need to change substrate... how?

[jenny_rs]

I am currently using regular gravel for my Sw tank and just started my cycle, but i want to change it to either LS or crushed coral. to do this, would i have to start my cycle over again? or is there a way i can change the gravel to sand/chrushed coral without disturbing the cycle? or can i stick with using the regular gravel? also, if i want to eventually have a bubble tip anemone, would i need to have the sand/crushed coral? thanks in advance!

 

[bojik]

Originally Posted by Jenny_RS
I am currently using regular gravel for my Sw tank and just started my cycle, but i want to change it to either LS or crushed coral. to do this, would i have to start my cycle over again? or is there a way i can change the gravel to sand/chrushed coral without disturbing the cycle? or can i stick with using the regular gravel? also, if i want to eventually have a bubble tip anemone, would i need to have the sand/crushed coral? thanks in advance!
Yes it would probably restart the cycle. If you don't want sand shifter/sifters or diggers you should be find with it you could always seed a little LS on it wich would settle into it. Though ls/dry argonite adds buffering capacity to your tank. Which many LR types also do.

 

[jenny_rs]

okay so basically all i have to do is just add the LS to the tank? not a whole lot of course since there is the gravel there already...

i have live rock, only one pound though. going to pick up some more this week. would that be enough? i don't plan on adding any of those types of fish, no. right now only clownfish.

 

[bojik]

Then you should be fine. Get plenty of LR ~1-1.5 pounds per gallon of tank is what most seem to suggest minimum. Also you can always save some cost and get some nice peices of bass rock to stack on/with too. It will turn to live rock and over time start getting the coraline algae too.
EDIT: also how big of a tank and how thick of gravel currently? If the tank is large enough you might beable to dump a whole 20lb of live sand over the gravel and let it settle on its own