Little bit more sand?

[Hindered]

I would like to add some more sand to a currently running reef tank. Is there a way to do this and avoid the spiking levels? I want to be able to keep some brains in there and make my jawfish a little happier. I've only got an inch or two in there now, how much should I add?

[jolson10450]

how big is your tank? i would say you should add about an inch or so per week depending on tank size. now getting it in the tank without stirring is going to be difficult. i suggest you use a tupperware with a lid and fill it with sand, scoop some tank water on it and pour it in with it so it is full to the lid, then tighten the lid on it. stick the whole thing in the tank and when it is on the bottom remove the lid and slow flip the tupperware upside down onto your sand bed and slowly pick up the tupperware. repeat.

you could also use a really wide hose with a funnel on the end and pour sand down it. if it gets clogged just add some tank water to break the clog loose.

it will be a difficult task but it should be fine if you make it a slow process.

just be sure to wash the sand really good before hand. if you do not know how, here is what i do:

put the sand in a 5 gallon bucket, fill it about half full. run some water in the sand and stir it with your hands then slowly tip the bucket to pour all of the water out without losin any sand, then refill and repeat until the water looks pretty clear. this will take a long time so don't worry if you think you are not doing it correct.

[kawasakisx14]

I'd say rinse it, and then cure it like you would live rock and then add it to your tank. Cure it in a small tank with saltwater inside of it, a heater, and a powerhead. I think that'll work.

[MizTanks]

Def don't do what I did! Big newb mistake was I rinsed it overnight in ro water then added to my tank-big time diatom, red slim and green algae bloom (

[Bluering]

you could also use a really wide hose with a funnel on the end and pour sand down it. if it gets clogged just add some tank water to break the clog loose.

I have done this before and it works really well with very minimal clouding, it is a slow process but it gets the job done.

[Hindered]

Demon - I use reallllllllyyyy fine sand, so I don't know how much sand I would lose if I rinsed it out like that. -