Remove and Replace Sandbed

[NeonRabbit221B]

I have an Evo 13.5 that has been going about a year with soft and LPS corals. My bioload has been fairly low and nitrates have been steady at <10 and phosphates around .04 and have even had to add small amounts to my ATO before just heavy feeding. Now onto the larger problem...

When I started my sandbed I used Fiji Pink sand which has proved to be an issue. I have an MJ1200 pump which provides a good amount of flow and turnover which I love but has caused an issue with my sandbed. Anytime my pistol shrimp decides to find a new burrow spot, the entire sandbed gets displaced and causes a nitrate spike, corals get covered or rocks become unsteady. I have largely fixed the rock tumbling issues and raised most of my coral off the sandbed but sometimes new frags will covered up or a large pile will build up in a corner. I am just annoyed with being stuck with my original choice.

I am planning on replacing my half of my sandbed with special grade to make it a big heavier and reduce some issues. What is the best way to approach this? Vacuum a portion out over a few months and add the new sand after vacuuming? Scoop out a cup and replace? Pull all coral/rock out and re-cycle my tank? I hate my sandbed but don't want to trash my tank in the process...

 

[fishguy242]

hi imo slowly vac little bit at time and add new,only concern mixing while waiting a few days in between sand changes

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

I vacuumed today but my vacuum had a stainer so no sand was actually removed... I feel a bit stupid but once I got started I was more focused on removing the nurients. Nitrates did raise up by a few points but I will go slow and remove some of it tomorrow.

Anyone start vodka/vinegar dosing to offset nitrogen release?