How do replace substrate?

[timsedwards]

Hi guys,
Well when I first set up the tank nearly a year ago, i used normal sand. Obviously after hearing the advantages of live sand, I added a load of this on top of the existing (and distinctly greyer) sand. Well now the horrible looking gray sand stuff is working its way back up to the top. I guess I should be pleased that my little bristleworm friends are doing such a fab job, but it doesnt look very appealing at all.
How would I go about emptying all of the existing sand and replacing it with live sand. And will the whole tank then re-cycle?
Thoughts and suggestions are most welcome!
Tim.

 

[timsedwards]

I have just gently disturbed the surface of the substrate, and there are wierd 'sticky up things' pointing out of the sand....any ideas? hope this pic helps...?
Thanks!
Tim.

 

[timsedwards]

bump

 

[zibnata]

I had CC and siphoned it out a section at a time.I did it over a few week period. Than I added live aragonite. Tank didnt cycle

 

[dwarfflameback]

Unfortunately it will be a little messy. We had crushed coral and changed to a DSB. Get some large Rubbermaid containers and take out your rock, some water etc... Remove the substrate. If you are going to a DSB and have some sort of sand sift creatures you may want to put some PVC pipe in the bottom of your tank then put in you sand and rock. Use a pump on low flow and a dish of some sort and let the water fill the dish and over flow to fill the tank. This will keep the sandstorm to a minimum.

 

[thomas712]

Originally posted by timsedwards
I have just gently disturbed the surface of the substrate, and there are wierd 'sticky up things' pointing out of the sand....any ideas? hope this pic helps...?
Tim do a search on Spionid worms.