Old tank sprung a leak, got a new tank today and I am thinking of switching from gravel to sand?

[khart0126]

Is there any way to get the critters/worms/ect living in my current tank (with the crushed coral) out safely and put into my new tank (which I want to use sand in) when I switch over? Or will I effectively be killing all of them?

 

[lmforbis]

I think it would be difficult. Sand is definitely a better option. You wouldn't want to use the old gravel no matter what. Once you stir it up it can cause problems. If it were me I'd take a cup or two of the old gravel, maybe rinse with some clean salt water a couple times. You can use this to seed the new sand with life.

 

[2quills]

Agreed just use some of the old stuff if you can. Do you expect a lot of down time in between setting up the new one and breaking down the old one?

I'd do one of the following. Either just find a inconspicuous location to put some of the old CC in (like the back of the tank or behind rocks).

Or get a plastic container and drill a bunch of small holes in it and set the container with some of the old CC in the new tank for a while.

 

[khart0126]

Agreed just use some of the old stuff if you can. Do you expect a lot of down time in between setting up the new one and breaking down the old one?

I'd do one of the following. Either just find a inconspicuous location to put some of the old CC in (like the back of the tank or behind rocks).

Or get a plastic container and drill a bunch of small holes in it and set the container with some of the old CC in the new tank for a while.

Perhaps putting some of the old CC underneath the new sand would work as well?

 

[one-fish]

Are you are also transferring your LR if so a lot will transfer over if done in a timely manner. Seed new sand with your existing substrate

 

[khart0126]

Are you are also transferring your LR if so a lot will transfer over if done in a timely manner. Seed new sand with your existing substrate

Thanks! I am indeed transferring my rocks!

 

[beth]

I can't imagine that much living in a crushed coral environment. Crushed coral has very sharp jagged edges that pretty much will kill off most sandbed creatures.