Cycling sand?

[nothing]

Just realized the sand I bought online is dry packed so it's not "live" sand... however also advertised is a live sand that can be used to "jump-start" the process... I have a 30 gal that is essentially fish only with just one zoo that I found super cheap at the LFS...
I'm swapping crushed coral out for live sand and wanted to try to get the swap done in the process of one day. Will it hurt to add just the "dead" sand and let it cycle on it's own with all the livestock added back in? And should I worry about purcashing another bag of "live" sand to speed up the bacteria growth? Will there be a noticeable cycle like when curing live rock or is it subtle enough that live stock will be ok?

 

[socal57che]

Couple questions.
Do you currently have live rock?
(rock should be cured before it hits your DT)
You will likely cycle with the substrate replacement, but maybe not very hard.
(small to moderate spike) monitor water closely. You may release nitrates when the CC is removed.
What kind of filtration do you use? This will affect possibility of a cycle due to the ability of bacteria present to control waste products.

 

[socal57che]

ps........if you find a local reef club someone will prolly give you some live sand. (if you need it, that is)

 

[nothing]

Yes, I have 45 pounds of cured live rock now. The system is fairly stable but I can't seem to completely eliminate the nitrates. I had an anemone for about 3 weeks but it just died so I feel like the only way to get the nitrates down and keep them down is to switch to a sand bed from crushed coral.
Currently for filtration I have two power filters (one with established bio-wheel). I was planning to pump the water into a rubbermaid, transfer live rock out, then transfer fish out, then crabs and snails then siphon the water down to about 2" above crushed coral and scoop all the stuff out and dispose of it. Then place the sand in and pump the water back in, re-set the live rock and then add the fish back in.
So basically I'll end up doing probably a 15-20% water change through the whole ordeal but will largely be using the same water so my question is, will the non-living aragonite cause any tank cycling or is it safe to add my fish back in as soon as the water clears?

 

[socal57che]

If your tank isn't very big, then the rock you have, along with your filter, will probably give you enough biological cushion that you can reintroduce your livestock without issue. I would have plenty of water premixed for a few water changes, if needed, just in case. Your rock will seed the sand so I wouldn't bother buying any live sand.

 

[machota]

Originally Posted by socal57che
If your tank isn't very big, then the rock you have, along with your filter, will probably give you enough biological cushion that you can reintroduce your livestock without issue. I would have plenty of water premixed for a few water changes, if needed, just in case. Your rock will seed the sand so I wouldn't bother buying any live sand.
Nice car (off the subject)

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by MachoTA
Nice car (off the subject)
Why, thank you. (also off the subject)
I deduce from your user name that you may be a Pontiac fan.

 

[machota]

Originally Posted by socal57che
Why, thank you. (also off the subject)
I deduce from your user name that you may be a Pontiac fan.
Used to be drive a corvette now.

 

[frankthetank]

Here's what you do....
This is VERY doable!! I have done it.
Just get one or two or as many as you need plastic tubs from target or walmart. Put everything into them including water with a heater and some flow to keep them alive. They'll do just fine without light for a couple or three days.
Then empty the tank and cc. Get it all clean and add your sand. Start adding water... it's ok to add some new water. Just think of it as a big water change. If you have a LFS, they may have some water for sale that is a little more aged (that's what I did). Then add everything back into the tank. Now you have a brand new sand bed and everything will be fine! As long as your LR is cycled and mature, you will not have a re cycle. I swear by it. I have done it twice without a re cycle.

 

[nothing]

Originally Posted by socal57che
Why, thank you. (also off the subject)
I deduce from your user name that you may be a Pontiac fan.
MachoTA and I used to be in the same car club before we became addicted to a new drug (salt water fish), I had a '00 SS and he had a Mecham TA which as you clearly know used to be known as the "Macho TA"....
Thanks for the help by the way!

 

[nothing]

Originally Posted by FranktheTank
Here's what you do....
This is VERY doable!! I have done it.
Just get one or two or as many as you need plastic tubs from target or walmart. Put everything into them including water with a heater and some flow to keep them alive. They'll do just fine without light for a couple or three days.
Then empty the tank and cc. Get it all clean and add your sand. Start adding water... it's ok to add some new water. Just think of it as a big water change. If you have a LFS, they may have some water for sale that is a little more aged (that's what I did). Then add everything back into the tank. Now you have a brand new sand bed and everything will be fine! As long as your LR is cycled and mature, you will not have a re cycle. I swear by it. I have done it twice without a re cycle.
Sounds easy enough, I'm a little scared but should be able to pull it off!

 

[michaeltx]

Just realized the sand I bought online is dry packed so it's not "live" sand... however also advertised is a live sand that can be used to "jump-start" the process... I have a 30 gal that is essentially fish only with just one zoo that I found super cheap at the LFS...
if you got this from a store then I would ask for a refund if its dry because the bacteria you paid a premium for is dead.
i agree get some sand from as many different tanks as you can because it will diversify your tank.
Mike

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by nothing
MachoTA and I used to be in the same car club before we became addicted to a new drug (salt water fish), I had a '00 SS and he had a Mecham TA which as you clearly know used to be known as the "Macho TA"....
Thanks for the help by the way!
forgeddaboudit....

 

[nothing]

Originally Posted by MichaelTX
if you got this from a store then I would ask for a refund if its dry because the bacteria you paid a premium for is dead.
i agree get some sand from as many different tanks as you can because it will diversify your tank.
Mike
Well I got it from a reputable online store and it's already shipped... it was $35 for 40 lbs, so it was cheaper than the stuff that is advertised live, but it was advertised as reef sand substrate but I didn't realize when I ordered it.. it makes sense that the bacteria will grow and the more I rationalize it should make it easier because there theoretically should be no die off and thus, no ammonia spike from introducing it to an already established tank... yes? no?

 

[michaeltx]

if its dry you wont have a spike. just add it very very slowly or you will get a dust storm in the tank that can cause its own set of problems.
Mike

 

[socal57che]

A spike may come from disturbing the substrate for removal. Most of your stuff will be down (skimmer, filter, rock) so it will be minimal at best...or should I say worst??

 

[michaeltx]

yeah if you remove it then add it then yes you can get a spike .
I think I crossed a thread here somewhere my bad.
Mike

 

[nothing]

Well I planned to do as outlined above, remove everything into a 30 gal rubbermaid and then add the sand and slowly pump the water in on top of a trash bag (as I've read), the dust storm shouldn't be too bad and the filters should be able to clear it up in an hour or two (I hope). All the crushed coral will have already been removed but only after I've siphoned most of the original water out as to not contaminate it.