Advice - Replacing Deep Sand Bed

[SecretiveFish]

So, the DSB in my 150 has caused nothing but problems... and it is time for it to be gone (I used the wrong type of sand, did not use the sugar fine, used the stuff that ranges from 0.5-5.5mm). I just want to go back to having a shallow sand bed (1-2in) as this is the setup I have had the most success with, and I was wanting to use the fiji pink sand.

What is the best way to do this? I have read everything from slowly siphoning out sand over multiple water changes to just removing all live rock and livestock and doing it in one quick change.
- For slowly siphoning, I am afraid that that will release some type of toxin since it is a DSB that will kill my livestock.
- For do it all at once, I am afraid I will cause a cycle that could kill my livestock. Although the plus with doing this is I can remove my problem mattted filefish and worthless lawnmower blenny.

Please advise.

 

[b0bab0ey]

Anytime you mess with a DSB, you run the risk of releasing toxins into the water column (hydrogen sulfide being the biggest threat). I would think your best bet would be to suck it out over multiple WCs. A little at a time over several weeks. Once you have it all out, slowly add the new sand over several weeks. The key word here is: slowly.

 

[blackthunda77]

I actually did this not too long ago. Definitely do it slowly over the course of a couple water changes. And from experience, actually just siphon out the top later of only 1/3 of the tank. The next time the 2nd 1/3 and so on. that way you only disturb a minimal part of the tank at once. Doing it like that and slowly you should not see any problems or even any spikes in ammonia. :thumbsup:

 

[SecretiveFish]

Ok, thanks for the response. I had a hunch slow was the way to go, but just getting it over with has a certain appeal!

Alrighty, looks like I have weeks worth of work ahead of me!