Tank Transplant Question

[lepchitz]

Hey guys/gals,

I am about done with my tank renovation(hardware), and will be removing everything from my tank in order to move it onto a new stand i built. My question is should I mess with the sand bed at all? I mix the sand up once every few months before water changes, but should i do a full sand flush while everything is out of my tank? Should I add new sand? The sand bed is several years old, maintained. I don't want to ruin a good thing :doh:

 

[dawgface]

I'd replace the sand personally.

 

[mcphock]

I'd replace it too. Sand loses its buffering capability after a while.

 

[lepchitz]

Even with all the tube worms, copepods and other little things flourishing in the sand?

 

[camellia]

I would also replace it.

Put a cup or two of your old sand in the new sand.
Your live rock will carry life to your new sand too.

 

[jennm]

Agree. Replace the sand. This is the best time to do it, and old sand, even well-maintained sand, gets full of crud after a while.

Jenn

 

[lepchitz]

Will do. Thanks!

 

[jeffmuse]

I agree, replace the sand.

I moved my tank last August and tried to keep half of the sand in the new system.... I ended up having a crash and I think that recycling the sand was a big part of it.