Adding live sand to an existing system

[Kimberely]

What's the best way to go about adding more sand to an already existing system? I have a very shallow sand bed (about half an inch, maybe a little over) and I need to increase the depth enough for a transparent cave goby and a tiger conch a friend is giving me. Any tricks to keep it from getting all over the rocks and corals?

 

[Peace River]

What's the best way to go about adding more sand to an already existing system? I have a very shallow sand bed (about half an inch, maybe a little over) and I need to increase the depth enough for a transparent cave goby and a tiger conch a friend is giving me. Any tricks to keep it from getting all over the rocks and corals?

This first response that came to mind was "slowly"! I have used a PVC pipe and poured the sand down into the pipe slowly (I think I had a canning funnel attached to a 2" pipe). There are probably faster ways to do it, but this was effective.

 

[Kimberely]

This first response that came to mind was "slowly"! I have used a PVC pipe and poured the sand down into the pipe slowly (I think I had a canning funnel attached to a 2" pipe). There are probably faster ways to do it, but this was effective.

Thanks. I'll try that. I was thinking I might have to mostly drain the tank but that sounds far easier.

 

[Peace River]

Thanks. I'll try that. I was thinking I might have to mostly drain the tank but that sounds far easier.

You could drain the tank, but then you would have the reverse issue of trying not to stir up the sand as you add large amounts of water.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here's how you add sand to a running tank.....

Get a piece of pipe, 1 1/2 - 2 inch diameter, and cut it so that it is a little higher than the depth of your tank. Get a wide mouth funnel that will fit into the end of the pipe. Put the pipe in your tank with the funnel on top, all the way to the bottom, and now fill the pipe with sand. Oh, powerheads off. Now slightly lift the pipe while you move it about to distribute the sand. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Best to do with two people.

I would do this sand addition over a number of days/weeks, especially if you want a deep sand bed. Might also wish to throw an ammonia badge in there to make sure you don't have a mini cycle going on.

 

[vetteguy53081]

PVC pipe for myself also. It will be a little cloudy when done but will clear within a few hours

 

[sfin52]

I just did this today I added 30lbs. I moved all the coral to the rocks. And took a mason jar and placed where I wanted. It clouded up the tank fierce. Two hours later I put all the corals back and unburied a few that I couldn't move. All are open and looking good.

 

[Kimberely]

Here's how you add sand to a running tank.....

Get a piece of pipe, 1 1/2 - 2 inch diameter, and cut it so that it is a little higher than the depth of your tank. Get a wide mouth funnel that will fit into the end of the pipe. Put the pipe in your tank with the funnel on top, all the way to the bottom, and now fill the pipe with sand. Oh, powerheads off. Now slightly lift the pipe while you move it about to distribute the sand. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Best to do with two people.

I would do this sand addition over a number of days/weeks, especially if you want a deep sand bed. Might also wish to throw an ammonia badge in there to make sure you don't have a mini cycle going on.

It's a nano (29 gallon) tank and I'm adding 10 pounds of oolite. I'll keep an eye on ammonia levels. I also have some microbacter7 I can dose if you think it would help.

 

[sfin52]

It's a nano (29 gallon) tank and I'm adding 10 pounds of oolite. I'll keep an eye on ammonia levels. I also have some microbacter7 I can dose if you think it would help.

thats what I added. That will cloud the water very quickly. Makes it hard to see.

 

[Kimberely]

Thanks everyone! ❤

 

[sfin52]

If you have a turkey baster it will help clean of the rocks and coral of the fine sediment. What type of oolite did you use

 

[Kimberely]

If you have a turkey baster it will help clean of the rocks and coral of the fine sediment. What type of oolite did you use

Caribsea Bahamas oolite

 

[sfin52]

Caribsea Bahamas oolite

Same stuff I used for a leopard wrasse.

before adding sand

taken a moment ago. This is after several dustings with the Turkey baster.

 

[Kimberely]

Same stuff I used for a leopard wrasse.

before adding sand

taken a moment ago. This is after several dustings with the Turkey baster.

Lovely tank!!! My little nano is rather bare but it's about to get a bunch more corals. My best friend is moving and tearing down her tank and she's giving me 2 btas, a few rfa, an encrusting gorgonian, a St Thomas mushroom, and various rhodactis, ricordias, zoas and palys. As well as a royal gramma, the cave goby, and the tiger conch. As you can see in this picture, I have a bit of an asterina problem. Lol

And here are a few pics of some of the things she's giving me.

 

[sfin52]

you just scored the mother load. Thats fantastic.. Your tank is lovely as well.

 

[sfin52]

you just scored the mother load. Thats fantastic.. Your tank is lovely as well.

Join us at https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/brand-new-8-gallon-bio-cube.297335/page-1287#post-6350284. Loads of fun and a great group of people. Just jump in its well over 20,000 posts.

 

[Kimberely]

Join us at https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/brand-new-8-gallon-bio-cube.297335/page-1287#post-6350284. Loads of fun and a great group of people. Just jump in its well over 20,000 posts.

Thanks! I'll join up.