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Unread 09/12/2015, 02:42 PM   #1
Ryj27
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Adding New Sand to an Established Tank

I have had my 55g tank for about a month now. Everything is doing great, except that I've realized that my sand bed is not deep enough. My small hermit crabs, if they mess around in the same spot long enough, can uncover the bottom of the tank. The sand is probably a little less than half an inch deep. I know this is bad, so I plan on taking everything out and adding more sand and a little bit of crushed coral tomorrow. But will adding more live sand start a cycle? And if it does how long? Should I use dry sand? Lol help


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Unread 09/12/2015, 02:51 PM   #2
Ryj27
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I do have liverock, inverts, and fish so I'm hoping it won't start a long cycle. I don't even have another tank set up they could go in...


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Unread 09/12/2015, 02:55 PM   #3
Gagonzalez
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If you place a lot of dry sand in then yes, it will start a mini cycle.

Just leave everything in place and add about 1/4 at a time about every 1-2weeks. Should be a small enough difference not to impact much.


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Unread 09/12/2015, 03:25 PM   #4
gone fishin
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Get some dry sand and rinse it well, then you can add some, maybe a 1/3 of the tank, wait a week a or two then add some more. I would skip the crushed coral. it can trap detritus causing you some headaches. just my two cents good luck.


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Unread 09/12/2015, 07:33 PM   #5
davocean
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I'd also do just dry sand, that should avoid any cycle issues, just add about half an inch to one half of tank at a time, that lets the life on top level to seed the new, add to other half a few day/week later.
I would use a piece of PVC, like 2", cover one end w/ a plastic baggy w/ a rubber band, fill it up, place where you want it, use tongs or something to pull the rubber band and baggy off and sand will settle there w/out a sand storm.
Always rinse first in clean RO/DI water.


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Unread 09/12/2015, 08:07 PM   #6
Ryj27
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I'm afraid the rock will get buried in sand


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Unread 09/12/2015, 10:55 PM   #7
CStrickland
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryj27 View Post
I'm afraid the rock will get buried in sand
its normal to have the rock set on the bottom and sand come up around it. If the rock is on the sand then it can get shifted around and destabilize your aquascape if something burrows under it.


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Unread 09/13/2015, 09:28 AM   #8
ca1ore
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryj27 View Post
I do have liverock, inverts, and fish so I'm hoping it won't start a long cycle. I don't even have another tank set up they could go in...
Adding new, clean sand WILL NOT start any kind of cycle. Why would it, unless it's laden with decomposing organic material. Just wash any dry sand really well as it is full of fines that will turn your tank water to milk. I simply fill a ziplock bag with washed sand and dump it out at the bottom; or pour the sand down a piece of PVC.


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Unread 09/13/2015, 12:14 PM   #9
Sk8r
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I use a clipped-off brand new auto oil funnel stuck into 2" pvc pipe long enough to reach bottom. Don't try to spread it. Fish will do that. And replace it a little at a time, because new sand may leach phosphate and turn green with algae. If this happens, just let it run its course before adding more.


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Unread 09/14/2015, 09:14 PM   #10
droog
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You could also let it be.

Shallow sand is not necessarily "bad" - plenty of folks here are successful with shallow sand beds. Many prefer the look and find it its easier to keep clean.

About a month is not really established yet. This is about the time you may start to see cyano, hair algae, other nasties. Lots of learning opportunities for you are "in the mail". Have a beer, enjoy your tank. Let the hermit crabs be. I'd leave the sand bed alone unless they form a union and go on collective clean-up-crew strike action.

If you like to tinker, start measuring your nutrient levels (p04, no3) and check the directional trend.

-droog


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