Thinking about adding a sand bed to my 120 barebottom

[Bustyraker]

My tank has been barebottom for years and doing great. But I love the look of sand beds and would love to have some wrasses and a goby. Are there any precautions I need to take when adding a sand bed? It will only be 1-2 inches. Can I add it all at once or should I only add a few bags a week? Id rather get the sandstorm over with all at once

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Turn off powerheads and returns > Place unopened bag in tank > Open bottom of bag (underwater) and slowly allow it to fall out.

Just remember most sand comes with that extra packet of stabilizer or whatever.

 

[Bustyraker]

I recently set up a jbj nano cube and used caribsea sand and was amazed at how little of a mess it created.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I recently set up a jbj nano cube and used caribsea sand and was amazed at how little of a mess it created.

Nice.

I used Oolight sand. Even though it looks amazing, its sort of a pain. I would always recommend a larger grain.

 

[mainereefer]

sand bed of 1"-2" is in the "danger zone"you should go 4" or 1" or less. with 4" the sandbed will be able to function with 1" you will have to vacuume ...

 

[cginter]

sand bed of 1"-2" is in the "danger zone"you should go 4" or 1" or less. with 4" the sandbed will be able to function with 1" you will have to vacuume ...

Why is 1-2" of sand in the (danger zone) if you don't mind me asking

 

[mainereefer]

not deep enough for anaerobic bacteria, but too deep to be cleaned thoroughly so very good chance of becoming a nitrate/phosphate trap...

 

[Oscaror]

I have sand in my 46 gallon. Not gonna make that mistake again!
My next tank (200g Cube) Will have GSP covering the bottom and back wall.

 

[jasonp87]

I didn't have a bare bottom tank but I didn't like the size of the sand in it. I siphoned out the old stuff and then used a piece of 3/4 PVC to add the new sand. I put the bottom of the pipe against the bottom of the tank. Then, using a funnel I added sand to the pipe. Then I slowly lifted the pipe creating mounds around the tank which I then spread out.