Adding sand and rocks to new tank

[ItsAName]

Do you have a preference? For instance, all the sand, let it settle and then rocks, or rocks then all the sand?

 

[EthanDouglas]

It's best to add the rocks before the sand so they have a sturdy base. If you do sand first, it can shift and cause your whole rock work to become unsteady or fall.

 

[wkscott]

As above, rocks first. Sand is not stable enough especially when your critters start to dig in sand under the rocks.
For added stability I did mine the old school way. First I cut eggcrate to fit the entire bottom of the tank, next the rocks and then the sand. The eggcrate keeps the rocks from sliding on the glass and also more evenly distributes the weight of the rocks over the glass bottom. Fewer pressure points, better chance of no bottom cracking.

 

[ItsAName]

Does the sand cover the rocks everywhere when you put it in second?

 

[wkscott]

Does the sand cover the rocks everywhere when you put it in second?

No, you don't pour the sand on top of the rocks. You pour some around the base of the rocks and it will work its way in between the rocks.

 

[EthanDouglas]

Even if the sand does cover some of the rocks, you can just use a turkey baster to blow it off. As long as you pour the sand slowly and you are pouring it below the top of the rock, there should be a very minimal amount that gets on the rocks. I would pour the sand in one large pile away from the rock structure and then spread it with a long handled glass scraper until it is even.

 

[Jason mack]

If you cut the bottom of a cola bottle , keep the lid on loose , fill it with sand and you can put it in your tank lid off and let it trickle out where you want it . How I do it

 

[ItsAName]

When starting a tank do you tend to fill it half way before adding the sand? Sounds like it may make it easier?

 

[Jason mack]

Yes you can do that too