Adding new gravel during cycling

tigga

Hey

I added a small bag of gravel when I set up my 29g tank. I was wondering if I can add more gravel after a week and a half of cycling. There is 5 hardy fish cycling the tank. Will overlying the existing gravel with new gravel trap waste and destroy the bacteria.

Thanks

Amphitrite

I don't think it should be a big problem. I think it might be worthwhile to shift the exiting gravel to one side as much as possible, lay the new gravel and the put the old gravel over it. Either that, or add a small amount of new gravel at a time.

But as long it you don't take it out of the tank I really can't see it being a problem.

tigga

okay thanks...I guess I'll shift the existing gravel and add the new gravel to the empty space

fish_4_all

I agree with Kate that it won't hurt anything. I would just add the gravel and them mix it all up so that the gravel that has started to get the bacteria for the cycle contacts the new gravel to aids in the seeding the new gravel and growth of bacteria.