How do I change to a sand bottom

[reefmc]

I would like to go from a crushed coral substrate to sand is it possible without disrupting the balance of the tank

 

[wrxreefer823]

How long has the tank been set up for? Honestly, if I was going to do that, I would siphon out all the gunk from the crushed coral (as best as I could, at least), then just start to remove the crushed coral with a colander of sorts. Once you do that, just add the sand. You're going to water to run an extra water polishing pad to help all the dust settle for a bit. The biggest thing is to get as most of the detritus out as you can, beforehand.

 

[Lionfish666]

I would remove the crushed coral week by week with water changes. Once it is gone I would ad in the sand (after I washed it) through a pvc pipe, it helps minimise the sandstorm.

 

[saltwaterguy718]

Do it in one shot, a little at a time will only prolong a cycle if you even get one. Use a net and just scoop out the coral. The way I add sand when there's water in the tank, get a few fish bags from your lfs , bag the sand and release it underwater in the area you want it. Make sure your pumps and powerheads are off and you should have minimal cloudiness.

 

[Reefer54]

How deep is the crushed coral bed? You can add sand right on top if you like, but if you do, add enough that a snail or burrowing fish will not disrupt a pocket of Nitrite, ammonia, etc.

 

[reefmc]

I really appreciate the help my tank has been running for 4 years I have tried some frags of coral but not very experienced at time would like to work on it and create a beautiful reef environment Thanks Again!

 

[xrayjeeper83]

Do it in one shot, a little at a time will only prolong a cycle if you even get one. Use a net and just scoop out the coral. The way I add sand when there's water in the tank, get a few fish bags from your lfs , bag the sand and release it underwater in the area you want it. Make sure your pumps and powerheads are off and you should have minimal cloudiness.

This way can cause a huge spike will all the stuff in the sand bed. Also I would think it will cause a cycle due to all the bacteria in the sand that will all of a sudden be gone

A little at a time will minimize that chance of that happening and minimize the chance of an cycle

 

[thegrun]

+1, I would siphon out 1/4 of the sand bed at a time waiting a week between replacements.

 

[Reefer54]

This way can cause a huge spike will all the stuff in the sand bed. Also I would think it will cause a cycle due to all the bacteria in the sand that will all of a sudden be gone

A little at a time will minimize that chance of that happening and minimize the chance of an cycle

FULLY CONFIRMED. disrupting the sandbed (depending how deep. ie. less than 1/2 in, you are ok, more than 1/2 in deep, you will have issues) will release way too much toxin into the system and you may as well start over.

Take an 1/4 in to 1/2 in off the top in even layers and give the system time (a week or more) in between removal to adjust to the new environment.

 

[EllieSuz]

I did this some years ago and I want to emphasize that you should remove a little at a time with each water change. Adding sand on top will only result in the crushed coral rising to the top anyway. Taking it all out at once will almost surely result in a full blown cycle. Just siphon some out with each water change until it's all gone. Once you're ready to add new sand, be sure to rinse it well and then give it a good soak in saltwater. I used a new, clean, long-necked funnel with a length of vinyl hose attached long enough to reach the bottom. When you spoon clean, damp sand into it, you can guide the sand wherever you want it.