new sand

[sgallagher7]

I plan on moving into a new house at the end of the month, so its moving time for my tank. The tank has been up and running since may of last year.
I was hoping to use new sand after I move the tank. I was afraid of a new cycle beginning if i disturb the old sand and then put it back into the tank. Am I wrong in this thinking?
If its ok to use new sand, how much of the old sand can I use to "seed" the sand and not worry about a mini-cycle? Also, should I rinse the new sand before putting it in the tank.

[capncapo]

I'd use the top 1/2" of your existing sand and no matter what you do you will experience a cycle ( though it may hardly be noticeable ) if you use new sand.

[kau_cinta_ku]

yes by disterbing the old sand you could cause a mini cycle. best to use all new sand and seed with a couple cups of the old sand.

and rinsing would be good IMO

[seapug]

New sand can cause your pH and Alkalinity to get out of whack, so I'd rinse the new sand then put it in the new tank then let it run. After a couple days when things have settled down take a few pounds of the old sand and put it in (as long as it's been kept aerated in in water), then add everything else.

[sgallagher7]

Thanks for the feedback. So it sounds like the tank wont be ready for the corals and fish for a few days?

[capncapo]

If you're planning on doing a DSB in the new tank, don't rinse the sand.

[sgallagher7]

My plan is for approx. 4 inches in the tank. According to the calculator about 150 lbs. So dont rinse it? Also I was planning on using some of the sand for my refugium, approx 6 inches of the old sand. Good idea? My tank is just now starting to hum along, and Im afraid of screwing that up.

[seapug]

Originally posted by capncapo
If you're planning on doing a DSB in the new tank, don't rinse the sand.

Are you talking about the new sand or the old sand? Don't rinse the old sand, but definitely rinse the new stuff or you'll have a cloudy tank for days, if not weeks.

[capncapo]

Personally, I wouldn't reuse the old sand.

Are you versed in the ways of the DSB? If not, you may want to do some reading. Make sure to get the detritivore kits necessary to keep the DSB functioning properly.

[sgallagher7]

My level of sand is approx 3 to 4 inches now in my tank. Some lower areas because of my powerheads. My cleanup crew consists of astral snails, cerith's, turbo's, serpent starfish, emerald crabs, blue-legged hermits, and numerous bristtleworms. Is that enough to carry over to the new sand? Also, how long will it take to get the bacterial growth in the sand going again?

[capncapo]

You might want to go to the IPSF website and check into their detritivore kits. Except for the bristleworms, the animals you mentioned are not what you want for a DSB.

The bacterial growth will start immediately once the new sand is seeded but the longer you wait the better your sandbed will be able to help handle the load.

And again, don't rinse the sand. The small sand particles that are washed away by the rinsing are a necessary part of a DSB.

[ihopss]

If you or not going far, leave the sand in the tank with a little water1/4".

[sgallagher7]

understood. When I placed the sand in the tank for the first time i didnt rinse it, so in escense I have had for the most part a deep sand bed without really trying. The rock was cured on this sand, and I was hoping for a cleaner look with the new setup. The old sand still appears a bit dirty.

[sgallagher7]

whats the chance of the tank breaking with the sand inside it? approx. 150 extra pounds. Luckily im moving to a house that is less than a mile away.

[capncapo]

The detritivores will help keep the sand clean. ISPF.com is a good place as well as Inland Aquatics. They both sell detritivore kits that more or less compliment each other. Personally, I would have no hermits in your tank as they can decimate the populations of detritivores.

Try to do some reading on DSBs. If not done right, they can be troublesome but if you do what you should you'll be happy with it.

[capncapo]

There is no way that I would move a tank with the sand in it. You're taking a chance on a leak starting and it's not worth the risk.

[sgallagher7]

Id be freaking out with the sand still inside the tank. So it sounds like new sand that is seeded with some of the old sand. Can I use the old sand in the refugium without adverse effect on the tank?

[capncapo]

That's a matter of personal preference but I wouldn't do it.

The old sand could be laden with phosphates or other undesirables.

Should you decide to rinse it and use it make sure that you rinse it with RO water only. Sand has been shown to absorb phosphates from tap water.

[sgallagher7]

Thanks for the info. Id rather be safe with the new sand. With the old sand, how much would be enough to "seed" the new sand? I already have 150 lbs of sand heading my way from doctor foster and smith.

[capncapo]

I'd use no more than the top 1/2" of your existing sand. Put it on top of the new sand and wait.

If you have the luxury of being able to do so, do yourself a favor and give the new sand bed at least 2 or 3 weeks for the bacteria to do its thing.

Also, get some detritiovores and give them some time to settle in before adding anything that may want to eat them. Don't forget to feed the tank. This will give the bacteria in the sand bed a little food and will also give the detritivores something to eat.

[sgallagher7]

What kind of readings can i expect when using new sand? Will I see an elevation in nitrites, phosphates, or ammonia? All have been 0 presently, and Nitrates are at 5.

[capncapo]

I wouldn't suspect that your reading will go nuts unless for some reason your new sand is extremely dirty.

Typically, you might get a 2 or 3 day cycle with pretty low numbers. Not much to be concerned about but be aware that it will happen.

[sgallagher7]

Thats good to hear. So the stress to my corals, and other hitchikers on my rock wont be too bad. It appears that new and is the way to go. I'll be getting the detritvore kit asap.