Sand change?

eliza209 · May 2, 2023

I have a 29 gallon tank and recently added a hygger wave maker. I'm really having a problem with the sand blowing around (nutrition mode at the slowest speed). I've tried the hygger in a couple of places and my corals seem happy with the current placement, but the sand is moving around way too much. I'm thinking of adding some coarser sand. Any suggestions? I do have a diamond goby, and some of the posts I've been searching mention larger grained sand getting stuck in their gills. Is there a "best" way to add sand if that is the solution? My current sand bed is about 1" deep (or was until the dunes were created and my rockwork is getting covered).

xiongsy · May 2, 2023

Safe way would be a slow process: Remove 1 cup of old sand per day/week until all removed. Add 1 cup of new sand per day/week and test water every few days to see if there are any swings in water perimeters. I have a 22.4 gallon with a little over 2" sand. I sand "nope! Too slow and too long!" I took it out immediately and replaced immediately. Maybe that's why my newly SPS went RTN STN haha.

vetteguy53081 · May 2, 2023

eliza209 said:
I have a 29 gallon tank and recently added a hygger wave maker. I'm really having a problem with the sand blowing around (nutrition mode at the slowest speed). I've tried the hygger in a couple of places and my corals seem happy with the current placement, but the sand is moving around way too much. I'm thinking of adding some coarser sand. Any suggestions? I do have a diamond goby, and some of the posts I've been searching mention larger grained sand getting stuck in their gills. Is there a "best" way to add sand if that is the solution? My current sand bed is about 1" deep (or was until the dunes were created and my rockwork is getting covered).

Elevate the powerheads and aim it up or towards glass for gyre effect. I and many have sand without this issue.

Stephen Glover · May 2, 2023

Special grade carribbean Sea sand is heavier than oolite and won’t move as much.

Stephen8169301 · May 2, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
Elevate the powerheads and aim it up or towards glass for gyre effect. I and many have sand without this issue.

Agree I point mine to the surface and have no issue I have fine sand for wrasse

Coinzmans Reef · May 2, 2023

I find Coarse sand holds detritus and algae. I would stick with the fine sand personally.

Cell · May 2, 2023

Caribsea Special Grade if you want to change sand or readjust powerheads aiming slightly up as suggested.

Brit’s Fish · May 2, 2023

I know this wavemaker doesn’t really point up, but you can move it fairly close to the surface without issues. I have two at either end of a 32g (32” long) tank with fine sand and they do not blow the sand around. They’re about 1 1/2” below the water line and do a great job of adding the flow I need without moving the substrate.