Finally!

[Stolireef]

The sand will settle down over about a week. That said, if you are planning a high flow tank, the sand will be a PIA. I switched to much larger grains on my rebuild.

The other problem with oolitic sand is that you really can't vacuum it. To be honest, while I love the look, I'm glad I pulled it out. Unless you are running a deep sand bed, it's more trouble than its worth. If you decide to keep it, get a sand sifting fish to keep it somewhat clean. The fish however will drop the sand everywhere (and usually in the worst possible places).

 

[Tschupe]

Thanks stolli. Yeah I plan on a lot of flow and I also like to vacuum the sand. I'm just gonna order new sand. I don't want to have to worry about it.

 

[Stolireef]

Good choice. Let me know if you need any help.

 

[Tschupe]

Good choice. Let me know if you need any help.

Yeah you wanna do it for me?

 

[TX-BJ]

I use reef flakes from Premium aquatics, It's an amazing and very clean sand. Doesn't fly around like other sands. It's very attractive. A bit more expensive. Once you've tried it you will never use any other sand.

 

[Stolireef]

Now is the time to make this type of change. It's a total PIA but you won't regret it. BTW, even with the fully cured rock, you still may get a cycle.

And, if you want another set of hands when you do the deed, let me know and I'd stop by ... to watch and provide comic relief (and maybe a beer or three).

 

[zibba]

I use reef flakes from Premium aquatics, It's an amazing and very clean sand. Doesn't fly around like other sands. It's very attractive. A bit more expensive. Once you've tried it you will never use any other sand.

Agree 100% with this, but it's hard to find. I think PA is out of stock and has been for awhile.

Caribsea special grade is a decent second option. Not as white as reef flakes but unless you're planning to rake your sand every day, it's not going to make much of an aesthetic difference.

Another way to do it is to siphon it out a quarter at a time -- 1-month of weekly water changes and it will be gone.

 

[Tschupe]

Got some more done this weekend. I took the sand out last week and replaced it with carib sea special grade. Today is first day it actually looks clear. Took pump out and cleaned all the dust out of it. Put rock in as well. Just randomly I haven't started scaping it yet.



I used some of the oolite for the fuge. I have a light just haven't set it up yet. Using a small pump to feed the fuge. That's the clear tubing you see.



Also installed a DJ power strip yesterday and the last 2 ports didn't work so had to return it and now its working. Next is skimmer, dual reactor, auto top off.

 

[jener8tionx]

Looking good!

 

[Tschupe]

Built a temporary hood so I could have the lights up. Still need to mess with the rocks. Hooking up the skimmer and reactor now!