Adding tetra active substrate to an established aquarium

[florer]

I'm thinking of adding Tetra Active substrate to my existing 90-litre tank, which has a single blackmoor in it. The tank currently has fine black gravel, but I want to add the new substrate underneath and keep the black gravel on top. I've got a spare smaller tank ready as a temporary home for Vader, but I'm worried about the potential disruption to the tank's stability and whether it'll be safe to put him back in afterwards. Has anyone done something similar?

[Giggletons]

I'd probably move Vader to the spare tank first, then add the tetra active substrate. Let it settle for a week or so before putting the fish back in - that way you'll minimize the disruption to the tank's stability.

[kingrise]

It's not going to be easy, to be honest. Moving the Moor to a temporary holding tank, like a 5-gallon bucket with some aeration, is a must. Then, you'll need to take out all the decorations and the existing gravel, and drain the tank completely. After that, I'd recommend giving the tank a good clean before adding the new substrate, which should be washed beforehand.

[Giggletons]

It's not going to be easy, to be honest. Moving the Moor to a temporary holding tank, like a 5-gallon bucket with some aeration, is a must. Then, you'll need to take out all the decorations and the existing gravel, and drain the tank completely. After that, I'd recommend giving the tank a good clean before adding the new substrate, which should be washed beforehand.

I'm pretty sure you're not meant to wash active substrate, I didn't when I first had a tank and it was fine.

[willie32]

Adding active substrate can be a challenge, especially in the initial days. Ammonia spikes are common, so be prepared for daily water changes to maintain stability. I recommend following the Tropica setup guide - daily for a week, then every other day for a week, followed by three, two, and finally back to weekly changes on the fifth week.

As for washing the active substrate, it's not necessary, especially since you're capping it. However, I do suggest washing the gravel you'll be using as a cap, as it can stir up unwanted particles.

[florer]

Thanks for the advice, I suspected I'd have to do regular water changes, but that's not a major issue for me, I'll just keep a close eye on the water parameters. This is my first time using active substrate, I've been keen to give it a go to see if I can get some live plants to thrive as I've struggled with them in the past.