Swapping out substrate

[sangodh]

I currently have fluval stratum but Its just a mess every water change. I know carib sea is a good option but would I have to remove the old or could I get away with just topping it off? 

[CJs Aquatics]

this is probably a preference thing because eighter way will work. You could remove the old, and if you went that route I would suggest just a little at a time rather then all at once. Or you could cap it with sand if you don’t want to take it all out and don’t mind the look…

[nabokovfan87]

It's going to mix. Always will.

What is the use case for your substrate, do you just want something "good" or a certain visual? Is there something specific in the tank that needs anything?

If you want to cap it with sand, then you're basically looking at 2.5" or higher thickness of sand. If the stratum has already turned to mush, then you're probably just at the time where you need to change it out.

 

[sangodh]

Mush is an issue with it. I know what a cloudy disaster it was putting it in. If I can cap it without that hassle or worrying about crashing my cycle I think I'll just go that route. Thanks you guys! I appreciate the help

 

[knee]

On 3/9/2023 at 4:06 PM, sangodh said:

mess every water change

How does it make a mess when you do a water change?