Substrate Question

[Foody]

My 30gal tank (no sump) currently has a crushed coral substrate. Is it possible to remove the crushed coral and replace it with live sand without causing a huge water cycle?

 

[cardiffgiant]

Even if you go very slowly, you will most likely experience a mini cycle. IMO, it's worth it because crushed coral traps a lot of detritus.

 

[Sleepyhead]

I would add dry sand. Your rock will seed the sandbed. Im a little skeptical about "live" sand.

 

[EllieSuz]

I did this over a period of several weeks. I siphoned the old substrate out with each weekly water change until it was gone. Then I added new sand after careful rinsing. I held the new sand in saltwater for a day or two to balance the salinity. Then I poured the wet sand through a funnel, to which I had attached a length of hose long enough to reach the bottom. There was literally no clouding of the water and I did not have any kind of cycle, nor did it bother the livestock in any way.

 

[Foody]

I don't understand "dry sand" and "seed the sand bed." Can you elaborate please and thank you?

 

[EllieSuz]

I think "dry sand" referred to new, unused sand. Once you add new sand to your tank, you need a bit of old sand to establish some bacteria in it. This will speed up the process, but it's not essential. The bacteria in your live rock will eventually inhabit your new sand.

 

[Flanders]

with a tank that size I would put everything in a holding container and make the switch all at once.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

ime/imo

ime/imo

don't waste money on "live" sand.

Use crushed coral or sand for substrate. Both will become "live" in your aquarium.