Adding LS

[Willie_6]

My tank has been up for two years. I want to add some more LS to my tank. Is there a way to do this without creating a sand storm in my tank? Will this cause my tank to cycle? Thanks for the help.

 

[drummereef]

Just add dry sand instead of the live stuff and you shouldn't see a cycle. Add it in a layer no more than 1/4" at a time. I've done this many times to replenish my dsb. Do it slowly and you'll have minimal sandstorms.

 

[boggins]

I agree with drummereef... only 1/4" layer a week, step by step. A buddy of mine used to add his sand with an old beer stein he had - one of those with a cover... It allowed him to get the sand to the bottom without creating any dust - and then slowly sprinkle a nice layer.... no cloud.
Even if just using any type of cup, slowly submerging it and slowly taking it to the bottom will minimize the possible dust cloud. Make sure to thoroughly pre-rinse the sand first, of course, to get rid of most of the smallest particles, which create the dust.

 

[Willie_6]

What kind of sand???? Like sandbox sand?

 

[Willie_6]

Bump

 

[JustADude]

I have always added new LS to my tank with out any major problems , IMO it's a good thing to do cause it will give you more diversity in your DSB, you'll not need add much but just a cup now and then , as for the sand storm if one stops and thinks about this, think of the reef, can you say there is never a storm that kicks up a bit of sand now and then ? thats just the way of nature really, stirring up your existing sand bed is not good but IMO the sand from adding new would not be a big concern.

 

[Willie_6]

Any other thoughts? So far I have been told to add LS and others say don't add LS. Any other votes?

 

[Joshua1023]

Its really irrelevant. To avoid a sandstorm, tape or glue a funnel to a piece of pvc. You can then direct the sand straight to the bottom. As for dry sand choices, use whatever you think looks best.

 

[supertech3]

I add my dry sand rinsed to avoid more dust, I use a bowl letting the aquarium water fill the bowl and lowering to my desired location and slowly pouring out, this has worked the best for me and minimizes the storm

 

[Willie_6]

I guess my prefrence is to use live sand. My concern is the potential to kick off a cycle. If it won't then I would rather do that then use sand that is not intended for a fish tank. So will adding LS cause my tank to cycle?

 

[ruarox]

why pay the extra money for live sand when your sand is live already you can seed dry sand and it will be live soon

 

[merseyman]

... shouldn't start a cycle unless it's partially dead. for instance, if i take some LR or LS from your tank and immediately put it in mine, the rock or sand doesn't know any difference, assuming similar parameters. now, if you have some shipped to you, or it sits outside a functioning tank for a while, there will be some degree of "curing" due to some die-off.

 

[JustADude]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9727607#post9727607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ruarox
why pay the extra money for live sand when your sand is live already you can seed dry sand and it will be live soon

for the diversity of all those little critters living in your DSB