rescaping and changing cap in existing tank

[Juicebox]

im going to empty one of my tanks out, i think i have maybe a half inch too much of dirt in there, and i also dont really like the play sand colour. what i would like to do is take out all the play sand,take out about half inch layer of dirt then cap the dirt with some black coloured cap, plant and refill...

im lookin for info from others who have done something similar before,any pointers on how to make it as less messy as possibly,the best ways to scoop the old sand out,what tools to use and such?


im also lookin for a cheap black coloured cap for my dirt, anyone know of something that will meet my needs?

i do have black gravel but its fairly big and id rather stay away from big gravelas i think when i take plants out and do cleanings and such the dirt could float up through it

[aokashi]

black beauty blasting sand is quite nice. it's taking the sand cap out that will be a bit of hard work. i suggest y drain everything, scoop the sand out along with some of the soil. Then redo he cap. best to wet the new sad then kind of mould it back on over the soil.