Replace Sand for Aesthetics

[Dugless]

I'm thinking about siphoning and replacing sand out of my display. It has become dingy looking with coralline and other growth over the last few years in certain areas of the tank. My aragonite isn't deep, about an inch or less throughout. Anyone done something like this?

 

[joshky]

If it were me, I'd split the siphoning up into small sections. Siphon one section out at a time and put new sand in its place until you're happy. I would probably do it during the next few water changes to limit the amount of crud put into the water column.

 

[Tweaked]

If it were me, I'd split the siphoning up into small sections. Siphon one section out at a time and put new sand in its place until you're happy. I would probably do it during the next few water changes to limit the amount of crud put into the water column.

+1 You don't want to shock an established system

 

[Dugless]

I siphon my substrate every 2 weeks with my water change. I can't imagine removing 10-20 lbs would even make a dent in the biological activity I currently have. My only hesitation would be the unavoidable diatom growth.

 

[joshky]

How big is your tank? Just wondering, 10-20lb on a small tank could be an issue, but on a larger tank probably not like you said.

I think if you take it slow you may not even have diatoms.

edit:
If that's 10-20lbs of sand in total in your tank with 1" or less sandbed, I can assume it's probably a smaller system. I would be careful, small changes are the best route to success. Just my two cents..

 

[nuttyd]

there was post just about the same thing. someone replaced sand and had a diatom outbreak. Why not take a few handfuls of old sand and throw in a 20 gallon container with new sand and let cycle through the diatoms. Then add to tank slowly so as not to shock. Just a thought.

 

[Dugless]

It's a 330 gal system. It's not the entirety of the sand that needs replacing, just a few spots. I was thinking of buying a 40lb bag and using it every so often to replace sand that gets stained with coralline growth. I really enjoy a white sand bed as I feel this is what makes a tank look clean.

I like to stir my sand often and siphon it with every water change. My self assessment is that the majority of life resides in my rock, sump and overflows.

 

[joshky]

Sounds like a good plan then. :thumbsup: