Converting to a Deep Sand Bed

[MPMurray]

I have a 55 gallon reef tank. 2 fish along with several soft and LPS corals. Sand bed has been depleted over the years due to vaccuuming to the point that nitrate control is getting more challenging. I want to change to a DSB using 4" of live sand, fine particles. The sand I currently have is larger, so I don't want to include it the new bed. I was going to sprinkle a few handfuls underneath the roughly 50 lbs. of like rock that I have, which is 3-5 years old.

Question: do I have to worry about cycling, or can I add all livestock at the same time I change the bed? Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[mayday610]

I would not change out the bed all at the same time. I would do it little by little. If possible, i would start on one side and work my way across the tank. there is a lot of life in that sand bed you currently have i am sure. Doing it little by little, while taking much more time and work, will allow all of the critters in your sand bed to work their way into your new sand bed as you go and not totally irradicate what you have. This method i have done with success. Also keeps you from having to worry about a major cycle in your tank. In with a little, out with a little,, helps keep your tank in balance. What do you currently use for sand and size?

 

[Downbeach]

I don't think I'd even bother with the "live" sand, I think it's more wet than live. I would do about 1/4 at a time, waiting for a week to 10 days between replacement. Rinsing it will help keep the cloudiness down. Use your WC water for rinsing. I would also suggest you add an activator when you have completed the process.
Here is a good article, if you haven't seen it:
Ron Shimek's Website...Deep Sand Beds
This substrate:
CaribSea Aragamax Aquarium Sand
Activator here:
: : : : Indo-Pacific Sea Farms : : : :