Swapping CC for Sand bed

richg315 · 07/24/2009, 06:21 PM

So i've been contemplating taking on this project for some time and just need some guidance. I want to swap my crushed coral for a shallow sand bed. My plan is to empty the contents of my tank (pair of clowns, shrimp, assorted lps, zoas, and shrooms) with the tank water into a rubbermaid tote. Along with this i will fill a media bag with some of my crushed coral to "move" some organisms into the new sand. Next i plan on adding approx 1 inch layer of sand on the bottom of my tank and then slowly put everything back in. Does this all sound ok? am i missing any steps? Also, i was going to use kolorscape sand due to the fact i hear many good things about its use in saltwater tanks. Any and all help is appreciated!!!

Agu · 07/24/2009, 07:28 PM

I would use two containers, one for fish/coral and one for rock. Once you have Corals in one tub it can be tough to fit the rock into the same tub. Also the rock will drop a lot of crud that can foul the water.

I've found conditioning new sand with some waterchange water, a chunk of live rock and a powerhead in a tub/bucket reduces cloudiness when you add sand to the tank. Some prior bacteria buildup on the sand seems to reduce the time it takes for cloudiness to settle.

Which brings up the point that you'll need replacement water. For a 29 I'd recommend about 15 gallons. Part of it to top off after you've restocked without adding dirty water and part of it for a water change after a couple of days.

Good luck,

07/24/2009, 06:21 PM	#1
richg315 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central NY Posts: 180	Swapping CC for Sand bed So i've been contemplating taking on this project for some time and just need some guidance. I want to swap my crushed coral for a shallow sand bed. My plan is to empty the contents of my tank (pair of clowns, shrimp, assorted lps, zoas, and shrooms) with the tank water into a rubbermaid tote. Along with this i will fill a media bag with some of my crushed coral to "move" some organisms into the new sand. Next i plan on adding approx 1 inch layer of sand on the bottom of my tank and then slowly put everything back in. Does this all sound ok? am i missing any steps? Also, i was going to use kolorscape sand due to the fact i hear many good things about its use in saltwater tanks. Any and all help is appreciated!!!

07/24/2009, 07:28 PM	#2
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	I would use two containers, one for fish/coral and one for rock. Once you have Corals in one tub it can be tough to fit the rock into the same tub. Also the rock will drop a lot of crud that can foul the water. I've found conditioning new sand with some waterchange water, a chunk of live rock and a powerhead in a tub/bucket reduces cloudiness when you add sand to the tank. Some prior bacteria buildup on the sand seems to reduce the time it takes for cloudiness to settle. Which brings up the point that you'll need replacement water. For a 29 I'd recommend about 15 gallons. Part of it to top off after you've restocked without adding dirty water and part of it for a water change after a couple of days. Good luck, __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks