New sand

[jaxfishgirl]

Ok, so I am moving and upgrading my 55 to a 75 gallon. I currently HATE my sand. It's super fine and just horrible looking. I am wanting to get new sand, I really like the look of the Fiji Pink reef sand. How would I go about doing this? I plan on rinsing the sand since it comes in the bag with water and "live" bacteria.
I am using the stand from my 55 gallon for the new 75 gallon. So I will be setting up new water a few days prior to the move. Will the new sand cause a cycle?
Help is MUCH appreciated

 

[ibanez]

Personally, I would set the new tank up with water, stack the bottom layer of your live rock, pour the new sand in around the liverock, wait till the water clears up then put the rest of the liverock and fish in, you should avoid a minicycle that way.

 

[ibanez]

Also, if you want to add rock, you may get some dry base rock for the bottom layer of your reef, that would even be better.

 

[jaxfishgirl]

I would like to do that. Do I just put the fish in a temporary holding bucket while I do all this? I am using the stand my 55 gal in on right now so I cant set up the new 75 before hand.

 

[ibanez]

Yes, they should be fine if you have a heater and a powerhead or two. I like the rubbermade containers because it gives them a little more swimming room which causes less stress. Throw a couple pieces of live rock in it too for hiding and bacteria.

 

[jaxfishgirl]

Sweet, thanks. I am DREADING this lol. I will buy a large rubbermaid container for them to hang out in. Should I save some of my water also?

 

[ibanez]

It shouldn't hurt anything if you get it before you stir up too much of anything. I would. I think you will probably enjoy it once it gets going. Moving our 90 gallon wasn't as bad as I expected. Just take your time stacking your rock and make sure you get it how you want it so you don't have any accidents and you don't have to move it around too much once it gets set up.

 

[jaxfishgirl]

Thanks so much for your help. I am excited i get to aquascape again. LOL. I may do the 2 island look. I think I will get some base rock to put in there on the bottom.

 

[ibanez]

GL

 

[jaxfishgirl]

thx