When should I add my sand?

[Bricks]

I'm almost ready for water, all I need to do is figure out my electrical situation with my outlets. I've set up all of my rock, but when should I add my sand? I currently have my live sand in bags waiting to be added to the tank. Should I add the sand right before the water or is it ok to add it now?

 

[Auquanut]

How long before you will be adding water? If it's a matter of hours, it shouldn't make any difference. If it will be days, I'd wait. There are a lot of differing opinions about the benefits of using live sand, but in my opinion, there's no point in allowing the sand to start drying out and killing off any bacteria.

 

[Bricks]

How long before you will be adding water? If it's a matter of hours, it shouldn't make any difference. If it will be days, I'd wait. There are a lot of differing opinions about the benefits of using live sand, but in my opinion, there's no point in allowing the sand to start drying out and killing off any bacteria.

I'll probably be waiting a few days. If that's the case, then I'll just add the sand a few hours before I add the water or at least the same day. Thanks!

 

[Auquanut]

I'll probably be waiting a few days. If that's the case, then I'll just add the sand a few hours before I add the water or at least the same day. Thanks!

No problem. And welcome to R2R by the way.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Many lay the sand then add water.
I add the water and salt mix and turn on power heads to get it mixed in the tank for 24 hrs and then add the sand. Live sand in bags will be cloudy when added but clear in 12 hours. I then smooth out the sand and see how well and fast my filter system can clear this up.
Than I add liquid bacteria (Dr. Tims or Bacter 7)

 

[Saltyreef]

I would pre-rinse the sand before putting it in your tank. That cloudiness of silt is no bueno, even after it settles back to the bottom.

 

[Lorenzo Angotti]

A tip, when you have rinsed the sand and then placed it in your tank, before you add your water, place the bag that the sand came in with, obviously rinse the bag before you place it inside on top of the sand. When you start filling with water make sure you pour it over the bag, this way the sand does not get stirred up, the bag will rise with the water as you keep filling to your level and you have no cloudy water, it worked for me.