Substrate Help Quick

[dRockReefer]

I ordered 120 lbs. of Fiji Pink for my tank. Just went to the LFS to pick it up and it was dry sand. Not sure if this is still live since it doesn't have the "Arag-Alive" on the bag.

I took the sand anyway since they gave it to me at their cost. Can I go ahead and put this in the tank and let it become alive.

Their is currently 150 lbs. of LR in the tank. It's a 150g.

 

[lespaul339]

Yes, your live rock will eventually seed the sand.

 

[dRockReefer]

Yes, your live rock will eventually seed the sand.

Thanks. Should I add some bacteria to the tank as well to help complete the cycle? If so, what is recommended?

 

[klwheat]

Is this a brand new tank? If so, you can add bacteria if you want...but your best option (the tried and true way) is to add your live rock, let it cycle for 6 weeks (until ammonia and nitrites are 0) and then slowly stock. Good luck..and be patient!

 

[dRockReefer]

It is a brand new tank. It's at almost 4 weeks in the cycle now. I started the cycle without sand, just the LR.

The ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates have all spiked. The ammonia is down to almost zero, but the nitrites are at 2ppm and nitrates are at 10ppm. I was hoping the live sand would help bring these down to zero since I'm adding 120 lbs., but not I realize it's not live.

Would you add bacteria? Or just patiently wait it out? I'm trying to be patient as much as humanly possible, but I have a feeling as soon as my vega's get here Friday I'm going to want to put a little livestock in there.

 

[gone fishin]

I would just wait it out. just my personal opinion I do not put much stock in the live sand available. I think it is a marketing gimmick. Anyway just have a little more patients. Are you going to QT your fish before going in the DT.

 

[dRockReefer]

I would just wait it out. just my personal opinion I do not put much stock in the live sand available. I think it is a marketing gimmick. Anyway just have a little more patients. Are you going to QT your fish before going in the DT.

That's the plan eventually. At first I don't think I'm going to as I won't have much stock in the tank. After I finish setting up the lights and get the main DT going I plan on setting up a small QT tank next to the main tank.

Here's the tank now (pre sand and led's).

 

[gone fishin]

sweet setup I bet the pink fiji really pops in there

 

[dRockReefer]

I hope so. The plan is to add it tonight. I'll post a picture so you can see when I do.

 

[lespaul339]

Be prepaired for your tank to be cloudy for 2 to 3 days when you add the sand. Don't worry it will clear up and settle. Run all your powerheads like normal while the tank is cloudy. Again, don't worry, it WILL settle.

 

[dRockReefer]

Be prepaired for your tank to be cloudy for 2 to 3 days when you add the sand. Don't worry it will clear up and settle. Run all your powerheads like normal while the tank is cloudy. Again, don't worry, it WILL settle.

I was planning on turning off pumps and powerheads for an hour or two and let as much settle as possible, and then turn back on while cloudy.

Is it a better idea to just keep everything running?

 

[lespaul339]

Yes, just keep everything running. It sounds like the opposite of what you'd want, but you want everything to settle with the pumps running. That way your tank won't cloud up again when you did kick them back on. you will probably freak out a little and think to yourself this thing is never going to clear up, but trust me, it will.

 

[Cymonous]

You can also rinse out your sand first to help speed up the clearing of the storm. When I re-setup my tank, I used a small cup to pick up the sand, lower it into the tank to almost the bottom and poured the sand. My tank cleared up a couple hours later. (Results may Vary). I also did not have any equipment running till after my sand was poured. And also consider taking out a bit of water before putting in the sand as the sand will take up more space in your tank.

 

[dRockReefer]

Most of the sand is in the DT. I still have to add a bit in some low spots. But I was suprised at how quickly it cleared up, for the most part. By the time I woke up this morning it was way better.