Adding sand to existing tank

[cj22009]

Hello all I have a question what is the best way to add sand to an existing tank? I have ultra fine sand now and my mp40 blows it around so I was thinking about adding some sea floor special grade sand on top of what I have. I am adding mostly in the front and just a little in the back for aesthetics. Also does any know if any sponsors carry it? thx in advance :yes:

 

[eagle9252]

marine design stocks it and i belive sea does as well.

as for adding it. you dont want to add on top as it could smother the good stuff. depending you your SB and if you have kept it clean you might not want to stir it up. you could see a small cycle happen after you add it. i would suggest removing it whaile doing a water change. use a plan hose a suck out the sand.

 

[jef4y]

I believe Atlanta Aquarium has it in stock, but you should call & check. It's pretty common so you should be able to find it at most sponsors.

As for adding to an existing tank. The best way I've seen it done is to take the sand and RINSE RINSE RINSE it. Then rinse it some more. Shut off ALL flow. Take a PVC pipe 1 1/2" - 2" in diameter and feed the sand down through it. The closer you hold the pipe to the existing sand bed the less dust you'll stir up.

 

[rdnelson]

<div class="gc_ifarem_title">How to clean new aquariumsand the easy way. - YouTube</div>

 

[cj22009]

eagle9252;803730 wrote: marine design stocks it and i belive sea does as well.

as for adding it. you dont want to add on top as it could smother the good stuff. depending you your SB and if you have kept it clean you might not want to stir it up. you could see a small cycle happen after you add it. i would suggest removing it whaile doing a water change. use a plan hose a suck out the sand.

This is my big worry having a small cycle but I dont think that it will happen. My sand is pretty clean part of the reason I need to add more sand I keep sucking it out lol. I am thinking only adding like 10 or 15lbs max and I have a 60 cube and my sand bed isn't deep at all.
Jeff and Rich both great idea's

 

[hughes81]

RINSE it really good 3 or 4 times. Shut off ALL flow. Take a red 2 or 3 qt funnel and PVC pipe 1 1/2" - 2" in diameter and feed the sand down through it. The closer you hold the pipe to the existing sand bed the less dust you'll stir up. You will have some dust once you pull the pipe out of the water.

HD or Lowes sells funnels and pipe you will want it to fit snugly together

 

[frantz]

Add it slowly over time and youll avoid the risk of a spike

 

[gnashty]

Ive added sand several times and tried all methods. What worked best (and quickest/cheapest) for me was a 1 gallon ziplock bag. Rinse very well, add to bag - about 1/2 full and remove all air. Lower bag to sandbed, turn over and pour out. Repeat as needed. Ill never add sand any other way.