how do i change sand?

[Nicknackzz13]

OKay so tonight i done a 15%-20% water change, and the tank is starting to clear up but im wondering how do i change my sand bed and put in white sand instead of the black live sand i got?

i have 2 clownfish, 3 snails, sifting starfish and a chromish..

and 20lbs of live rock, can i take everything out, remove the sand and then replace and add fish on the top of the water in bags? or how can i do this

(I dont have a spare set up to put them until its complete) and my tank is basically just ending its cycle (Used bio spira)

 

[melypr1985]

You can take out a little of the sand at a time. Use a syphon and pull out a square of the sand and replace with the new sand using a pvc pipe to get it directly to the bottom without clouding the tank too much.

I wouldn't take all the sand out and replace it all at the same time. disturbing all that sand will really kick up ammonia and nitrites causing a new cycle. Do it slowly, a little at a time to be safe.

 

[Nibejeebies]

Removal of the sand and replacement with new sand could possibly recycle your tank. It depends on how much of your biological filtration. Is actually occurring in your sand vs live rock

Theoretically it could be done in sections slowly over a 2 or three months I guess if the black sand is really bothersome but moving out all the rock should be avoided unless absolutely positively necessary.

I would look at a $20-40 Gravel siphon hose and remove small amounts of said black sand and replace with white. While you won't be able to get a pure pristine white sand bed it would be much better for your critters I would think.

If I'm wrong any one with more knowledge correct me.

 

[SteveSTL]

I did it in the past as @melypr1985 stated above. Just remove a bit with each water change. The only thing I did different was remove it all before replacing so I didn't get a mixture.

You'll be surprised at how much brighter it will be with reflected light

 

[Nicknackzz13]

I did it in the past as @melypr1985 stated above. Just remove a bit with each water change. The only thing I did different was remove it all before replacing so I didn't get a mixture.

You'll be surprised at how much brighter it will be with reflected light

yeah! thats why i want whiter sand lol so it brings more shine, and brightness to the tank! i was thinking of just buying a bigger tank, adding my live white sand, fill it half way and let it sit a few days, add bio spira and then add the rest of my 20g water to it along with my live rock and fish, so itd do a mini cycle but its be a upgraded tank!

 

[FlyinBryan]

Start completely over. You will crash the tank if you try little by little. You also will not get the results you want little by little, it'll just look like salt and pepper.

 

[Nicknackzz13]

Start completely over. You will crash the tank if you try little by little. You also will not get the results you want little by little, it'll just look like salt and pepper.

hahaha salt & pepper, yeah, i think itd be best to start over on a new tank, when i can find a good 40g-50g ill get one and buy new live sand thats white, and add some of my live rock and bio spira and then add all my tank water which should create a small mini cycle in the new one but im moving everything over to a upgrade tank with just NEW sand, im leaving the old sand behind but i may bring some for the bottom then cover it in white sand, just to help! and keep the tank where its at, Bio spira should keep my fish safe too,, i also have prime