Adding sand

[f_150ryan]

Hey Ive had my tank running for about 3 months all param are good. I was thinking about adding more sand to my sand bed. I've seen several pics on here with 2" sand beds. My is only about 1". Would it be a problem. Its live sand, dont know the brand. Also I know not to stir it up and mess up the benifical bac underneath.. Thanks sorry so long

 

[rcoultas]

Adding sand is not a problem unless you have a well established system and add more than 1/4 - 1/2 inch at a time. It is best to add it incrementally so as not to bury and kill critters that may end up causing an ammonia spike. To avoid the sand storm just put the sand into small containers and slowly lower them to the sand bed and dump. HTH

 

[f_150ryan]

Thanks

 

[dinogeorge]

And turn off your powerheads and limit the water movement when you do it.
Good luck man!

 

[lexluethar]

Adding sand won't be a problem at all. Just add small amounts and be careful not to burry anything. Your tank will be cloudy for a while, just turn of all your PH and filters until it settles. To help reduce the cloudy water rinse off the sand A LOT before adding it to the tank.

 

[snakeblitz33]

If you want, wash it to make sure that some of the cloudy stuff is out of the sand. Have fun.

 

[f_150ryan]

If im adding live sand then I cant rinse it off right????

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by f_150ryan
If im adding live sand then I cant rinse it off right????
You can rinse it in saltwater. I wouldn't turn your powerheads off, but move them up from the sand. Use your hand to cover the cup. Oxygen is very important to break down any ammonia from any die off on the sand. Add a little at a time all day long. Don't let the sand get cold or dry.