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i got a used 55g that came with some gravel. but i dont want to use the gravel. so i bought some new gravel.

i heard that you cant change the gravel because the "good bacteria" will be destroyed.

can i avoid doing this or is it too much of a risk?

BeastKeeper

Even if you used the old gravel there is a good chance all the bacteria is dead anyway.

Do you have any other filtration system in the tank, if so there would be bacteria there?

I think you would go through a Mini Cycle because of the new gravel

To change the gravel you will have to do a full pull down therefore your fish will have to be in another tank or a container of some sort.

Make sure you clean the gravel extremly well a litle extra care here will save you not having to look at a murky tank for a while.

There are several products that you can add eg SERA Bio Starter at the prescribed rate to restart the system going again.

I always add some to my 10% waterchange every week this helps to keep the good bacteria in its origional form

Keith

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Are meaning to change the gravel while the tank is running with fish and full of water? If so, you can do it with the tank full and the fish in there, well at least I have done it before a couple of times.
Do it on a day when there is suppose to be a waterchange and vac. Pre-wash the gravel or substrate before starting anything and wash it throughly. Remove decorations from half the tank. This will allow hiding spots on the side for the fish. I found a small fish net works good as a scoop, careful not to stratch bottom. Remove the gravel. Replace with new. Replace decor. Some people say wait a week untill doing the other side gravel swap, but I have done it all in one day without any mini-cycle, providing you have good filtration. Don't change the filter media right before or after this. hope this help..........openwater