Adding a little sand to established Aquarium

[Sunny]

I am planning to add 10lb sand to my 150 gallon tank that has been running for almost a year now.

Do you think it is safe to do so? I mean would 10lb (or less) new live sand cause issues with ammonia/cycle etc?

 

[rodclement]

I have done this before with no issues, some caution you must take...

do not disturb the existing substrate, if you do, you will have spikes.

make sure what you are adding is clean, free of debris, I would let the sand sit in a bucket of aquarium water for several days and then add it slowly during the course of a couple of days, I used a sifter and added equivalent to one cup every so often, any time I added a little bit too much and noticed some sediment in the water, I stopped and waited for it to settle...worked for me!

Good luck!

Rod

 

[Sunny]

Thanks Rod.

I only want a little amount to cover the bare bottom glass in some areas and make a think spot for my plate coral.

 

[rodclement]

got it! check for flow carefully as the sand may not stay in place with all the flow in a reef tank! experiment first, post pictures! ;D

rod

 

[JohnS_323]

A nice way to add sand to an existing system is to pour it through a length of 2" pvc pipe. Cut the pipe a little longer than the height of your tank and just add it in slowly. You can target the areas you want and it keeps the sandstorm down to a minimum.

 

[Sunny]

You are absolutely correct John. I already got the pipe and made a plastic funnel ;D