sand storms

[richierich2000]

well I am trying to start me sps tank I have a 210 with 1200 gph return and a 4-way with a Sequence ReeFlo Barracuda and sugar size sand. well I am haveing sand storms. what would be a good cure? adding bigger grain sand? i don't want to go barebottom. any idea?

 

[Froggy]

If this is a brand new system with new sand, it is pretty normal for this to happen initially. The sand will settle down some on its own as it ages as it will get heavier once coated with bacteria. For now, you could just redirect your flow to prevent some of the storms or let it storm until the drifts adjust to your flow pattern.

 

[richierich2000]

The sand is CaribSea Aragamax Oolitic. it is not new just started over 3 months ago. I have upgraded my equipment. I love the flow. I have angled the outputs up a little but when 2 fire at each other here comes another storm. would it hurt anything and will it help to add some bigger sand to it?

 

[Froggy]

It would not hurt anything put a thin layer of courser sand on top of your fine sand to help keep it in place ( this is the natural distribution of grain sizes anyway ). Keep the flow heavy though as the courser sand will tend to trap detritus and lower water quality. With your flow high, it will keep the detritus in suspension to be removed by your skimmer, filters etc.