I promise last sand bed question

[idgy]

I would only add maybe about 5 pounds at a time in one area and that will not dramatically alter the bacterial population of the tank.

I got that response from a professional in the marine fish biz. Does that sound correct?


Adding LS or dead sand does it make a difference?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

All the sand bed questions can be kept on the same thread, helps keep from missing vital info.

As you have already noted elsewhere that you have an established sand bed buy wish to fill in some emptly spots, live or dead makes little difference. Just be sure to add slowly and not get things stirred up or clouded.

 

[dpaynter]

Just don't make the addition too thick. Try to keep it at about 1/2 inch or less.

 

[mmkeeper]

How many gallons, last month I added 10lbs to my 46 with no problems, its full of growth now, live as can be.

 

[trido]

You could either add a very small layer at a time and let your sand sifters mix it for you as you go along or add the sand and then siphon the upper parts to mix it.

I think the key is to make sure they arent two completely different layers

This sounds kind of like the idea already written in this post.

You can add it however and where ever you want. Just make sure that the upper portions of the sand underneath the new sand doesnt simply get covered and become stagnant dead sand. There are living creatures in it and if you cover them with two inches of new sand, (dead or alive) it will kill them and you are guranteed a spike. If you add the sand more slowly and make sure they blend you should be fine. I would add dry, dead sand and save the money. You already have live sand and dont need to spend extra on bacteria your tank is already full of. Just make sure to rinse the new stuff and lower it to the bottom in a ziploc or something to avoid a huge cloud. I havent done this personally but have read numerous threads in the last couple years regarding this process. As the saying goes. "Nothing good happens quickly in a reef tank." Take your time and it will be fine.;

 

[NaH2O]

idgy - I don't think it makes a difference with live or dead sand. If you are slowly adding sand to a currently functioning sand bad, then it will get covered in bacteria by the current sandbed. The choice is really up to you on what you want to do. If you use bagged live sand, then put the unused sand in a bucket and add it from there. Good luck!! Let us know what you decide and how it goes! Don't hesitate to ask any more questions if something is confusing....that's what we're here for!

 

[idgy]

Thanks NaH20

I have bought bagged live sand and next week I am going to start the process. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!

 

[MikeS]

Hi there

When I added sand to my DSB, I'd add just a few cups a day, and very gently rake it into the existing sandbed...this kept me from having too much of a dieoff of microfauna due to smothering, kept burying of detritus to a minimum, and allowed the bacteria plenty of time to re-stratify on their own. The process took a while to complete, but the impact on my tank was very minimal...a good trade-off IMO

MikeS