How to put in live sand

tierbett · Sep 5, 2014

I just filled up my 36 gallon tank and put in the live rock. I have already purchased the live sand and was wondering what the best way to add it would be. I am looking to keep the cloudiness to a minimum. I read that if I poured it down a PVC pipe to the bottom it would help. Does this actually work? Are there any other ways to add the sand without causing the entire tank to cloud up for days?

mrcoffee2 · Sep 5, 2014

PVC does not work lol tried it myself. Pour it in before you go to bed it will be mostly if not all clear by the morning lol. Make sure your pumps are off for a bit though

tyler1503 · Sep 5, 2014

Perhaps wash the outside of the bag, lay the bag on the bottom of the tank and cut the bag away?

tierbett · Sep 5, 2014

Thanks. I was a little bit sceptical of the PVC pipe idea. I glad to hear that before I tried it.

I like that idea, putting the bag at the bottom. I think I will try that.

mcarroll · Sep 6, 2014

If you are using dry sand, rinse it well with tap water and most of the in-tank clouding will be preempted.

Nothing will help much if you don't rinse it...and the cloudiness can last for days.

If it's wet ("live") sand then clouding should be minimal even if you just dump it in. Should clear in a day or less....nothing to worry about.

-Matt

juggalogentry · Sep 6, 2014

tyler1503 said:
Perhaps wash the outside of the bag, lay the bag on the bottom of the tank and cut the bag away?

yes cut the bag under water and let it go as low as you can manage, next time if you have an option try to fill the tank halfway, then sand (this reduces the amount of water it can even suspend into) then live rock, then fill the rest of the way