Making a bunch of changes

rob_ou

Member
I'm switching from CC to LS in a few days, as well as changing out my undergravel filter to a bio-wheel filter, and adding more light. Here is a detailed plan, and I'd like to be corrected if I'm wrong.
I've got a 20 gal
2 fish, and some inverts
First, my LFS is going to give me a cured bio-wheel so I don't have to cycle one. I plan on taking every that's alive and putting it in a NEW, clean, 5 gal bucket with the new filter and a heater. I'll use the water that's in the tank now. All live rock will go into another 5 gal bucket with water.
I'll siphon the rest of the water out, scoop out the CC, take out the UGF, and then pour in the sand. I plan on making the bed about an inch deep. I'm buying the kind that comes packed in water, the real "live" sand.
After that, I'll put the LR in, let the cloudiness settle for a few hours, then put the fish back in. I plan on making a 10 gallon water change at the same time.
My new light is a power compact 1/2 actinic 1/2 10,000k. 65 watts. I don't plan on putting anything with high light req's in there, so my LFS said 65w would be enough.
Here are my questions:
Does the LR actually sit IN the sand bed or just on top of it?
What can I grow with just 65w?
Do I need to acclimate my fish before putting them back in?
Am I missing any steps?
I plan on making a detailed guide when I get done for all those people wanting to make the switch.
Here's a pic of my current setup:
 

hot883

Active Member
If you place a heater in the holding cans with your fish, you should not have to acclimate them since you will be reusing the same water. Mix up new sw yes, but DON'T do a 50% water change. Just top off with the new water IMO. Thats how I changed out my substrate in my 55 gallon.
 

bluelagoon

Member
you also want to put the lr in FIRST, since it's supposed to sit on the bottom of the tank, otherwise it'll end up moving if something tries to burrow under it, etc. :happyfish
good luck!
 

rob_ou

Member
ok, thanks. The reason I was going to do a 50% water change is because that was all the storage I had. I guess I'll go get another 5 gallon bucket. Thanks for the help.
 
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