How to convert.....Quickly

cveverly

cveverly

Member
Originally Posted by dffhogs
http:///forum/post/2869798
I like the looks of sand so unless it is a major problem, I plan on putting it in.

Wait until you clean the tank and see how much waste is trapped in the existing sand. Then see if you still like sand.

Sand is ok but keep it shallow if you can.
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
do a light layer. about 1.5 inches. dont go past that, and don't go under 1 inch.. you will still get the aesthetics of sand but you wont be dealing with the garbage it stores over the years. with aht you will be able to store bottom feeders in the tank and they will adapt fine...too much and htey wont be able to keep up with it. when you do get sand make sure to pick your bottom feeders well. I have no recommendations...but have heard many testimonies of people around hear so im sure someone will have better input.
 
dffhogs

dffhogs

Member
Originally Posted by Saltman23
http:///forum/post/2880133
Any Updates?

Update:
The move went as I expected. I got the tank cleaned and moved onto the stand Friday. Saturday I started adding the water, 80 lbs of new sand and the rocks that didnt have any growth, along with heaters. Sunday I added the rocks with growth and toped it off with about 35 gallons of mixed saltwater.
It is a 180 gallon tank instead of a 210. 72" x 24" x 24"
It looks like everything that was growing on the rocks is still alive and doing well except for the calupera, I scrubed it off.
Just tested it and here are the results:
PH - 8.3
Alkalinity - 2.3 (says normal on the Red Sea pro-lab test card)
Ammonia - .25
Nitrite - 0.0
Nitrate - 0.0
Specific gravity - 1.024 (refractometer)
Like I said, everything looks alive and doing well.
How often should I continue to test and when can I add the fish back in?
 
dustyboy316

dustyboy316

Member
Scrub the algae off the rocks, and buy new sand before putting them in.
If you have a fish sitter just transport the tank and rock and water to your place. Then get some new sand and introduce it. If you're lucky no cycle will occur.
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
Originally Posted by dustyboy316
http:///forum/post/2880843
Scrub the algae off the rocks, and buy new sand before putting them in.
If you have a fish sitter just transport the tank and rock and water to your place. Then get some new sand and introduce it. If you're lucky no cycle will occur.

i thought he just bought that sand...80lbs worth. how can it be ruined?
 
reefforbrains

reefforbrains

Active Member
Test AT LEAST DAILY.
Optimum would be just before the lights come on in the moring, then once again just before the lights go out.
In your tanks Chem world those two readings would demonstrate the max swing.
Continue for a few weeks at least. You will begin to see how the tank reacts and changes daily. You will become familiar with its chem workings and anticipate the readings. Only then relax into a more relaxed routine.
 
rotarymagic

rotarymagic

Active Member
LOL @ 2.3meq/L alk being normal... what does that make my 5meq/L, insane? seriously though.. 2.3 is LOW regardless of what mr. red sea test card says. Sounds like you're off to a pretty good start aside from the alk.
 
dffhogs

dffhogs

Member
Originally Posted by ReefForBrains
http:///forum/post/2882664
Test AT LEAST DAILY.
Optimum would be just before the lights come on in the moring, then once again just before the lights go out.
In your tanks Chem world those two readings would demonstrate the max swing.
Continue for a few weeks at least. You will begin to see how the tank reacts and changes daily. You will become familiar with its chem workings and anticipate the readings. Only then relax into a more relaxed routine.
Thanks, will do...
 
dffhogs

dffhogs

Member
Originally Posted by Rotarymagic
http:///forum/post/2882665
LOL @ 2.3meq/L alk being normal... what does that make my 5meq/L, insane? seriously though.. 2.3 is LOW regardless of what mr. red sea test card says. Sounds like you're off to a pretty good start aside from the alk.
Do I need to raise it? If so, whats the easyest way? Baking soda?
 
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