Originally Posted by
Filip
Wise decision Frank . You can always add back a thin layer of sand once they are grown and you feed less or you feel confident with them .
The safest way IMO would be to siphon out the gravel gradually , part by part with every WC I.e. get it all out in a course of week siphoning out gradualy with every WC for 7 days .
That way you would give time to your beneficial bacteria to recover and transfer in the filter media and avoid mini cycle .
If you put out your discuss take it all out and perform 100% WC be prepared for changing a lot more water in the first 1-2 weeks until BB get balanced again .