Changing from gravel to sand

[lbbudd]

Hello,
I want to replace my gravel and under ground filter in my DT with sand. (ya what was i thinking when i choose gravel) It's a 65 gal with 20gal refugium. I was thinking of doing it in phase 3 phases. My thought was to remove 1/3 of the gravel from one side. Then place the sand in containers in that area for about 1-2 weeks for bacteria growth. Second phase I would remove another 3rd of the gravel and place more sand in that area. Final step would be remove the remaining gravel and spread the sand out. Also tank is about 6 months old.

What am I missing?
What will the effect be on fish and coral?
Is there a better way?

Thanks

 

[luisagos]

I would suck the gravel out with a shop vac. Attach 1/2 hose, bigger if the gravel are larger to the shop vac, use duct tape works great.

You will lose a lot of water, but you will suck all the junk with it. Just vacuum till you get around 20% of water removed every week till all the gravel is gone.
You clean out the gravel and do a water change at the same time.

You add sand slowly over time, or just go bare bottom, which might be better in the long run anyways.