10 vids that i prefer...u had it all ty for everything! i had to subscribe now!..also new to fish keeping.. i didn't know it would be a thing for me :")

[@FishingFloridaWater]

I switched to sand for my 10 gallon I'm liking it compared to gravel. I found all kinds of stuff under the gravel it I had just cleaned that tank a week before I removed the gravel the gravel had green stuff under it and fish poop was bad.

[@djneoda1535]

LOOKS GREAT GREAT video Thanks for the advice Peace ✌

[@samvelez8941]

I just recently bought a 110 gallon tank extra high I have about twenty-four African I have three canister filters running on I think it's a little bit Overkill but it does the job well then I got some plans hanging on the back some bambooand I just want to know if this tank is capable of holding that many fish or should I just get another tank and separate some let me know what you think appreciate it

[@j.bishop7888]

Hey there, my tank is healthy but I hate the large size substrate that came with it (second hand) it has served us well for years, but it is large and gaudy. I prefer more natural colours in a much finer size. How do I change it out? I have contemplated just adding the finer gravel as a top dressing. My Cory Dora’s, mollies and mystery snails happily breed in this tank and I don’t want to disrupt their happiness… thoughts?

[@kingraider8318]

Quick question is that a home made stand for the 2 tanks and 2 filters or is there a place I can check out to purchase one?

[@susannesteele535]

Sand maintenance would be a great topic.

[@vanschermerhorn7167]

What type or name brand of paint are you using ? I am watching your video on you cleaning and preparing the tank that is laying on it's side . I just purchased a 6 ft. tank 18 inches tall 24 inches wide . Haven't been able to find background scenery . Can you help or I have no choice but to paint . Thank you

[@oliviaholly9382]

hi only just discovered your channel and im sooo glad i did!! i have sand substrate and live plants but was told by the fish store i needed the aquarium soil, this has made my tank super messy :( do you use soil with the plants that are in your tank? i have plant nutrient drops would this make up fir the soil? thanks youre amazing :)

[@kylecarter5502]

I love pool filter sand. it's in every tank I have except my saltwater tank. oh and on a side note. 6 bags of 40lb sand is 240lbs.

[@buelliganx1]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that caught that lol

[@kylecarter5502]

@@buelliganx1 lol yup. surprising too. they are usually pretty good with their math.