Calling DSB Experts....

[95galReef]

My tank is a 95gal pentagon with about 2.5 inches of southdown sand (my intention was not a DSB at the time) and a whole lot of live rock. I now want to increase the sand to make a DSB about 5 inches deep (for I have developed a nitrate problem over the last year due to my lacking skimmer I believe). My skimmer has now been replaced by a Euroreef CS8-1 which I'm sure will help out the nitrate problem overtime too. I have read a whole lot of post on the subject of adding sand, everything from 1 inch at a time to taking out the old sand and adding it back in layers with the new sand. Of course I would like to do it all in one shot... so tell me what you think of this plan... I would take out all inhabitants, take out all live rock and most of the water. I would then need to add 3 inches of sand, add back some water and run my diatom filter on it to clear out some of that southdown dust. Put back the rock and inhabitants and end it off with a 30gal water change. Do you think I should add the sand back in layers with the new SD or add it over the new sand? There is a ton of live in the sand now and I don't want it to die. Do you see any reason for me not adding it all at one time?

Thanks, Tom

 

[danmhippo]

How about adding the DSB to a sump?

Also, don't plan on adding the diatom filter to rid the dust. The fine aragnite silt is the goodie part. They WILL settle in a couple of days after they are heavier being coated by bacteria.

The reason of not adding to your main tank is it will really disrupt the tank for at least 3 days, if not a week. Skimmer should be turned off for the first 2 days.

 

[sMARTY]

Do yourself a favor, and add the sand slowly over time. Add a scoop or two a day, just enough to cover the existing sand with a light covering. If you put too much sand in at once, you will have bacteria die off, which will affect your bio-filter.

 

[SteveP]

damnhippo's is the best and easiest method, but if you decide to put the sand in the tank over the existing sand bed, you should only do it a quarter inch at a time to allow your infauna to move up into it without getting smothered. A few days in between each quarter inch layer is needed. If you break down the tank completely put the new sand in first, and then add your existing live sand.

Steve
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[Anonymous]

I am voting to add the sand slowly over time. Less hassle, less risk.

RR

 

[www.thesaltwaterreef.com]

Ditto - add it slowly - speeding it up only has downsides.