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hi all once again!:

I'm going to face a gigantic task to solve the problems I have with my 240litres Rena tank.

I need to get it empty, remove the box filter, change the sand, put it all up again and instal a new external filter.

I get tired just by reading this...

I'll start for puting the externar filter working (eheim pro2) to let some bacteria colonies grow on it, then

I was thinking about assemple a temporary tank for my fishes (a couple of gouramies and 7 tiger barbs) in some sort of plastic tank I have heater, air pump and a internal filter, I even got lome light with a nice neon lamp I have so, will they do fine on a platic container?

Then i'll empty the tank remove the sand and pass the plants to my other tank (no the barbs and the gouramies CAN'T go there).

Then remove the box filter that is glued to one side of the tank, it's a black large box that takes to mutch space i think and i'm goin to try to remove it, anyone has try anything similar?

Now the fun part: new sand, new setup, re-assemble the external filter...and wait how many days till put the fishes back in?

Most people who change substrate just do it with the fish in it... If you are careful and take your time, you'll end up with a relatively clear tank (sure, there'll be some haze due to detritus floating around, but that will settle in a day or two) and less stressed fishes because you don't have to chase, net, transfer, then chase, net and transfer again.

Is there a way to take that internal filter off w/o removing the fish?

Changing substrate is a straight-forward task, so that's not an issue. Why do you think you need to remove them all?

Changing the substrate should be done carefully if you are planning on leaving the fish in. Falling rocks and just the general mayhem can stress the fish out quite a bit. If you first remove most of the water (put it in your temporary tanks if you're using one) netting the fish out is a snap.

If you're running the filter on the temp tank you should be okay, just dont leave it off for much longer than an hour. Keep in mind that by changing the substrate to a new one you'll lose a massive ammount of your bacterial colonies. Make plans to keep some of the old gravel in some clean nylon stockings or some sort of netting that can hang inside the tank for three to four weeks after the switch. If you havent any bags to use you can always use a shallow dish, just make sure it has enough of an edge that the fish don't knock all the gravel into your new substrate and that when adding water you don't pour it right over the dish.

As for taking the box off the inside of the tank. If the tank is glass carefully try using a straight razor blade (obviously asking for help if necessary). If it's acrylic you could try some extra strength fishing line and slide it between the acrylic and box, use some heavy duty rubber gloves if the line cuts into your hand too far.

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Shouldn't be horrible, Smaug. I shifted from a 70G to a 125G in one day by maintaining the fully seeded Pro II on the holding cannister for the fish.

I might have had an advantage as I used EcoComplete for the substrate in the 125G - no rinsing!

Babel has a good caution on the bacteria colonies. Although the Pro II should build a great colony in two or three weeks, do consider using Bio-Spira or a similar product to kickstart the tank colony. Pay particular attention to water changes and tests the first couple of weeks.

Your fish should be able to go in the same day if you aren't overcrowded. If you are, consider "lending" a few fish to friends of your LFS.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Make sure you start the filter as soon as you get it going this will help, also there are several good brands of products that have the good bacteria. I can buy a (Called)live bacteria which is kept in the frig at all times.
I have used it and never a problem. Also remenber to add the new bacteria at every water change this keeps the origional good bacteria at its full strength.

Keith

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