How to add sand to a bare bottom

[fishy7]

A friend of mine has a 270 gallon with a bare bottom. He wants to add a 5" SB.
What is the best way to do this? He is going to buy LS form the LFS.
Thank you

 

[mushroomss]

if there is already water in the tank,open the bag but keep it closed with your fingers.slowly submerge it and try not to disturb the sand.slowly sink it to the bottom.once you have it at the bottom open one end of it and slowly shake out the sand as close to the bottom as you can.this tends to make the smallest ''sand storm'' if any at all.Hope this helps!

 

[candycane]

Yeah, you put the sand in the tank. When it comes the sand storm, try to shut off your water movement. In the long run though you really cant do anything to prevent it.

 

[big]

Try a PVC pipe and a funnel, works well

 

[fishy7]

Thanks guys for all your help. Did not want to have an issue parameters. Good idea with the pvc pipe.

Thanks again

 

[mushroomss]

trust me fishy my way dosent even make a sand storm.im guessing the pvc could work but would be a pain to spread the sand and pour it at the same time.well anyways good luck!

 

[lenny23]

Wouldn't adding LS to an established tank cause a problem? Like an ammonia spike or something? Is the tank stocked? I am still learning so excuse my ignorance.

 

[sebae09]

the best way is to cut an X in the top of the bag and lower it into the tank than flip it over at the bottem.

 

[lenny23]

bump

 

[fender]

If it is truly LS then no, you shouldn't see a spike of any kind (unless you bury a fish or 10). And you won't see the typical sand storm (lasting 3-5 days) that dry sand (southdown etc.) causes because it already is wet and has bacteria on it (That is what makes LS LS afterall).

 

[fishy7]

Thanks for the info. Looks like a go for the SB.....