Adding more sand to established tank

Skippy The Meh · 2026-10-01T09:27:39-0400

Since i set my new tank up about a year ago i have never achieved crystal white sand as i have grown accustomed to in my other reef tanks. I used a thinner sand bed than normal and i am considering adding more sand in hopes it helps the issue.

My questions are, if i do this, is the best method adding a couple cup fulls periodically or just putting in all at once? Is this a bad idea that will lead to an algae out break? How can i avoid issues?

JTP424 · 2026-10-01T09:30:59-0400

Rinse the new sand till clear and you won't have any issues.
I recommend using a PVC pipe to drop the sand directly on the bed.

Skippy The Meh · 2026-10-01T09:34:59-0400

JTP424 said:
Rinse the new sand till clear and you won't have any issues.
I recommend using a PVC pipe to drop the sand directly on the bed.

Should i go for live sand or dry sand?

Teddy99 · 2026-10-01T09:35:04-0400

Do you have animals moving the sand and cleaning it ? I would guess more sand will eventually look the same as the thinner sand bad, as whatever covered or settled on your sand will do so on the higher sand bed as well.

In my smaller tank I cleaned the sand while water hanging to keep it more clean. With the new larger one I will add some conches and have a look how much I still need to do manually. Heard conches keep sand looking more nice and white