Adding sand???

[drakebuffie]

Tank has been set up for a little over 3 months.

Can I add a sand bed now? It would certainly cover some small limpets and algae at the very least. Will this cause me problems?

And if I do add sand (dead sand) how deep should I make it.

 

[blaxsun]

Yes, but typically you add the sand bed before - not usually after. Entirely up to you. My sand bed varies from 0" to 1.5" in depth depending on who feels like digging any given morning. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the sand at this point and turn your return pump off before adding - and give it 20-30 minutes to settle before turning back on.

 

[fishface NJ]

yes you can add sand just make sure you rinse it well. Wash is small batches until it runs clear. Final rinse in RODI water or add dechlorinator to the final tap water rinse

 

[exnisstech]

I've done this by pouring the sand in through a pvc pipe (after rinsing). This will allow you to place it around the bottom where you want it and helps reduce the cloudiness that occurs. A helper makes it easier but it can be done alone.

 

[Soren]

I've done this by pouring the sand in through a pvc pipe (after rinsing). This will allow you to place it around the bottom where you want it and helps reduce the cloudiness that occurs. A helper makes it easier but it can be done alone.

I applied this same method for adding sand to an observational QT. It definitely helped with reducing the cloudiness and it would have been simpler for me if I had a helper instead of doing it alone.