switched substrate to live sand...

MustangGrl · 02/09/2015, 01:49 AM

I originally started my tank about 2 weeks ago with crushed coral, but decided to switch to live sand as i was told it would be better for certain fish i would like to add later. I have a few fish already in the tank, i took them out and put them in bags while the water settles, but it's taking longer than expected. Water is probably 85% clear. My question is, will the fish suffer more hawk from the stress of being in the bags too long, or from adding them back before the sand had completely settled?

droog · 02/09/2015, 02:26 AM

Hmmm. You probably started a cycle replacing all the substrate, in which case I'm afraid your fish may be doomed. Can you get them into another tank or back to the LFS until you're sure the cycle is complete. I know you said "live" sand, but that probably still needs time for bacterial population to wake up and multiply.

If you can't get them into another tank, I'd put them back regardless of cloudiness and add bacteria in a bottle (Dr Tims one and only, biospira, biodegradeur etc) and hope for the best.

Doing the substrate in sections a few weeks apart is one way to achieve the switchover a bit more safely. In general slow down and read the stickies on here. Also easier if you ask questions before making a change. On this forum no questions are too silly...

-droog

MustangGrl · 02/09/2015, 02:40 AM

Thanks so much for the reply. I didn't change out all the substrate, just removed about 50% and then the sand. I do have live bacteria on hand and some stress reducers, etc. As well as live rock. In the future, i will ask here first. Thank you again

sealtea116 · 02/09/2015, 07:07 AM

I would say be careful how long u keep them in bags because of the ammonia levels will get high and kill them

droog · 02/09/2015, 10:16 AM

Agree with above. If you did half, I think it's safe to put the fish straight back. Sandstorms happen in nature also

-droog

cloak · 02/09/2015, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MustangGrl

I originally started my tank about 2 weeks ago with crushed coral, but decided to switch to live sand

Has your tank even cycled yet? Two weeks is nothing, and you already have three fish in the tank?

Like mentioned above, you might want to return those fish to the LFS and give your tank some time to stabilize.

Azedenkae · 02/09/2015, 02:06 PM

The murkiness doesn't quite affect fish, usually. Assuming your tank is already cycled, the fish can go back in and live in murkiness for a while. Alternatively, you can do water changed to clear it up.

02/09/2015, 01:49 AM	#1
MustangGrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 3	switched substrate to live sand... I originally started my tank about 2 weeks ago with crushed coral, but decided to switch to live sand as i was told it would be better for certain fish i would like to add later. I have a few fish already in the tank, i took them out and put them in bags while the water settles, but it's taking longer than expected. Water is probably 85% clear. My question is, will the fish suffer more hawk from the stress of being in the bags too long, or from adding them back before the sand had completely settled?

02/09/2015, 02:26 AM	#2
droog Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 736	Hmmm. You probably started a cycle replacing all the substrate, in which case I'm afraid your fish may be doomed. Can you get them into another tank or back to the LFS until you're sure the cycle is complete. I know you said "live" sand, but that probably still needs time for bacterial population to wake up and multiply. If you can't get them into another tank, I'd put them back regardless of cloudiness and add bacteria in a bottle (Dr Tims one and only, biospira, biodegradeur etc) and hope for the best. Doing the substrate in sections a few weeks apart is one way to achieve the switchover a bit more safely. In general slow down and read the stickies on here. Also easier if you ask questions before making a change. On this forum no questions are too silly... -droog

02/09/2015, 02:40 AM	#3
MustangGrl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 3	Thanks so much for the reply. I didn't change out all the substrate, just removed about 50% and then the sand. I do have live bacteria on hand and some stress reducers, etc. As well as live rock. In the future, i will ask here first. Thank you again

02/09/2015, 07:07 AM	#4
sealtea116 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: New York Posts: 271	I would say be careful how long u keep them in bags because of the ammonia levels will get high and kill them

02/09/2015, 10:16 AM	#5
droog Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 736	Agree with above. If you did half, I think it's safe to put the fish straight back. Sandstorms happen in nature also -droog

02/09/2015, 02:06 PM	#7
Azedenkae Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,196	The murkiness doesn't quite affect fish, usually. Assuming your tank is already cycled, the fish can go back in and live in murkiness for a while. Alternatively, you can do water changed to clear it up.