How to Permanently Remove Aquarium Gravel

Sometimes it is necessary to permanently remove the gravel from an aquarium tank. Without gravel, many bacteria and harmful substances do not grow inside the tank; algae and other problems are also more likely to stay away. There are two ways to remove gravel from an aquarium. One method is done all at once, potentially risking the health of the fish. The other method takes several months, but preserves the biological balance of the aquarium water.

Things You'll Need

  • Gravel aquarium vacuum
  • Large scoop
  • Trash can or other container
  • Rubber gloves
  • Siphon
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Instructions

  1. Without Water

    • 1

      Drain half the water from the tank using the siphon. Siphon the water into a large bucket or sink, if one is nearby.

    • 2

      Remove all fish, plants, filters, heaters and other aquarium equipment. To prevent electrical shock, be sure the equipment is no longer plugged into an electrical socket before removing it from the tank.

    • 3

      Drain the remaining half of the water from the tank. It may be impossible to drain all of the water from the tank with the siphon. If a few inches of water remain, this will not cause a problem during removal.

    • 4

      Use a large scoop to take the gravel out from the bottom of the tank. Place the gravel in a trash can or other container if you plan to reuse it in another aquarium. When you have removed all of the gravel, replace all fish, plants and water back inside the tank.

    With Water

    • 5

      Connect the aquarium vacuum to a power source. Place the vacuum inside the tank, over the surface of the gravel, and turn it on. Suck about one-fourth of the gravel out of the tank. A vacuum prevents harmful bacteria present under the surface of the rocks from releasing into the water, which could kill the fish and plants. Add fresh water and nutrients just like you would for a regular water change.

    • 6

      Repeat the same process about one month later, removing an additional one-fourth of the original gravel amount. The removal process is done over time to prevent the disruption of fish life while the fish are inside the tank. Removing the gravel all at once may cause an ammonia and nitrate imbalance, which can sicken or kill the resident fish and plants.

    • 7

      Repeat the removal process over a period of several months until you have removed all of the gravel from the tank. This will allow the fish and plants to live without disruption or disease.