Adding sand to an existing sandbed

Stilgore · 06/14/2008, 07:55 AM

I currently have a 35 gallon refugium for my 375 gallon mixed reef. I would like to make the sand bed about 2 inches deeper to lower my nitrates.

Would it cause problems for me to just put the new sand over the old?

I ask because I am concerned about killing any organisms that already populate the sandbed.

Thanks,
Stilgore

crabbejoe · 06/14/2008, 08:12 AM

There's no real proof that a deep sand bed reduces nitrates any more than a "shallow" sand bed. I don't think adding sand would kill many orgainisms.

sdietz2469 · 06/14/2008, 08:43 AM

if you add a little at a time, it will ensure that you dont choke out the life... maybe add like 1/4" about 1 time a week, it would allow the critters to move into the new sand... jmo
shane

Stilgore · 06/14/2008, 08:53 AM

Hmm..i have been reading various threads that talk about the benefits of deepsand beds to lower nitrates.

You don't think these hold any weight?

Any suggestions to lower my nitrates? They currently sit at around 30 and I would like to lower them quite a bit.

Thanks,
Stil

lancer99 · 06/14/2008, 09:08 AM

Let's not reopen the debate about DSBs!

I think sdietz's suggestion is good, but the problem is that each time you add sand, you'll end up with a cloudy tank.

An alternative method that I've heard works (haven't tried it myself) is to add sand to the depth you want, but only on half of the sandbed. Then wait a month or so, and add it to the second half.

-R

06/14/2008, 07:55 AM	#1
Stilgore Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Suberb of Kansas City Posts: 79	Adding sand to an existing sandbed I currently have a 35 gallon refugium for my 375 gallon mixed reef. I would like to make the sand bed about 2 inches deeper to lower my nitrates. Would it cause problems for me to just put the new sand over the old? I ask because I am concerned about killing any organisms that already populate the sandbed. Thanks, Stilgore

06/14/2008, 08:12 AM	#2
crabbejoe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Little Chute, WI Posts: 707	There's no real proof that a deep sand bed reduces nitrates any more than a "shallow" sand bed. I don't think adding sand would kill many orgainisms. __________________ Joe Current Tank Info: 20 gallon reef, 75 gallon FOWLR

06/14/2008, 08:43 AM	#3
sdietz2469 stickhead n chalice freak Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Milwaukie, OR 97267 Posts: 529	if you add a little at a time, it will ensure that you dont choke out the life... maybe add like 1/4" about 1 time a week, it would allow the critters to move into the new sand... jmo shane __________________ King Of Aquatico Island corals are like crack, but more expensive, and you cant OD on them.... Current Tank Info: 300DD sps dominant, ATB Med ext w/airstar 4-6105s, apex, geo 618 CaRx, PM 620 kalk, 500 gal total water. Check out my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2116897

06/14/2008, 08:53 AM	#4
Stilgore Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Suberb of Kansas City Posts: 79	Hmm..i have been reading various threads that talk about the benefits of deepsand beds to lower nitrates. You don't think these hold any weight? Any suggestions to lower my nitrates? They currently sit at around 30 and I would like to lower them quite a bit. Thanks, Stil

06/14/2008, 09:08 AM	#5
lancer99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Falls Church, VA Posts: 1,100	Let's not reopen the debate about DSBs! I think sdietz's suggestion is good, but the problem is that each time you add sand, you'll end up with a cloudy tank. An alternative method that I've heard works (haven't tried it myself) is to add sand to the depth you want, but only on half of the sandbed. Then wait a month or so, and add it to the second half. -R