Can I Just Add New Sand

[Marz]

I had red algae and through vacuuming etc, have removed some substrate. Wondering if buying a new bag and adding to existing tank is ok and if so, do I just rinse?

 

[EricTMah]

You should be fine. Just make sure to really rinse it well before adding it, and do it slowly in small batches to reduce the amount of dust and debris being stirred up.

 

[Marz]

Thank-you very much!

 

[EricTMah]

Thank-you very much!

No problem.

I usually use a small plastic container. About the size of a 500ml sour cream container. Scoop the crushed coral up, sink it very slowly into the tank till it fills slowly with water. Then lower it to the bottom of the tank, then begin to pour slowly. This will reduce a lot of dust.

Also, shut your skimmer off while doing this and make sure you change your filter floss/sock after the tank clears. As it will be plugged solid.

 

[Heywooood]

I duct-taped a funnel to a long plastic tube. Send the new substrate down the funnel with the other end on the bottom, that way you can direct the output and nothing floats away.

 

[Marz]

I duct-taped a funnel to a long plastic tube. Send the new substrate down the funnel with the other end on the bottom, that way you can direct the output and nothing floats away.

Great idea. I will do that over the weekend.

 

[Heywooood]

Definitely rinse it first, maybe time it with a water change and rinse in the old water.

 

[scubasteve]

im in this process right now except need alot lol if you rinse it well a cup of substrate every 4 days you will be good with no cycle i rinse it well then put it in a bucket with tank water from water change this way i can add about a cup every couple days problem free

 

[barebottomcouple]

i rinse and rinse and rince and then rince I shut off pumps I use a piece of pvc pipe to place it in tank

 

[Jewel]

You may still get Diathoms from the new sand, The addition of the silica will cause it but it'll be temporary

 

[Marz]

Diatoms are ok as long as I get the red algae!

 

[derrick orosz]

g

I duct-taped a funnel to a long plastic tube. Send the new substrate down the funnel with the other end on the bottom, that way you can direct the output and nothing floats away.

great idea!

 

[yveterinarian]

If you are getting red algae (cyano) on the sand the addition of new sand on top to replace what you have vacuumed out is not going to get rid of the problem for you. Are you still getting cyano in the tank? If so, you need to find the reason the cyano is growing in the first place. Many times it is a nutrient problem as well as a flow problem. Changing the position of your powerheads may help reduce the cyano in your tank. How are your water parameters?

 

[kapelan]

to get rid of cyano just turn off light for 5 days and cover tank with something to block any light.
Safe and always working.

 

[scubasteve]

to get rid of cyano just turn off light for 5 days and cover tank with something to block any light.
Safe and always working.

that doesnt fix the issue just kills off the cyano to return again..... best way to control cyano in sandbed is nassarius snails and a sand sifting goby or a few sandsifting stars my gold head kept my sandbed white like new and i never once vaccume it and that 4" goby cleaned my entire 125 gallon

 

[scubasteve]

You may still get Diathoms from the new sand, The addition of the silica will cause it but it'll be temporary

if you get diatoms either your not rinaing it enough..... rinsing with tap water...... or adding too much at a time. ive been adding 1 cup every 4 days into my 90 gal with no diatoms at all