adding sand to an established tank

[sawlty dog]

I currently have a bare bottom 60 cube, and am thinking about adding sand to it (purely for aesthetics). I can't get over the look of a reef without sand.

Any recommendations on how best to do this? Do I need to take all of the livestock out? I'll have to redo the rock work anyways, so I know all of that will have to sit in a side container while it settles. What about fish, hermits, snails, and other coral?

 

[doreo]

i would just use some pvc and pour the sand to the bottom then use your hand to move it around rock work.

 

[coralreefjunkie]

I've done this many times, as my fine sand depletes pretty fast (aragonite dissolves in water to serve as buffer). The PVC pipe is the best method to get the sand to the bottom. I would also suggest soak the sand over night, as wet sand will cause less cloudiness (remember to turn the circulation pump off when you do this). Also, the fish will be fine. Just get the hermit crabs and snails off the bottom of the tank before you add the sand. Don't forget to rinse the sand with RODI water!

 

[mrx66699]

Dont even have to go this far with all the pvc pipe and what not .....just shut down pumps and then use live sand in the bag ....take the bag and make a small slit in the corner then take and put the whole bag in your system and move it to the bottom then slowly pour the sand out an it will immediately fill in and everything will be fine ....dont need to remove anything...