can i add new sand on a established tank

[tony02133]

I dont like my sand bed because its a sugar grain sand and dont like the look , can i add a new sand bed on top ???

 

[Smiley]

you can, but it will mix in with what ya have...

if i was you, id slowly siphon out sand with each water change over a period of say a month or so... once all out, id slowly add back in new sand over time... until its all in.... do it slow or you should expect a small cycle...

 

[jda123]

I would not replace much more than 20% of your sand in a quarter. It takes a long time for the anoxic zones and microfauna to establish.

The best kind is the wet stuff. They dry stuff will make a dust storm.

 

[Munch]

If you are gonna add sand, I'd recommend Tropic Eden, wonderful stuff. I've added it to a tank without rinsing, settled clear, amazingly quick.

 

[tony02133]

So should i shiphon all the sand and then add the new one??

 

[AlgaeBarn]

So should i shiphon all the sand and then add the new one??

No. You need to keep some of the old sand in the tank. Since it is sugar grain sand, I would expect it to lay on the bottom of the tank you should be able to add your new sand on top. Be sure to test your ammonia levels to determine if you are causing a small cycle. How much sand do your currently have in your tank and how much are you adding?

 

[tony02133]

I have 20 pounds and want to add 20 more

 

[jda123]

Just add it. I might suggest about 1/4 a week for a few weeks. It will mix up over time, but it will still not look like sugar.

 

[jda123]

Also, you denitrification might be diminished in the time between you covering up your old sand and the bacteria establishes in the new. This is one of the reasons that I suggest a slow add. ...so be ready for some extra water changes if you need them. Basically, you are effecting a ecosystem and there will be consequences, but they will be manageable if you pay attention.

 

[tony02133]

Should i add live or dry sand ??

 

[jda123]

The dry stuff will probably make a huge dust storm. I don't think that you can wash it enough.

I think that live sand is a joke - if the bacteria managed to stay alive in the bag for months and months, or longer, they will have cannibalized themselves to live in that ecosystem and will have to again establish in the different ecosystem of your tank. However, the "live" sand that is in water is very easy to add and has very little "dust," so I think that it is a good choice.

 

[tony02133]

Ok thanks for the info

 

[tony02133]

If you are gonna add sand, I'd recommend Tropic Eden, wonderful stuff. I've added it to a tank without rinsing, settled clear, amazingly quick.

Im looking for black sand ,i think they dont have it

 

[CRW Reef]

Im looking for black sand ,i think they dont have it

Just as a recommendation, I would do some research on using black sand. I personally do not know one person whom uses it or has used it that would use it again and did not totally hate it after using it. Again this is just me and what i have seen, maybe there are several out there who love it and have had no issues.

 

[tony02133]

Just as a recommendation, I would do some research on using black sand. I personally do not know one person whom uses it or has used it that would use it again and did not totally hate it after using it. Again this is just me and what i have seen, maybe there are several out there who love it and have had no issues.

What type of sand should i used ???

 

[Cake_Boss]

Do you currently have black sand?

Aragonite is what I've used. Brand preference is up to you.

 

[tony02133]

Do you currently have black sand?

Aragonite is what I've used. Brand preference is up to you.

No ,i have white sand

 

[ReefCheif]

DONT USE BLACK SAND. Its magnetic and if you use a mag float to clean your glass / acrylic your gonna end up with scratches.

I would go with wet sand, they call it live sand, but it aint alive.