Changing sandbed

[ppp]

I'm removing everything in my tank to change to a fine grade of sand. When I replace the live rock,should I place it directly on the bottom or elevate it? In the past it was on top of the sand, but seemed to shift after a while. I'm not really sure how pvc is used to support the LR.

[Whoyah]

Are you going with a deep sand bed (>4") or a shallow (<1.5")? If your going deep I would suggest lifting the rocks with some large diameter PVC. I would suggest 4" diameter or better, cut to slightly higher then your sand bed. Use the PVC like feet to cradle the LR. If shallow, I would say just place it right on the sand.

[ppp]

I'm using 150lb. of sugar fine in a 75g. Not sure of the depth this will give me.I was told it will be about 2-3".

[jerryc]

I used 3'' PVC i just cut it about 1/2'' taller thin my sand and used it to
hold the rock.

[ppp]

Well, the sb change went smoothly. I now have a 4" bed. The fine grade looks much better along with being better for the tank. My nitrates are still higher than I'd hoped, about 20ppm.
The next thing I plan to do is get rid of my bio ball w/d filter and build a sump/refugium. I welcome all suggestions.

[davejnz]

Suggestions,remove your bio-balls in stages over the course of a week and your nitrate problem will be gone.Also,remove any sponges/prefilters/etc.. as well that might be in your wet-dry/overflow box.

[ppp]

Well, the bio balls are out now , but my nitrates are still between 15-20,Hopefully one more large volume water change will do the trick, but I really need to upgrade my skimmer

[perpetual98]

When I put my LR back in my 120 after cooking it for 6 weeks, I think I'm going to use the PVC in the sand method. Do you guys drill holes in the PVC "stands"?