Help with a suprise

[Buddiechrist]

Well since Mikes been a bit depressed lately I thought I'd be nice to finally get rid of my African Cichlids / tin foil barbs (in a 75g) to make another catfish tank for Mike, as he was saying if we didn't have those cichlids he can get some more SA cats. But this is where the problem starts, I don't think I know enough to do it all in a day before he were to get home from work. I'm not sure if I can use the same bedding material as whats in the tank already. I think he said it was called Crushed Arganite (Don't know if that is correct) that is what is currently in the tank (almost looks like tons of itty bitty pieces of bone) I think he said it did something special for the water but I'm not sure what that is.

Would I need to change it to black pebbles and sand like he has in the rest of his catfish tanks?

Also I can give the Cichlids to a friend that already has some in a 55g but I'm not sure what to do with the Tin Foil barbs, they are queit large (biggest probably 8-9 inches)but too small to go into his monster tanks. So if I do, do this how do you get rid of them in a day, I don't want to have to take them to a pet store, but I don't think I'd be able to post them for sale or free without having to drive, as when I start this I can't stop until its done as I want it to be a surprise, and cycling.

Please if you have any information or tricks or if I've totally overlooked something.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yes. His substrate maintains high pH which is great for Africans but not for S.A. catfish. It may also be too coarse or rough for catfish.

[Buddiechrist]

Yes. His substrate maintains high pH which is great for Africans but not for S.A. catfish. It may also be too coarse or rough for catfish.

Dang, that would explain a lot.

How much sand or pebbles do you think it would take to replace it, its 48Inches longX18Inces wide.

Also would I be able to use the drift wood / plants that's in the tank currently or would I need to get new ones as I thought Mike mentioned something about the wood helping with pH as well, and if so what would be the wood to use as I know its wood but the kinds I dunno.