how to add new sand without causing cloudiness/sandstorm?

[DMK]

i would like to top off my 4yr old tank's DSB w/ about 50lbs of new aragonite small grain white sand. how is it possible to add without causing cloudiness and/or sandstorm. i know to shut all circulation down when adding. how do u add it though? i don't want to just dump in. i was thinking maybe put sealed bag down to near bottom and then slice open and pour...? i have alot of flow, 1000gph return, 3XTUNZE 6000's and 4 MJ1200's.

 

[bower23]

I'm new at this but I finally might be able to help someone! Take a clean plastic cup, something you would drink out of, and fill it to the top with sand. Then slowly lower it into your tank and dump it at the bottom. It's not perfect but it's going to be your best shot.

 

[dbrock12]

I have added sand to an existing sand bed a few times in the past. I used some 3" PVC with a length that extends from the sand bed to a couple of inches above the water line. Fill the PVC with sand 1/2 to 3/4 of the length of the pvc to the top. Slowly over several minutes lift the PVC to allow the sand to exit from the bottom. Very little if any sand storm.

Don

 

[DMK]

good idea.

 

[Misled]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9275106#post9275106 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dbrock12
I have added sand to an existing sand bed a few times in the past. I used some 3" PVC with a length that extends from the sand bed to a couple of inches above the water line. Fill the PVC with sand 1/2 to 3/4 of the length of the pvc to the top. Slowly over several minutes lift the PVC to allow the sand to exit from the bottom. Very little if any sand storm.

Don

I've used this method also. Works very well.

 

[shag26272]

Ive put it in a plastic shopping bag, submerged the whole thing in the bad and then emptied it with my hand along the bottom