What to do about sand...

[iride350z]

Im about to transfer from a 29gal to a 90gal and will need more sand. I've read around here and it seems some people say to get all new sand while others say to mix old and new together. Obviously I want the smallest cycle possible, so before I start I figured I would ask before I have a problem on my hands.

 

[iride350z]

Also, all the rock I have is Live.

 

[btldreef]

When I upgraded from a 40G to a 155 back in September I used about 30lbs of LS from the 40G and another 70-80 pounds of Live Sand. Worked great, no issues at all.
When I upgraded from a 14G to the 40G, I didn't use any old sand and did all new and had more diatom issues, etc.
If you choose to use the old sand, just make sure you stir it up as little as possible. I took out as much water from the tank as possible and then shoveled the sand from the tank into a tupperware container. Packed the sand into the container (like you would if you were making a sand castle). Moved to the new tank, slowing lowered the container to the bottom and slowly turned it over, then slowly lifted it. Since the sand was so tightly packed, it didn't spread everywhere, it stayed as a loose brick and I was able to gently push it around with my hands.

 

[9supratt4]

+1...mix it

 

[iride350z]

Stir it up type mix? or just put the old sand on top of the new?

 

[bigarn]

Originally Posted by iride350z
http:///forum/post/3204861
Stir it up type mix? or just put the old sand on top of the new?
Just put the old sand on top of the new. The critters in the old sand will take care of the mixing over time.

 

[btldreef]

I mixed a very tiny bit. The new sand was under the old and I just sort of ran my fingers through it and gently mixed it up, probably didn't stir up very much though.

 

[jrod4u]

when converting I put the old sand in first and then added new sand on top, no worries.

 

[ibew41]

Originally Posted by bigarn
http:///forum/post/3204865
just put the old sand on top of the new. The critters in the old sand will take care of the mixing over time.
+1

 

[bang guy]

What I would do:
Set up the new tank with new (dry) sand, cycle the tank, then add the top 1/2 of the old sand bed and sprinkle it onto the new, do not mix it in. Discard the rest of the old sand. This will require keeping the old tank running until the new tank is cycled.