Question about adding sand

[fishylisa]

Hi I have a cat shark and a naso tang and a wolf eel and the setup I have does not have enough sand in it...can I buy the sand from saltwaterfish and put it in the tank with them in there? should I exspect a spike in in nitrate or any other bad spikes when I do it?......The shark is new and I don't want to upset him but I have a lot of rumble on the bottom right now and I'm sure that's not good for him....Thanks for your help.

 

[trippkid]

I don't see any problem with adding more. I would only add a little at a time if possible. Turn all pumps off when putting the sand in and let it settle some before turning the pumps back on. I would rinse, unless live sand(then just drain), put it in a bowl or big cup, then try to lower the cup or bowl in the water without the sand going all over the place, when you get near or at the bottom, pour the sand where you want it(does this make any sense), some will get stirred up, but if you keep the pumps off for a little while it should clear up in no time. Good luck, you may want to feed before having you hands and arms in the tank, I don't know, never had sharks or eels, don't know how aggressive they are about you being in their space. I hope you stay here, sorry about you "clickish" feeling, I don't think it is bad here at all, some places are definitely that way.
I try not to be that way, usually just look for coral questions or equipment type help. Good luck and have a happy new year.
Matt

 

[crashbandicoot]

ok here is the thing . The sand you need to add to your tank is going to need to be very fine so it wont irritate the sharks belly . So there for your going to want to do as said above and add it a little at a time . Dont just dump it in all wild and crazy . This will cloud the water up and in a sence the fish will be breathing sandy water and thats not going to help any thing . Turn off your pumps and powerheads and let it settle a few minutes and then just go slow and you'll be fine .

 

[lucky?]

When I add sand I put it in a large gallon ziploc bag with the zipper thing, close it, put it in the tank with the side you will open in the sand and open then slowly pull it up and it only clouds up right where you empty the bag.