-
******* To read about the changes to the marketplace click here
Switching tanks, sand question
- Thread starter MPevine11
- Start date
MrX
Non-member
How long has your tank been running? What are your plans for transferring to the new tank? Are you hoping to move everything over?
Most people would probably suggest new sand and taking some of the old sand to seed the new tank. Then whatever sand you have left you could rinse really well and then put into the new tank.
If you could take time you could move a little at a time over a number of days/weeks to limit the amount of "stuff" you disturb in the sand.
Most people would probably suggest new sand and taking some of the old sand to seed the new tank. Then whatever sand you have left you could rinse really well and then put into the new tank.
If you could take time you could move a little at a time over a number of days/weeks to limit the amount of "stuff" you disturb in the sand.
delta
Impatient Reefer
The best/safest way to do it is to lay a new sand bed and seed it with the old sand. Do not rinse the sand you seed it with and in a few months it will be a nice sand bed
Moving the sand bed? well I have done it, but only a shallow sand bed. Put all you LR, livestock in a holding tank and siphon down as much water as you can. to the point you carve out a corner down to the glass and tilt the tank to siphon the rest. then move the sand over. Put enough old tank water to cover the sand and add the LR. fill 50% old and 50% new. But you need to have mechanical filtration filter sock and a magnum filter if possible, diatom would be even better. Run carbon and crank up the skimmer. replace/clean the mechanical filters as they clog. And most importantly have 4-5 water changes ready to go, you are going to have a mini cycle.
Is it a risk? yup it is I do not recommend even though I do it.
And lastly, no matter how you choose to move over, expect everything to go wrong. Have a backup plan with extra containers, hoses, water, new sand,tubing, plumbing and phone numbers. At the first sign things are going other than planned call for help. If possible have someone there to start. I have seen and have myself lost it in the middle of things. A second set of hand can calm a bad situation. Split Buckets, water spills, fry electrical, livestock stressed, under estimate times, etc, etc, etc.
Moving the sand bed? well I have done it, but only a shallow sand bed. Put all you LR, livestock in a holding tank and siphon down as much water as you can. to the point you carve out a corner down to the glass and tilt the tank to siphon the rest. then move the sand over. Put enough old tank water to cover the sand and add the LR. fill 50% old and 50% new. But you need to have mechanical filtration filter sock and a magnum filter if possible, diatom would be even better. Run carbon and crank up the skimmer. replace/clean the mechanical filters as they clog. And most importantly have 4-5 water changes ready to go, you are going to have a mini cycle.
Is it a risk? yup it is I do not recommend even though I do it.
And lastly, no matter how you choose to move over, expect everything to go wrong. Have a backup plan with extra containers, hoses, water, new sand,tubing, plumbing and phone numbers. At the first sign things are going other than planned call for help. If possible have someone there to start. I have seen and have myself lost it in the middle of things. A second set of hand can calm a bad situation. Split Buckets, water spills, fry electrical, livestock stressed, under estimate times, etc, etc, etc.
22engine
Non-member
When I upgraded I used new sand. Did as suggested above. Got a good size Rubbermaid and put the live rock and fish in it with water from the tank with a heater and a small power head. I planned it out and still took a lot longer than I thought. So be ready for that. I'm my opinion it is just easier to use new sand and not risk it. Other tip would be if for example if you think you will need 20 gallons new water make atleast 10 more. I am about to take down one of my tanks to redo the rock and put new sand in. I used black and want to change.
ElvishFrost
Non-member
I have a question pertaining to this, so I hope I'm not thread jacking by any means. I have a 5 gallon bucket full of sand that has been sitting for probably close to a year. I have been toying with this question as to rinse it, or buy new. In rinsing, wouldn't you potentially leech phosphates, etc into the sand if you are using tap water? Is it recommended to rinse with RO, and is that even feasible?
cilyjr
Chris
Marco rocks. Ya gotta rinse though
JasonandSarah
Non-member
40lb bag of caribsea live sand is right around 40$ isn't it? That's what I used when I set my tank up. But I got oolite grain size and I wish I could have that to do over again! Still get sand storms sometimes. 
