Adding live sand

[Duberz]

I currently have an established bare bottom tank. The ease of maintenance is unparalleled but my tank just does not seem to be taking off. Even with all parameters in check so I have decided to go back to sand bottom. My question is what effects will take place? I'm going to go with the live sand from tampa bay saltwater. I live close to them so I can go pick it up.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How much are you adding,

Do you know if nitrate is accumulating in the water?

 

[Duberz]

I'm not sure on the amount just yet. I want a decent depth though. My nitrates are barely registering. Thanks for the quick reply Randy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If nitrate is barely registering, what effect are you hoping for?

 

[Duberz]

Mostly aesthetics

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ok, sounds good. I like sand for that reason too.

I expect you won't notice any immediate impact on the tank if the sand is fresh.

 

[Duberz]

Thanks I think I'm going to do it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Good luck!

 

[rayn]

If doing this, how are you getting the sand in without creating a disaster in the tank?

 

[Rjramos]

If doing this, how are you getting the sand in without creating a disaster in the tank?

You spoon it into a bag like the one you get when you buy livestock from your LFS, lower it to the bottom of the tank, and slowly lift the bottom of the bag till all the sand comes out. This helps in distributing it evenly too.

 

[rayn]

I imagine it helps here to have flow off as well?

 

[Duberz]

Well I plan on flow off and funnel it in slowly. Hopefully sand will be off ocean floor and in my tank with in hrs!