Adding sand to an already filled tank?

[kiran]

I was wondering what the best way to add sand to a tank that is already filled?

I have a 150gal coming in but I don't have a big enough storage tank to mix or store the water in (I've only got a couple 15 gal containers). I watched a BRS video on the Red Sea MAX S setup and Randy said I could fill up the tank and mix it in there initially (obviously this is just for the first time fill), but it got me thinking how I would mix the salt in the tank without stirring up the sand everywhere.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Spare time]

I find it difficult to mix salt in a tank (I tried that on my 75 gallon). If you are going to do that, you would obviously need to that first and then add the sand.

 

[kiran]

I find it difficult to mix salt in a tank (I tried that on my 75 gallon). If you are going to do that, you would obviously need to that first and then add the sand.

Yeah that's what I meant. How to add the sand after it's filled.

Yeah mixing it in the tank is less then ideal but I don't have anything large enough to store a 175gals and I prefer not to do it batch by batch.

 

[Bpp124987]

Why not add the sand, add tap water to rinse and clean the sand (over and over), then drain, add rodi about 60% full, then mix in salt (power heads). Then fill til 85%, mix in more salt. Then to 90….. and the last 10% or whatever mix up in your buckets

 

[redfishbluefish]

I talk about adding sand in THIS POST.

 

[kiran]

I talk about adding sand in THIS POST.

This was exactly what I needed.

Thanks!

 

[4tanks]

Get a section of drain pipe that is deeper than the water stand it upright on the bottom of tank pour sand in and slightly lift the pipe and move around to disperse sand repeat until done won't be perfect but it's cleanest way

 

[mfinn]

I use a long gravel suction tube and a funnel, to add more sand to a running tank. I do turn off the flow for a couple hours after.

 

[homer1475]

I suck out sand all the time, just the top layer from time to time into a filter sock. I then rinse, bleach, rinse, rinse in prime, and let it dry out.

When I have a bunch, I just dump it back into the tank. Get a small cloud for 10 minutes or so.

 

[kiran]

So I just realized that we might be talking about dry sand.

The sand I got comes in damp or wet I think.

It's this stuff: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bimini-pink-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-caribsea.html

Will using the funnel method still work?

 

[kiran]

Never mind. I found a video on youtube on how to do it. I figured this way the way to go and this video just shows that it will work.

Here it is in case anyone else ever needs it:

 

[redfishbluefish]

So I just realized that we might be talking about dry sand.

The sand I got comes in damp or wet I think.

It's this stuff: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bimini-pink-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-caribsea.html

Will using the funnel method still work?

And yes, wet or damp sand will work in the method I showed....but might have to slightly plunge in through the funnel. Remember, the pipe at this point is filled with water and once the sand hits the water, it will free-fall to the bottom of the pipe.

 

[kiran]

And yes, wet or damp sand will work in the method I showed....but might have to slightly plunge in through the funnel. Remember, the pipe at this point is filled with water and once the sand hits the water, it will free-fall to the bottom of the pipe.

I'll try this. Thanks for the help!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Never mind. I found a video on youtube on how to do it. I figured this way the way to go and this video just shows that it will work.

Here it is in case anyone else ever needs it:

One comment about this video.....DO NOT USE POOL FILTER SAND in your tank.....it's composed of silica. The sand we want to use is carbonate based sands.

 

[kiran]

One comment about this video.....DO NOT USE POOL FILTER SAND in your tank.....it's composed of silica. The sand we want to use is carbonate based sands.

I'm using this stuff: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bimini-pink-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-caribsea.html

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm using this stuff: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bimini-pink-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-caribsea.html

And you're fine. First off, BRS doesn't sell silica based sand. The sand you have is Aragonite which is a carbonate mineral. No worries! Enjoy.

 

[kiran]

I guess I have one more kind of off-topic question.

Do I have to rinse sand with live bacteria if it comes damp/wet?

 

[kiran]

I ended up buying a few 55gal mixing tanks so I'm probably not going to go this route anymore. I'm going to need these barrels anyway so might as well just get them now.

Thanks for all the help guys

 

[k2-]

So I can share my experience on this.
1) Bare bottom tank first
2) Add salt - water and run the powerheads and pump for through mixing
-- I left it for almost 3 weeks but then if you plan to be in saltwater / reef hobby developing patience is also good (Just kidding)
2.1) Continuously checked the salinity etc and tweeked it with Fresh water
3) After it was done Added SAnd and rocks (or rocks and then sand)

--> Now the fun begins you need to leave this freaking thing with maybe a few starters or damsels for few months for cycle to get over and ugly phase to get over.

business as usual from here. meanwhile i took this time to setup my stacked water mixing station with 2 bins from home depot, a pump and some pipes. Best investment i made.