i have 2 media bags inside my tank right now with some old gravel and also running my old filter HOB(marineland penguin 150b with bio-wheel) to help jump start my cycle. How to Repurpose Your Old Fish Tank ... Add an inch or two of pea gravel to the bottom of a clean fish tank, followed by sterilized potting soil several inches deep. Aside from some cases of algae overgrowth, there are generally few visible indications of the significant changes that have occurred in the water parameters.However, water tests will show a different picture. Step 2 Add your favorite terrarium-friendly plants such as small ferns, African violets and short peace lilies. Scoop gravel out of aquarium, rinse in the bathtub, and then a final rinse with the reasonably cleanish water from the top half of the aquarium. Using a Gravel Vacuum. Option 2: Seeding Gravel. That said, I don't have nearly as much old aquarium gravel as you do! Fish tank vacuums are designed to quickly and easily remove bits of uneaten food and other waste that settles to the bottom of the tank. More pails, a spaghetti strainer, and a recycling bucket came into play. Cleaning your fish tank gravel with a vacuum made specifically for the fish tank is the easiest method of cleaning. Aquarium substrate refers to whatever substance it is you choose to line the bottom of your tank. The first step in cleaning aquarium gravel, the easiest way, is to pour one bag at a time into a bucket outside of home or office. Therefore, choosing the right substrate is an important part of caring for your goldfish properly. Cons: Setting up another tank can be a hassle and costly if you need to buy the equipment, not to mention a month can be a long time for some people to wait. Pros: You can keep your fish tank looking great and then instantly change the gravel once the temporary setup has cycled. Place the bucket below the aquarium level then start the vacuum process by submerging the kit in your tank. I've put it in planted areas around our yard, it seems to have lots of old yuck in it to make plants grow. For many aquarium hobbyists, gravel vacuums are the tool of choice when it comes to cleaning the substrate in your tank.These tools are available in a variety of sizes and some models even come with attachments that are designed to reach into corners and underneath tank … Once the water was out I had to deal with all of the soggy, fish-poo laden gravel. Get your aquarium gravel vacuum cleaning kit and the old water bucket. However, a fish tank gravel … It not only substantially affects the overall look of your aquarium, it can also influence the chemistry of the water and the health and well-being of the fish in the tank.. Aquarium gravel can be used to delineate garden sections, as well as mulched or paved areas. 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