When to add Live Sand

jacob.morgan78 · 07/30/2011, 02:00 PM

I'm currently setting up a 125 and the LFS told me to wait to add LS until after I put the LR in... Wouldn't it make more sense to get the sand down so I wouldn't have to worry about it getting all over the rock if I tried to do it after? I do have to scrub the LR down and clean it pretty well due to it's condition before coming to my house so maybe that has something to do with it. What do you guys think?

Also, while I have your attention, how much LS do I need if I want about a 1" layer on the bottom? The tank is 72" long.

Thanks!

Sisterlimonpot · 07/30/2011, 02:05 PM

putting the rock in first guarantees that your rock structure is on a solid foundation. then you add the sand around your rock work. as far as calculating an inch worth of sand there are calculators on the home page that estimate it for you.

jacob.morgan78 · 07/30/2011, 02:11 PM

You know of any good ways to get the sand down there without it going everywhere you don't want it?

bellis31 · 07/30/2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacob.morgan78

You know of any good ways to get the sand down there without it going everywhere you don't want it?

You can pour it down a 2 inch piece of PVC or other tube like device you may have lying around, that should keep the sand storm to a minimum! Rinsing the sand also helps keep the storm down....

Sisterlimonpot · 07/30/2011, 02:26 PM

^^^+1.
that's a good way to keep the sand storm down to a minimum.

jacob.morgan78 · 07/30/2011, 02:32 PM

I've heard of that but how do you get the sand in the pvc without making a sand storm outside if the tank?? :-) I guess a big funnel would work...

thanks for the suggestions

thegrun · 07/30/2011, 03:46 PM

I use a clean oil change long spout funnel to place the sand. The formula to calculate the amount of sand needed is tank L x W x Thickness of sand desired/20= Lbs

Bama Man · 07/30/2011, 11:00 PM

Yes Jacob, the reason behind not putting the sand in first is to be sure the rocks are on a good solid foundation as Sister said above. Some critters burrow in the sand and if they did so in the sand that you have your rock stacked on it could topple your rocks and break your tank or cause other disasters. I have used the pipe method mentioned above and I have also just used a large plastic tea glass. I just rinsed the sand and then lowered the glass of sand to the bottom slowly and poured it around my rocks. I would rinse it for sure whichever method you use to get it in there.

07/30/2011, 02:00 PM	#1
jacob.morgan78 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, VA Posts: 1,184	When to add Live Sand I'm currently setting up a 125 and the LFS told me to wait to add LS until after I put the LR in... Wouldn't it make more sense to get the sand down so I wouldn't have to worry about it getting all over the rock if I tried to do it after? I do have to scrub the LR down and clean it pretty well due to it's condition before coming to my house so maybe that has something to do with it. What do you guys think? Also, while I have your attention, how much LS do I need if I want about a 1" layer on the bottom? The tank is 72" long. Thanks!

07/30/2011, 02:05 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	putting the rock in first guarantees that your rock structure is on a solid foundation. then you add the sand around your rock work. as far as calculating an inch worth of sand there are calculators on the home page that estimate it for you. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

07/30/2011, 02:26 PM	#5
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	^^^+1. that's a good way to keep the sand storm down to a minimum. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

07/30/2011, 11:00 PM	#8
Bama Man Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: N.E. Alabama Posts: 55	Yes Jacob, the reason behind not putting the sand in first is to be sure the rocks are on a good solid foundation as Sister said above. Some critters burrow in the sand and if they did so in the sand that you have your rock stacked on it could topple your rocks and break your tank or cause other disasters. I have used the pipe method mentioned above and I have also just used a large plastic tea glass. I just rinsed the sand and then lowered the glass of sand to the bottom slowly and poured it around my rocks. I would rinse it for sure whichever method you use to get it in there. __________________ Hello from Alabama !!! 72 g bowfront mixed reef with sump and fuge. 2 x 150 W MH's. Current Tank Info: 72 g bowfront mixed reef with sump.

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07/30/2011, 02:11 PM	#3
jacob.morgan78 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, VA Posts: 1,184	You know of any good ways to get the sand down there without it going everywhere you don't want it?

07/30/2011, 02:32 PM	#6
jacob.morgan78 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, VA Posts: 1,184	I've heard of that but how do you get the sand in the pvc without making a sand storm outside if the tank?? :-) I guess a big funnel would work... thanks for the suggestions

07/30/2011, 03:46 PM	#7
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I use a clean oil change long spout funnel to place the sand. The formula to calculate the amount of sand needed is tank L x W x Thickness of sand desired/20= Lbs