Best way to add sand?

[FishTri]

The new tank is filled with RO/DI water and salt (to check for leaks and test all of the plumbing). But nothing else is in the tank.

All good, no leaks.

Now, how do I get the sand in without making a huge mess? Hate to dump close to 300 gallons of fresh salt water...

Any suggestions?

 

[Purple Penguins]

with the water already in the tank its going to be tough not to get a dust storm, do you have anyway to remove the water into holding buckets and such? although with 300 gallons I dont see how that would be possible.

 

[cward]

I take a piece of 1 1/2" spa flex and attach a large funnel to the end with tape, then slowly pour the sand down the tube. Works great with minimal mess. Rinsing the sand first will minimize the cloudiness, but it takes longer and it's harder to get down the tube.

 

[Purple Penguins]

wow! I'll have to remember that for the future!

 

[FishTri]

Do you think a piece of 1-1/2" or 2" of PVC would work as well as the flex?

Also, did I read somewhere that sand that's soaked for a couple of days tends to stick together better and cause less clouding?

 

[cward]

Rigid pvc works well too. If you don't have livestock in the tank I wouldn't worry too much, but soaking it is the best way.

 

[FishTri]

- Soak for a day or two.
- Tape large-mouth funnel to 1-1/2" rigid PVC.
- Scoop in sand.

Sounds like a plan.

Thanks!

 

[drummereef]

Yes, that's a great tip cward. I've done that once or twice myself with great results. :thumbsup: