Adding live sand to existing tank?

[Scott Chitwood]

Getting some advice as to adding some more live sand to an existing reef tank. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated. Happy Reefing.

 

[Flippers4pups]

If it's taken from a existing system, then no problem, but rinsing to remove the trapped organic mater and to reduce dust/sand storm is sometimes needed. Small amounts at a time, poured into a length of PVC pipe to the existing bed. Releasing slowly, as to not cause a dust cloud/sand storm. Works well.

If this is bagged live sand, same as above, but small amounts over the course of days. Some will say to rinse live sand to remove the dust in it/fine particles, which will kill off the bacteria in it. This is why I don't buy live sand. Bagged live sands most likely have dead/decaying matter in it.

Dry sand is preferred to add sand to a existing system because you can rinse it clear before adding, thus less dust/sand storms. With dry, once again, small amounts over time is best to allow the nitrifying bacteria to establish.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I do this all the time. I don't put too much all at once.

 

[Scott Chitwood]

What's too much?

 

[Labridaedicted]

If it's taken from a existing system, then no problem, but rinsing to remove the trapped organic mater and to reduce dust/sand storm is sometimes needed. Small amounts at a time, poured into a length of PVC pipe to the existing bed. Releasing slowly, as to not cause a dust cloud/sand storm. Works well.

If this is bagged live sand, same as above, but small amounts over the course of days. Some will say to rinse live sand to remove the dust in it/fine particles, which will kill off the bacteria in it. This is why I don't buy live sand. Bagged live sands most likely have dead/decaying matter in it.

Dry sand is preferred to add sand to a existing system because you can rinse it clear before adding, thus less dust/sand storms. With dry, once again, small amounts over time is best to allow the nitrifying bacteria to establish.

+1. Dry sand is the way to go. You can thoroughly rinse it and no other tag along detritus.

 

[Labridaedicted]

Amount you can add will depend on the system size. But what can happen if you add too much is it can reduce oxygen to the layers Below he new stuff resulting in a mass mortality of your existing bacteria. A few cups at a time broadly distributed through the tank is usually the best course of action

 

[lion king]

I've done this with 2 tanks I had previously had bare bottom. I rinsed through with fresh saltwater although I don't think it would be necessary, I just wanted it cleaner. I scooped up in about a quart size container and gently lowered it into the tank and leaned the container over to empty out. I gently spread across the floor of the tank and got a very small amount of cloudiness, which cleared quickly.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yes you can just put it in the tank with no rinse.