Adding sand to a bare bottom.

[MNOcean]

Does anyone have experience adding sand to a bare bottom tank? I bought three bags of fiji pink to add to my tank and after the first bag my nitrates sky rocketed. They went from undetectable to over 40ppm. I am looking for advice before added the next bag.

Also, I ordered another 35 pounds of rock to add to the tank and sump. I'm nervous that this could cause another cycle or nitrate spike like the sand did. Any advise would be much appreciated.

I do intend to cure the dry rock before adding.

Thanks,

 

[davocean]

40ppm is not something I would become overly concerned w/, but you don't want it to rise and of course coming down would be preferred.
Was this live or dry sand, and did you rinse it?

 

[MNOcean]

It was CaribSea Fiji Pink live sand. I didn't rinse it. Should I have?

 

[davocean]

No you don't rinse the live, but really I would never add live sand to an existing tank, and frankly I would never waste money on it even on a new one.
Live sand comes w/ dieoff, this is probably the base for your issues.
Dry sand would have actually been better.

 

[MNOcean]

I will pick up a bag of dry sand and see if I get a spike from that. I have about $8,000 into this tank, I'm not very concerned about the $60 I have invested in live sand.

Thanks for your help.

 

[davocean]

No sweat, meantime just stay on top of WC's
If you continue to add sand do not just bury what life is already there, add a half inch at a time and give a few days/week before adding more, or what I do is add to half side of tank at a time