Any problem in changing out old 2" sanded?

[sean obergfell]

I want to replace my old sanded , it's about 2" and I want a different style sand. Tank is a full reef ...150 gal

Good idea.....

Bad idea......

Thanks

 

[sean obergfell]

I clean my sand bed every water change...three weeks

 

[EllieSuz]

Siphon it out slowly with each water change over a period of several weeks. I did this to get rid of crushed coral. Once it's all gone, PM me and I'll give you a great way to add the new sand without cloudy water. I'd tell you now, but I've been up half the night keeping an eye on the generator.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

my opinion: remove the 2" sandbed and DON'T replace it

 

[tmz]

Do you have animals that need deep sand?

I'd remove it incrementally over a week or so; to avoid diminishing the existing biofilter too precipitously. If you like the beachy look an inch or so does just as well as 2. To minimize sand dust in the water from the new sand, I : rinse it thoroughly, put it in a small plastic coffee can;put the lid on ; opern the can on the bottom of the tank ; dump the sand . There may be a more efficient way of doing this and perhaps others will note it.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I clean my sand bed every water change...three weeks

I never have to clean my sand bed.

 

[Capt_Cully]

You have to have one to clean it. I would second, or third, removing it slowly so as to allow the tank to equillibrate its biofilter.

As for adding a 1" bed back or any "new" sand in any appreciable amount, will add silicates to your water collumn and almost assuredly lead to a cyanoalgae (red slime) outbreak. This will be unsightly, but mostly harmless (some corals can get choked out) and self limiting with routine maintenance.

 

[EllieSuz]

When (and if) you decide to add new sand, get one of those long necked funnels like the ones used for oil changes. I got mine in the automotive department at Walmart. There's a size of vinyl hose that fits on the funnel and you'll need a length of that long enough to reach the bottom. Spoon the cleaned, wet sand into the funnel and guide it wherever you need it. There will hardly be any clouding this way. I gave my sand a good soak in freshly made saltwater first to add some salinity to it after being rinsed with tap water. This really works.

 

[sean obergfell]

Thank you...just thinking it through
Everything in the tank is looking its best right now...I hate to mess with it....if it ain't broke don't fix it....right ??
I am just not thrilled with my sand mixture...