Adding sand

[Ubergroover]

I want to add more sand to my tank. Figure 20 lbs. I dont want live sand already have a established tank. Was thinking of a dry oolite....What do you think? OR should I use live sand?

 

[DDanis60]

Doesn't matter what kind you add. Dry will
Be cheaper. To prevent a sandstorm, rinse the new sand really well, few cups as a time and get all the particles and stuff out. Then use a water glass or something similar to add to the tank. If you lower the glass of sand in slowly, it will stay in the glass, and you can slowly pour onto the existing sand bed. I've done this a few times with good results. The main trick is to rinse the new stuff very well.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I would avoid oolite. It's basically dust. When I've used it a actually cap it with sugar sand for a dsb.

I would also reccomend curing dry sand, it is after all, live rock.
If it's a small tank you could spike the alk and ph a bit.

And yea, only 20lb of live sand isn't really all that much money.

 

[Ubergroover]

I would avoid oolite. It's basically dust. When I've used it a actually cap it with sugar sand for a dsb.

I would also reccomend curing dry sand, it is after all, live rock.
If it's a small tank you could spike the alk and ph a bit.

And yea, only 20lb of live sand isn't really all that much money.

I was going to thicken up a few thin spots...this tank is a 75gallon. I was thinking of soaking the dry sand in RODI for a few days then drain and add. You think live wont spike my levels?

 

[DDanis60]

All mine is oolite and it works alright if your patient and rinse well. But it does blow around easily

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Live is cured. It's coated with bacteria and such.

To cure dry, just use old tank water and a powerhead.

 

[Ubergroover]

Live is cured. It's coated with bacteria and such.

To cure dry, just use old tank water and a powerhead.

how long

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Me I'd go a couple weeks. I'm lazy. I'd do it at the regular water change time.