Adding live sand

[aliciak]

My tanks been set up now for 3 weeks with LR and LS. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate are all at 0. There are blue legged hermits and diatoms on the LS bed right now, but the bed isn't as deep as I'd like it to be. Can I add more live sand by cup fulls in certain places where it is low? Do I need to make sure not to bury any crabs? And how will this affect the brown diatom carpet I have going on?

 

[elan]

yes.. you can add sand in small layers if wanting to protect any creatures in or on the sand... your crabs should be able to dig their way out.. not sure how deep, all depends on the attitude of the one you have... but i would put down an inch right on top of the bugger.. and watch to see... if he makes it.. your good to go. if not.. dig him out and try half.

 

[elan]

oh.. the diatom, i am afraid it will probably come back... but best thing to do is nothing at all... it will go away on its own.... not sure if your tank is ready for one... but maybe a queen or fighting conch.. i have a few in my tank (and i really need to give a couple away since i only want to keep one) but they are voracious diatom/detrius eaters, and is really cool to watch.