From CC to LS - last question before D-Day

auntynatal · 01/07/2008, 02:58 PM

Ok, tomorrow is D-Day and I pick up my live sand tomorrow afternoon.

I intend to empty the livestock corals and LR from my main tank into a second tank in the morning, spend lunchtime clearing out all the CC (and take a razor blade to all the spots I couldn't reach before and get the green crap off the back) and then put in the LS.

Questions!

1. How deep should the sand bed be? I have read that anything from 1" to 4" is acceptable but are there reasons for different depths? (I've ordered 80 lbs for a 55g tank - rather throw some than not have enough)

2. I've got 40 litres of saltwater in a bin circulating and heating (which is more than I will need, but again better safe than sorry) I estimate I will lose about 25 - 30 litres of SW during the changeover. Once I have put the sandbed in, should I put in as much saved water as I can and then some new water in and leave it to settle?
How long should I leave it to settle?
Will I be able to put my fish etc back the same day as the bed goes in?

I'm still bricking it but I know I have to do this for the good of my tank and its inhabitants. not looking forward to catching fish, especially not Nigel the boxing shrimp as he is testy as hell at the best of times! any tips on fish and shrimp catching techniques?

Thanks in advance, as always!

rustybucket145 · 01/07/2008, 03:04 PM

The fish are EASY to catch when you're breaking down. Get the rock out first, then start draining the water. Don't even attempt to catch the fish until there's only and inch or two of water in the bottom. Sometimes you can just leave 1 rock in the tank while draining and all the fish will hover over/under it. When the water gets low, just pick up the rock and scoop them out. VERY easy and not near as stressful on the fish as chasing them around the tank with a net.

I wouldn't leave anything to settle. When you get it in, fire up the pumps and powerheads. They will actually aid in settling the sand/dust from the water column. Crank up the skimmer to remove any 'goo' that may have accumulated.

Good Luck!!

sabazerehi · 01/07/2008, 03:58 PM

you'll definetely be able to get the fish back in the same day. the whole process should only take a few hours.

otrlynn · 01/07/2008, 04:36 PM

You will probably want to set aside some of the old water in a separate bin or bucket for "swishing" the rocks before you put them in the new tank. A lot of detritus falls off of them. If you have any HOB filters with fiber filters/carbon (of the sort usually used in fresh water) running them will help clear up the water quickly.

01/07/2008, 02:58 PM	#1
auntynatal Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 173	From CC to LS - last question before D-Day Ok, tomorrow is D-Day and I pick up my live sand tomorrow afternoon. I intend to empty the livestock corals and LR from my main tank into a second tank in the morning, spend lunchtime clearing out all the CC (and take a razor blade to all the spots I couldn't reach before and get the green crap off the back) and then put in the LS. Questions! 1. How deep should the sand bed be? I have read that anything from 1" to 4" is acceptable but are there reasons for different depths? (I've ordered 80 lbs for a 55g tank - rather throw some than not have enough) 2. I've got 40 litres of saltwater in a bin circulating and heating (which is more than I will need, but again better safe than sorry) I estimate I will lose about 25 - 30 litres of SW during the changeover. Once I have put the sandbed in, should I put in as much saved water as I can and then some new water in and leave it to settle? How long should I leave it to settle? Will I be able to put my fish etc back the same day as the bed goes in? I'm still bricking it but I know I have to do this for the good of my tank and its inhabitants. not looking forward to catching fish, especially not Nigel the boxing shrimp as he is testy as hell at the best of times! any tips on fish and shrimp catching techniques? Thanks in advance, as always! __________________ “Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God....I could be eating a slow learner.” “No good fish goes anywhere without a porpoise” Current Tank Info: 55g, 50 lbs live rock, 40lbs live sand, xenias, mushrooms, medusa, sponge, boxing, cleaner and peppermint shrimps, flame angelfish, pyjama fish, spotted peacock wrasse and two clownfish, crabs and snails!

01/07/2008, 03:04 PM	#2
rustybucket145 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: valdosta, ga Posts: 3,707	The fish are EASY to catch when you're breaking down. Get the rock out first, then start draining the water. Don't even attempt to catch the fish until there's only and inch or two of water in the bottom. Sometimes you can just leave 1 rock in the tank while draining and all the fish will hover over/under it. When the water gets low, just pick up the rock and scoop them out. VERY easy and not near as stressful on the fish as chasing them around the tank with a net. I wouldn't leave anything to settle. When you get it in, fire up the pumps and powerheads. They will actually aid in settling the sand/dust from the water column. Crank up the skimmer to remove any 'goo' that may have accumulated. Good Luck!! __________________ 400gals of various tanks in the same system. Current Tank Info: 2 175w MH, 2 VH0 Actinics, Lots of Live Rock, tons of copepods, a Fat Mandarin Goby, Niger Trigger, Yellow Tang, Falco Hawkfish, Bi-Color Pseudo, numerous soft, SPS and LPS Corals

01/07/2008, 04:36 PM	#4
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	You will probably want to set aside some of the old water in a separate bin or bucket for "swishing" the rocks before you put them in the new tank. A lot of detritus falls off of them. If you have any HOB filters with fiber filters/carbon (of the sort usually used in fresh water) running them will help clear up the water quickly. __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.

01/07/2008, 03:58 PM	#3
sabazerehi Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles, 90049 Posts: 2,491	you'll definetely be able to get the fish back in the same day. the whole process should only take a few hours.