Will temporary high concentrations of salt kill beneficial bacteria in sand?

[Murica]

My water change method is turning on a pump to drain saltwater and once that’s completed, scooping salt into a highly turbulent area of the sump (in a bucket that my display drains into). It’s pretty simple. Depending on the size of the water change, I typically put anywhere from 10-20 scoops (3/4 cup).

To battle nitrates, I recently put a whole bunch of live rock in the sump along with filling that same bucket with sand. It’s pretty nice since the water drain keeps the sand constantly moving and I also stir it up weekly.

When I scoop that salt into the bucket with sand, am I killing all the bacteria in it or should it be fine?

Jeff

 

[piranhaman00]

This is just not good practice all together. Although to your question no the bacteria should be fine.

 

[Murica]

This is just not good practice all together. Although to your question no the bacteria should be fine.

Perfect, thank you

 

[Miami Reef]

Do you add freshwater at the same time?

I agree; that is not a good practice.

 

[Murica]

Do you add freshwater at the same time?

I agree; that is not a good practice.

Yes. It’s a 700 gallon system. While i appreciate your concerns it’s a very stable and efficient method.

 

[Garf]

Yes. It’s a 700 gallon system. While i appreciate your concerns it’s a very stable and efficient method.

Looks like you’ve got tonnes of rock in the tank. I wouldn’t be concerned about a little bacteria on the sand in a bucket, to be honest. As long as the salt is thoroughly dissolved by the time it gets up top, I think you are ok.

 

[Miami Reef]

Yes. It’s a 700 gallon system. While i appreciate your concerns it’s a very stable and efficient method.

Sounds good.

 

[Murica]

Looks like you’ve got tonnes of rock in the tank. I wouldn’t be concerned about a little bacteria on the sand in a bucket, to be honest. As long as the salt is thoroughly dissolved by the time it gets up top, I think you are ok.

I’m a nervous nelly ha. Glad to hear thank you.

 

[Pickle_soup]

Hang on, so I just woke up, so this is hard for me. But you pump the water out of the sump, then pump fresh water into the sump, and add salt into the sump? Is that right?