Relocating Wet Sand/Substrate

[NanoCubeNewbie]

I'm upgrading my tank size this weekend and I want to move the sand/substrate from the existing to the new, but I've read not to disturb it because it can harbor nitrates and stuff and you don't want to stir that stuff up. Therefore, how can I move it from one tank to another without causing problems? Do you think trying to rinse it well would be sufficient?

 

[miguelp19]

How old is the sand? I've heard from a few ppl that rinsing it out in R/O water really well or in a vinegar bath should work. I would probably save a little of the mature sand to seed the "new" sand. I'm not positive, but this might mean that your new tank will need to be cycled and stuff. My .02. good luck

 

[sillygoose]

Another possibility is to get some new sand, seed it with mature sand, and then wash the heck out of your old sand. You could then add it a few days later when you know it's clean and dry. I'm going to be moving into a bigger tank soon and I worry about the whole process too.

 

[aquaph8]

Just rinse it really well. Don't be surprised if you get a little diatom bloom for a while.

 

[savageAJC]

Just rinse it really well. Don't be surprised if you get a little diatom bloom for a while.

+1 rinse or buy new sand

 

[oscarslr]

Rinsed over 100 Lbs on my last upgrade with TAP water. + 1 on a possible spike, but nothing mayor mine lasted 3-4 days

 

[savageAJC]

same here, well not nearly that much sand, but just used the water hose.
buddy of mine switched tank and used his old sand without rinsing. lost like 3 fish.

 

[NanoCubeNewbie]

Thanks for the info and replies. Still haven't moved it yet. Still debating the options and risk.

 

[aquaph8]

New or old you should go through the same rinsing process IMO. If your happy with the look of your sand now just keep it, if not buy something new.

 

[itsmateo]

same here, well not nearly that much sand, but just used the water hose.
buddy of mine switched tank and used his old sand without rinsing. lost like 3 fish.

its true, sad day :hmm2:
rinse for sure!

 

[savageAJC]

How did your tank move go? I just moved my tank or about the 5th time lol- never had any casualties until now. Lost my premium snowflake and a percula =[

 

[NanoCubeNewbie]

How did your tank move go? I just moved my tank or about the 5th time lol- never had any casualties until now. Lost my premium snowflake and a percula =[

Sorry to hear about your loss, that's really unfortunate.

Everything went really well, thanks for asking. I learned that my yellow wrasse hides in the substrate when it's scared. I thought it had jumped out somewhere along the way, but I didn't empty the first tank for a few days and he came out and started swimming on the third day. He was gone again after I got the net to catch it. Finally on the fourth day I caught him. I took him to the new tank and he immediately shot into the sand. No digging or wiggling around, just shot in like a bullet. He's been out and about since then. I also learned that the best layed plans don't always work out as originally designed. I have not yet moved the sand/substrate from the first tank. I plan to rinse it really well and then add it to the sump to add to my DSB. :fish1:

 

[savageAJC]

Haha yea those wrasses will play tricks on you, glad everythings fine!