Adding sand to an established tank...

jennln

jennln

Member
Is this possible without causing problems/stress if residents of said tank couldn't be removed first? What I'm looking to do is deepen the sand bed (hind sight is always 20/20 :( ) From researching around a bit, it appears that there has been success from some by using a pvc pipe to kind of shoot the sand down without disrupting the tank and clouding the water. I'm guessing that live sand would be a bad call? Could that possibly cause a cycle or sorts? Or at the very least an ammonia/nitrate spike? Are there any possible problems/reactions from adding more sand that I'm clearly overlooking here? Thanks.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
I would add rinsed dry sand. I would use the PVC pipe method. Only put in about 1/4 of the sand at a time and only on about 1/4 of the original bed. Let that sit for a week, monitor ammonia and nitrites with some water ready for a change if necessary. I really don't think it will be but be prepared. Then after a week the new sand should have a decent bacteria colony and you can go ahead with the second 1/4 of the new sand on a differnet 1/4 of the tank. Wait a week again testing. Do this until complete.
Just my opinion.
 
slider101

slider101

Member
If you don't add live sand then what other sands are acceptable in an aquarium? Can you use play sand? It says that has been washed, cleaned, dried and sanitized. If you can't use that to the aquarium then what can you use?
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Dry Carbib Sea Aragonite is my favorite. Play sand may contain silicate which could lead into problems.
 
jennln

jennln

Member
Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2897482
I would add rinsed dry sand. I would use the PVC pipe method. Only put in about 1/4 of the sand at a time and only on about 1/4 of the original bed. Let that sit for a week, monitor ammonia and nitrites with some water ready for a change if necessary. I really don't think it will be but be prepared. Then after a week the new sand should have a decent bacteria colony and you can go ahead with the second 1/4 of the new sand on a differnet 1/4 of the tank. Wait a week again testing. Do this until complete.
Just my opinion.

Sounds like a plan. Thank you :)
 
jennln

jennln

Member
Originally Posted by slider101
http:///forum/post/2897535
If you don't add live sand then what other sands are acceptable in an aquarium? Can you use play sand? It says that has been washed, cleaned, dried and sanitized. If you can't use that to the aquarium then what can you use?


Play sand is not a good choice at all. Aragonite is what I planned to use...it doesn't have to be live sand...in a few weeks the aragonite will be live sand anyway and it will have only cost me half as much ;)
 
slider101

slider101

Member
Originally Posted by jennln
http:///forum/post/2897586
Play sand is not a good choice at all. Aragonite is what I planned to use...it doesn't have to be live sand...in a few weeks the aragonite will be live sand anyway and it will have only cost me half as much ;)
Where is the best place to get aragonite sand and about how much does it cost? Can it be added to the established tank without any problems?
 
jennln

jennln

Member
My lfs store carries it, although I'm sure you can just as easily find it at most online vendors of saltwater supplies. I can get a 10lb bag of live sand for 25 dollars or a 30lb bag of aragonite for 12 dollars - here at least, there's a big difference in cost. I personally think it's safer to add the aragonite to an established tank rather than the live sand (although I could be wrong lol) purely on the idea that I would be worried about the live sand causing my tank to cycle in a sense or causing an ammonia or nitrate spike. The live rock, live sand, established bacteria in an already established tank will take care of making the added aragonite sand live anyway in no time at all. At least that is my understanding of it.
 
coral head

coral head

Member
Originally Posted by slider101
http:///forum/post/2897599
Also, what is the recommened amount of sand needed for a 55 gal tank?
Less than 2" or more than 4" (6" is ideal)!
Use aragonite sand; no need to pay for live sand as explained quite nicely above.
Rick
 
slider101

slider101

Member
Originally Posted by Coral Head
http:///forum/post/2897654
Less than 2" or more than 4" (6" is ideal)!
Use aragonite sand; no need to pay for live sand as explained quite nicely above.
Rick
Does the aragonite sand need to be cycled? I have CC now and thinking about switching to sand. Approx how many pounds would I need for the 2" think bed of sand in a 55 gal?
 
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