Adding Live sand last?

[swanny06]

So that's what I'm debating on doing right now. I wanted to get everyone's opinion before I do so. I'd rather avoid mixing in salt with every 5 gallon bucket I carry to the tank, so mixing it into the full tank seems a lot more appealing. Would it be okay to add the live sand in after I finish that? I'm sure it'll be cloudy for a little bit until it settles.

[ca1ore]

My opinion is to not bother with the live sand at all, unless it's the TBS stuff. The dry stuff works just as well. If you already have it, or are just hell bent on using it, then I always prefer to lay the sand down prior to adding water.

[homer1475]

Originally Posted by ca1ore

My opinion is to not bother with the live sand at all, unless it's the TBS stuff. The dry stuff works just as well. If you already have it, or are just hell bent on using it, then I always prefer to lay the sand down prior to adding water.

+1

FYI live sand isn't live anymore when its been sitting in a bag with 0 oxygen for god knows how long. It's a marketing gimmick that people have bought into in droves.

You can also mix the salt in with the plain water after the sand is in the tank, You just have to stir up the sand a bit to get any salt that may have settled. I setup my last tank doing just this(of course I didn't use the "live" sand either).

[mcgyvr]

Add sand..then fresh water..then salt...it will be just fine...

[swanny06]

I appreciate the input y'all. I already have the sand so that's a lost cause now haha. But I'm also using BRS reef saver rock. So the only thing that will aid in cycling my tank is the Red Sea reef mature kit I bought. Is that enough to cycle my tank if the sand is shot?


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[thomas.torode]

You can do that but, expect it to be cloudy for a good 4 days. Depending on what amount of sand you are adding. I suggest you watch a video on how to add sand to a pre established tank. My favorite it putting the sand into a bowl, then pouring it ones it is at the bottom of the tank. I hope this helps

[swanny06]

Originally Posted by thomas.torode

You can do that but, expect it to be cloudy for a good 4 days. Depending on what amount of sand you are adding. I suggest you watch a video on how to add sand to a pre established tank. My favorite it putting the sand into a bowl, then pouring it ones it is at the bottom of the tank. I hope this helps

That's a really good idea with the bowl. Thanks! It's a 40 gallon breeder so I'm putting 30 pounds of sand in, so not too bad.


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[JZinCO]

Originally Posted by thomas.torode

You can do that but, expect it to be cloudy for a good 4 days. Depending on what amount of sand you are adding. I suggest you watch a video on how to add sand to a pre established tank. My favorite it putting the sand into a bowl, then pouring it ones it is at the bottom of the tank. I hope this helps

I like using pvc

[Nandez13]

The PVC trick works well for adding sand to a tank with water in it. As many others said, cloudiness may be an issue. Replacing filter socks daily will help.

I'd also recommend rinsing the sand thoroughly before adding. I wouldn't worry about it being "live", as most of your biological filtration will come from your rocks. Good luck with the new setup

[ericarenee]

I add rock work to the tank.. then sand then water.. If its live rock i will add half water then rock then sand . then rest of water...
if i add sand to the tank after water is in it.. I will rinse the sand then put it into 2 gallon zip lock baggies.. Place the baggies on the bottom of the tank then slit the end of the bag on each end and slowly pull one of the slit ends upward . this lets the sand drop right to the bottom with NOT Much of a mess at all. Wait until what does cloud up settle before you try to spread it out..

as far as mixing the salt.. I would mix a concentrated amount in a bucket then dump that into the tank not dump the salt directly.. this way it will mix with the fresh water quicker and not settle to the bottom..

I agree that "Live SAND and Bacteria in a Bottle" IS not Needed.. If your using dry live rock Just seed it with a few pieces from a friend

[swanny06]

I appreciate the input everyone! It's all very helpful. I should be adding the salt in today and running the power heads to allow it to mix and if it's all good to go come tomorrow I'll add the sand in and begin the cycle.

During the cycle, should I run my skimmer?


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[homer1475]

Doesn't matter. I always have just to let the skimmer break in. I figure it has to run a couple weeks to "break in" anyways, so why not?