How would you add 250lb of sand to a running FO/

[Josh's Reef]

What do you guys think is the best way without disturbing the system?Experience helps.

 

[purple_tang2001]

I added a 2 inch sand bed to my 55 gallon reef with the help of my girlfriend. We simply took a 2 inch peice of pvc tubing with a funnel on top. she poursed, while i moved the pvc around the bottom. Went pretty smooth. Time consuming though, moving rock and corals around. But happy to say nothing died, Worst of it all was a cloudy tank for a couple hours.

HTH

 

[BROKER]

There is no full proof way but since I just did this a couple of days ago I will tell you the two ways I tried. I first used one of those ziploc bags but I found it difficult to control it underwater. The ones I had were also not very big. I then decided to use a tupaware(?)bowl. I scooped the sand out of the bag, loosley put the cover on (if you put the cover on to tight you will not be able to remove it very easily), moved it to the bottom on its side, slowly slid the cover off and turned the open end on facing the existing sand. I then slowly removed the bowl and cover. It was still cloudy but with the help of my skimmer and some fine mesh bags, it cleared up in about six hours. I was worried about my fish but they were fine. I also did this with the lights out so I would not stress out the fish as much as possible.

I thought about the PVC thing but I did not feel like buying the PVC and funnel. I do think it is a good idea.

[ October 29, 2001: Message edited by: BROKER ]</p>

 

[waterloomarc]

I would suggest going with the pipe, that is of course if you have someone to help you. I would think it'd be nigh on impossible to do alone. It allows easier placement of the sand and you don't have to keep sticking your hands in the tank, and you don't have as much of a risk of pouring sand onto the floor.

With 250 pounds it's going to be time consuming. You better have plenty of beer for your buddies, or flowers for your lady

Goodluck!