How to add sand to an established tank?

[renogaw]

i'd leave it as it is, or even syphon out some of it and go to about 3/4" sand bed. less expensive, less dangerous, and your engineer goby wont lose it's home.

 

[hefner413]

Hey Ren, could you explain to me a little more about that? If 1.5 inches is "danger zone", how does going down to 3/4 help? thanks

 

[renogaw]

because there is NO chance of anaerobic bacteria

 

[saltymac]

Don't you need that anaerobic bacteria to complete the nitrogen cycle? It was my understanding that it was good...or am I confused?

 

[renogaw]

Yes, anaerobic bacteria is for changing nitrates into no2 (i believe that's the right chemical). BUT if it gets ANY direct oxygen, such as oxygen dissolved in water, it will die. millions of dead bacteria = a lot of ammonia
if you cannot go DSB you should look elsewhere to deplete your system of nitrates.

 

[renogaw]

another issue is sulfur, but someone else will have to explain that

 

[kat74]

I'm glad that you asked this question because I was wondering about this too. During my weekly water change, I will sometimes siphon up a little bit of the top layer of sand if it has extra detrius (sp?) on it, especially around my LR or in the very back. After awhile of doing this, I am sure that I'm gonna need more sand! LOL!
Great tips and advice here, guys!~

 

[hefner413]

So Ren, I'm still debating on whether or not to add the sand... is the only reason to NOT add the sand that it will take a while and be a hassle? B/c it sounds to me like the benefit would out-weigh the hassle...

 

[lesleybird]

Hi, I take a large, strong plastic freezer bag, put some of the sand in and cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and let it flow out close to the sand bed to keep from having a sand storm. Anearobic bacteria also lives deep in the small pores of the live rock for denitrification. Lesley

 

[kat74]

Originally Posted by Lesleybird
Hi, I take a large, strong plastic freezer bag, put some of the sand in and cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and let it flow out close to the sand bed to keep from having a sand storm. Anearobic bacteria also lives deep in the small pores of the live rock for denitrification. Lesley
That sounds like a good idea. I might have to try that!

 

[hefner413]

Thanks Lesley... another Q: I know one of the probs are bubbles... as the bubbles release, then the sand get's spread with them.. any way to get the sand out without bubbles pulling them towards the surface?