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Andrew_bram

Tiger Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#41
So in a Black Friday rage I think I accidentally ordered the wrong kind of sand...but what I got might actually work? Let me explain....

Thought I was ordering black sand, but what I got was actually black gravel. The brand is CaribSea Aragonite:

View attachment 13758

The individual pieces of "gravel" are like the size of a grain of rice. Definitely not the sugar like size I thought I was ordering. But the more I think about it the more I think this may work because it might be less likely to blow around in the current? It was $30 for a 20# bag, I got it on sale for $16 per bag with free shipping.

So am I crazy for keeping it, or is this stuff actually OK? I've only ever ran tanks with sand that is fine texture like sugar. This stuff sort of reminds me of a goldfish aquarium...
Chris if it is black I would highly recommend taking a magnet to it and be sure you wont have problems from that.

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TheRealChrisBrown

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
ex-officio
#42
Chris if it is black I would highly recommend taking a magnet to it and be sure you wont have problems from that.
I've been using black sand in my tanks for 8+ years, and usually I just buy the cheap store brand from Petco which has never had any issues with magnetism. But yes I will most definitely give it a check and thanks for the reminder...I half forgot about that!
 

TheRealChrisBrown

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
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#44
Just a little update, I think January 18th is the date! (before anyone asks, yes...January 18, 2019 :tearsofjoy:)

Starting to develop a checklist of things I need, and things I need to do. Starts to feel overwhelming at times! I start to question myself, like "why am I doing this?"

If anyone has any tips/suggestions/frequently overlooked items post them up! No reminder is too small. I've done this many times before, but it's always amazing at the unexpected things that pop up...
 

SynDen

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#45
Get'r done!
 

TheRealChrisBrown

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
ex-officio
#47
Are you doing total tank transfer or cycle and then transfer live stock

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Transferring as much water as I can, all live rock, corals and fish, going straight into new tank. New sand, and just a few pieces of live rock that I've had running in a tote for 2 years (if needed).

I have a 150g horse trough that I'm going to transfer as much of the old tank into as I can. then break down existing tank. Set up new tank and stand and let the PVC glue cure for 24 hours and then transfer back into new setup.

I don't currently have any SPS or LPS...just zoas, nems, and fish. I've been heading that way for about 6 months knowing this swap was coming, I feel like zoas are pretty hardy...and I don't have anything high dollar so if I lose some it wouldn't break the bank.
 

neil82

Sting ray
M.A.S.C Club Member
#48
Transferring as much water as I can, all live rock, corals and fish, going straight into new tank. New sand, and just a few pieces of live rock that I've had running in a tote for 2 years (if needed).

I have a 150g horse trough that I'm going to transfer as much of the old tank into as I can. then break down existing tank. Set up new tank and stand and let the PVC glue cure for 24 hours and then transfer back into new setup.

I don't currently have any SPS or LPS...just zoas, nems, and fish. I've been heading that way for about 6 months knowing this swap was coming, I feel like zoas are pretty hardy...and I don't have anything high dollar so if I lose some it wouldn't break the bank.
It sounds like the new tank will be setup in the same location as the existing tank, is that right?
 

Andrew_bram

Tiger Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#50
Transferring as much water as I can, all live rock, corals and fish, going straight into new tank. New sand, and just a few pieces of live rock that I've had running in a tote for 2 years (if needed).

I have a 150g horse trough that I'm going to transfer as much of the old tank into as I can. then break down existing tank. Set up new tank and stand and let the PVC glue cure for 24 hours and then transfer back into new setup.

I don't currently have any SPS or LPS...just zoas, nems, and fish. I've been heading that way for about 6 months knowing this swap was coming, I feel like zoas are pretty hardy...and I don't have anything high dollar so if I lose some it wouldn't break the bank.
Well definitely wont be able to pee in that one for the cycle.

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neil82

Sting ray
M.A.S.C Club Member
#51
I think your plan sounds great. If you haven't done this already, I would get all the required plumbing for the new tank and dry fit everything together. And give your new sand a thorough rinse so it's ready to go.
 

halmus

Registered Users
M.A.S.C Club Member
ex-officio
#52
Plan sounds great. Are you planning on running carbon right away with the new tank? I’m imagining extra junk being stirred up from the transfer. Maybe even a poly-filter initially to soak up contaminants from the build/transfer process?

I’ve got a big mag drive hooked to a long hose you can borrow. Set it up as a permanent kit to transfer a lot of water over a good distance.
 

TheRealChrisBrown

Reef Shark
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#53
Plan sounds great. Are you planning on running carbon right away with the new tank? I’m imagining extra junk being stirred up from the transfer. Maybe even a poly-filter initially to soak up contaminants from the build/transfer process?

I’ve got a big mag drive hooked to a long hose you can borrow. Set it up as a permanent kit to transfer a lot of water over a good distance.
Much to my wife's chagrin I am putting the 150g stock tank in the middle of the living room, so just a few feet away. I was also thinking of setting up a series of 5 gal buckets to swish the rock through...maybe knock off some built up detritus off. Probably have some tarps on the carpet. It's going to be high class for a few days!

I have a heater, and a couple of smaller pumps for circulation. I can add a bubble wand to to oxygenate the water? Is that necessary? I am thinking the livestock will be in the 150g stock tank for about 24 hours, maybe longer for the last of the PVC glue to cure.
 

Dr.DiSilicate

Great White Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
ex-officio
#56
I’d also run some carbon and maybe filter floss just in cans. I’d also have some extra water mixed up just in case.

After you get settled in let me know. We can get you some hardy sps Frags to flex those halide muscles.


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