Question about live sand

[ReeferNoob87]

So I got my tank through trading and decided to keep the dead sand he already had in it. Theres not too much of it in there. I've already started cycling but decided I want to add some sand sifters once it's done cycling. My question is, can I add live sand mid cycle without throwing everything off?

 

[GThompson]

I wouldn’t think it would hurt anything to add it before the cycle is complete. Welcome to R2R

 

[lapin]

Yes . You will want to rinse it first. Keeps the dust clouds away.

 

[ReeferNoob87]

I wouldn’t think it would hurt anything to add it before the cycle is complete. Welcome to R2R

Thanks! I figured it would probably only help with the cycling with bacteria etc. Any suggestion on sand that wont break the bank?

 

[ReeferNoob87]

Yes . You will want to rinse it first. Keeps the dust clouds away.

Yes as in it will throw it off or yes as in go ahead?

 

[lapin]

Yes as in go ahead no worries

Not cheap , I use Tropical Eden sand and mixed 3 different sizes

 

[ihavecrabs]

Good advice above!

Hold off on adding sand sifters until you have some organic material and microfauna they can survive on though.

 

[ReeferNoob87]

Good advice above!

Hold off on adding sand sifters until you have some organic material and microfauna they can survive on though.

That's the other reason I wanted to add the live sand.

 

[ScottR]

You can definitely add live sand. Keep in mind, if you rinse it, you’re washing away the added bacteria. It may be cloudy for a few days but you’re still cycling I’d wait before adding any livestock. Part of the patience game.

 

[ihavecrabs]

That's the other reason I wanted to add the live sand.

Like everything in this hobby (it seems) it takes time

I have always been a fan of live sand, but don’t expect too much. Bacteria is likely the only thing that has survived.

I will say that if you are looking to get some fighting conchs or a sand sifting starfish, give it 6 months or so to be safe.

 

[secret_reefer337]

if you're using live sand don't rinse it. It usually have a water clarifier/magnet and it will help to clear the water fast.

 

[ReeferNoob87]

Like everything in this hobby (it seems) it takes time

I have always been a fan of live sand, but don’t expect too much. Bacteria is likely the only thing that has survived.

I will say that if you are looking to get some fighting conchs or a sand sifting starfish, give it 6 months or so to be safe.

Definitely a sand sifting star. My wife wanted a chocolate chip star until my research said NO! LOL

 

[ReeferNoob87]

if you're using live sand don't rinse it. It usually have a water clarifier/magnet and it will help to clear the water fast.

Seems like I keep getting conflicting opinions. You say not washing will help with keeping it clear but others say washing will prevent clouding...

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

You guys DO realize that "Live sand" is just sand that is washed, sanitized, and put in a bag with some bacteria in a bottle right?

I mean... they don't just scoop up sand out of the ocean and put it in a bag...thereby transferring all this wonderful flora and fauna to your aquarium. Do you realize the smell of satan's diarrhea that would eminate from bags of live sand if this was the case?

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

if you're using live sand don't rinse it. It usually have a water clarifier/magnet and it will help to clear the water fast.

This is not the best advice...

 

[ReeferNoob87]

You guys DO realize that "Live sand" is just sand that is washed, sanitized, and put in a bag with some bacteria in a bottle right?

I mean... they don't just scoop up sand out of the ocean and put it in a bag...thereby transferring all this wonderful flora and fauna to your aquarium. Do you realize the smell of satan's diarrhea that would eminate from bags of live sand if this was the case?

You mean it doesnt have magical sea ferries that will make my tank something out of Narnia? Yes, I realize that. But if I'm going to add sand I might as well add something that is going to benefit the tank.

 

[5altkreep]

I dont think there is much value in "live sand". If it were me i would save the money and buy regular old dry sand. It will be live soon enough. Then rinse the heck out of it. Smaller batches works better than one large one. If you want a little boost, buy a small piece or two of established rock, or a bottle of bacteria.

 

[Zos4me]

Definitely a sand sifting star. My wife wanted a chocolate chip star until my research said NO! LOL

Not unless you want to feed it coral .mine lives in the sump after it started munching on stuff. He's very happy with his shrimp

 

[ReeferNoob87]

I dont think there is much value in "live sand". If it were me i would save the money and buy regular old dry sand. It will be live soon enough. Then rinse the heck out of it. Smaller batches works better than one large one. If you want a little boost, buy a small piece or two of established rock, or a bottle of bacteria.

Already have 13 lbs of live rock and am adding 5 ml of microbacter each day.

 

[sfin52]

A sand sifter may have a hard time surviving in a small tank and will strip the microfauna. Go ahead and add the sand no worries. Rinse or don't that's up to you. I never rinse but end with a cloudy tank for a couple of hours.

Have you looked into brittle stars. For any stars I would wait till the tank stabilize.