From bare bottom to sand bed

[merwil]

I have a established tank running for 6 mos on bare bottom w/ live rocks. I am planning to add sand on the system. Will it cause a cycle? Will it be lethal to my current LS? TIA.

[seth]

nope. but you really need to wash the sand thouroughly. Wash it well, soak it overnight in FW, rinse it again then soak it again in old SW (tankwater). At least that's what we do. The soaking in SW part is not actually necessary, but it helps in preventing the sand from clouding the water, heck it would even help avoiding sudden alk swings.

After you do that, the easiest way to add the sand without making a huge mess is to put it in small, clear plastic bags then poke holes in the bag and let the sand slowly pour out.

[roland_0313]

I've done something similar to my tank, albeit in the sump. I cleaned the sand thoroughly until the water is clear, but had it soaked in water for a week with daily FW change to remove all excess nutrients and silicate. It's a longer process, but I didn't have any problems right after.

[merwil]

Thanks sirs!

[aarongo222]

pwede mo rin gawin yung tube/pipe tapos naka funnel ka then hulog mo dun yung sand para d agad sasabog. make sure yung tube/pipe mo abot hangang sahig ng aquarium mo para pag tinaas mo kunti lalabas na yung sand walang kalat