sand bed?

[Stackbundles]

So I'm switching my crushed coral bed with a 4" sand bed on my 75 gallon tank. I'm emptying my tank completely. Someone told me to use a plate on top of the sandbed while adding water. I'm doing this becuase I'm sure my Nitrate problem is becuase of my crushed coral bed. How long should I wait to add my existing fish and corals back into my tank? I have a handful of fish and corals. Also are there any other tips besides using a plate so I don't create a sandy water environment? Will the new bed create a mini cycle? Thanks

Stack

 

[thirty5]

So I'm switching my crushed coral bed with a 4" sand bed on my 75 gallon tank. I'm emptying my tank completely. Someone told me to use a plate on top of the sandbed while adding water. I'm doing this becuase I'm sure my Nitrate problem is becuase of my crushed coral bed. How long should I wait to add my existing fish and corals back into my tank? I have a handful of fish and corals. Also are there any other tips besides using a plate so I don't create a sandy water environment? Will the new bed create a mini cycle? Thanks

Stack

You are emptying the tank?? If you are emptying the tank, then yes you will def have another CYCLE. If you really plan on doing this make sure that your rock stays submerged with heater and powerhead while you are working on the tank. But the new sand will give you another cycle.

Make sure that you choose which substrate that you want to use. I am not big on fine sand, it makes a mess especially if you have good flow. I used CaribSea SeaFlor substrate. i really like it.

 

[Imbarrie]

I would not empty the tank unless there is no other option.
I did the same to my 75 gallon. I started hearing about the problems with crushed coral.
I syphoned the cc out in sections over a period of weeks. With your tank I think you could leave everything in place and just take the cc out in 3 or 4 sections over a couple weeks. You can run it without and then start replacing it with well rinsed sand.
I think that would be less shock inducing than completely emptying your tank.

 

[Stackbundles]

I hav no other options because I'm changing my stand so everything will have to be done on the same day. I removed a 1/4 of the cc today.