Looking to switch my substrate

[Be102]

I am in the process of a fallow period and was hoping to really fix up my tank before I start to add fish back into it. I was wondering what everyone’s advice would be for switching substrate from my current to a new either live or dry substrate. I currently just have a bunch of inverts and hermits along with rocks and corals in my tank and was thinking about draining the water and saving some, rinsing the rocks out into the water and really scrub them down. Scooping the substrate out and either just rinising it well or just straining some of the crushcoral I originally added to my tank out. Then adding a new bag of sand. I’d have to rinse the sand now thanks to reading the sand rinsing thread. Just was wondering how possible this is to accomplish in a day with not too much stress to the corals.. I know I will be stressed

 

[CC13]

Tagging along.

 

[BranchingHammer]

How much coral do you have, and what types?

 

[Be102]

Nothing too fancy..

How much coral do you have, and what types?

 

[BranchingHammer]

Very nice tank!!
The LPS should not be a problem and the Montipora should be fine. Any more finicky sps that I don’t see?

 

[Be102]

Very nice tank!!
The LPS should not be a problem and the Montipora should be fine. Any more finicky sps that I don’t see?

Thanks for the kind words! I never really get feedback because I don’t really ask anyone for it. I genuinely appreciate it. I just think I have scans, mushrooms and the stuff you mentioned. The positive that nothing is glued down but that obviously only counts to the stuff that isn’t encrusted. As you can see the top left corner the plate and the others seem to be battling as should I try to plan for that going forward? Also would this be a good time to add egg crate to the bottom of my tank?

 

[BranchingHammer]

To empty out all of the substrate and put egg crate underneath will be a very large job. I personally don’t have egg rate underneath my rocks and haven’t had a problem. But yet again, that’s just IME. I would personally just let the montiporas battle it out if they are fighting and let one win naturally. What do you mean plan for the future?

 

[Be102]

To empty out all of the substrate and put egg crate underneath will be a very large job. I personally don’t have egg rate underneath my rocks and haven’t had a problem. But yet again, that’s just IME. I would personally just let the montiporas battle it out if they are fighting and let one win naturally. What do you mean plan for the future?

Essentially what you just said was what I meant for the future. Just allowing the corals to grow naturally and let nature take its course. Maybe I won’t do the egg crate people just always seem to suggest it and just like you I haven’t had any problems. Just thought maybe it would increase stability or something.

 

[Be102]

Does anyone know some good reef putty to have on hand if I wanted to go about modifing my setup?

 

[BranchingHammer]

Two little fishies aqua stick is what I use. Bulk reef supply also sells an assortment of putties.

 

[Be102]

Two little fishies aqua stick is what I use. Bulk reef supply also sells an assortment of putties.

Does it have to be dry to work? Could I use it on moist rock work? I’m curious about finding something that’s reef safe locally that works with wet rock.

 

[BranchingHammer]

Pretty sure it has to be dry... anyone else? Please chime in.