How to add sand to an established tank?

hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
Well, I started with a decent sand bed. It was about 3-4 inches even all around, but over time - secondary to flow and such, a bit of the sand has migrated to the back of the tank - all around the rock and not really accessible. I would like to add a couple inches to the tank around the front. I'm afraid of making a mess - I remember the "sand storm" that it all initially produced. I also don't want to mess up the growth in the live sand.
So two questions:
1. What would be the best way to add it without hurting anything?
2. Is it necessary to buy "live sand" or would regular do?
thanks all!
 
rcoultas

rcoultas

Member
it is not necessary to buy live sand in an established system.
the best way to add it in with the least mess would be to put it into small containers slowly submerge the entire container to the sandbed and then slowly empty contents. this will still create a small "storm" but no where near as bad as dumping it in.
 
rcoultas

rcoultas

Member
additionally - if you are not using live sand you could also pre rinse a lot of the ultra fine particles before introducing to the tank. HTH
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
not necessary to pre-rinse with saltwater, correct?
and once it's in, should I "mix" it up some to incorporate the live with the new?
 
dcrawford

dcrawford

Member
Don't just cover the current sand bed. Take that cup of sand and gently mix over the surface, not down too deep. Covering could kill your existing sand bed.
 
dcrawford

dcrawford

Member
You really should not disturb the sand bed as it can release some toxic junk. How deep is the sand bed now?
 
renogaw

renogaw

Active Member
rcoultas is giving the best advise
as for killing your existing sand... as long as you don't cover it with more than 1/4" of sand per day you'll be fine. it just lets whatever microfauna get back to the top of the sand, you won't kill your existing sand. whatever you do, don't stir it.
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
Originally Posted by dcrawford
You really should not disturb the sand bed as it can release some toxic junk. How deep is the sand bed now?
The front is down to 1.5" in some places.
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
Originally Posted by renogaw
rcoultas is giving the best advise
as for killing your existing sand... as long as you don't cover it with more than 1/4" of sand per day you'll be fine. it just lets whatever microfauna get back to the top of the sand, you won't kill your existing sand. whatever you do, don't stir it.
Yeah, I've done the "no no" stirring a couple times... read up on it and now know better. Luckily it didn't seem to do any visible damage.
 
renogaw

renogaw

Active Member
1.5" of sand is in the "danger zone".
it's deep enough where SOME anaerobic bacteria may be forming at the bottom of the tank, yet shallow enough that any sand shift will easily get near it to kill it and possibly cause an ammonia spike.
unless you are going DSB in your DT, don't bother adding sand. you'll really get it nearer the danger zone and definitely get anaerobic bacteria dying off.
 
big

big

Active Member
Using a funnel tapped onto a lenght of PVC works well if you feel it is nessesary to add sand. Keeps from messing things up so much. Plus you can direct it only where you want to add more easily.
 
renogaw

renogaw

Active Member
Originally Posted by feelingfishy
Why Did He Copy My Aviatar

imitation is the biggest form of flattery? maybe he saw it on the same website you got yours from?
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
Wow.. 3 peeps from WV - this is the WV thread! Awesome!
Anyway. I guess the best choice is to go DSB. I think it would be a huge hassle and also dangerous to try to remove the existing sand and go bare bottom. I would think it would be better to slowly add to 4-5 inches. Would you all agree?
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
Originally Posted by feelingfishy
Why Did He Copy My Aviatar
best way is to take a pic of your fish and make your own anyway...
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
Originally Posted by renogaw
yes, but you're talking a good month to do it.
well, hey - as I've already learned in this hobby - pays to be patient...
So renogaw - would you go BB or DSB or leave as is - if you were in my shoes...
 
hefner413

hefner413

Active Member
also - I do have an engineer goby - should I take him back to the lfs before going DSB (if that's the final decision)
 
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