Add sand to established tank??

[Rlumenator]

I have a 20 gallon quanantine tank with live rock and nothing on the bottom. I do not use this tank to treat fish. I am going to buy another Rainsford gobi- who is a constant picker at the sand. Can I add live sand to this tank- or will this upset the balnce or recycle it?? Thank you and Happy Easter!

 

[romunov]

The new live sand will start another "mini cycle", yes. It should be shorter than the initial one.

 

[J.Howard]

If you add a large volume all at once, it may do a mini cycle. You can always add it in small amounts to prevent although not very convenient. It really depends on how much rock you have, how long it's been running, and how much sand you plan on adding. Also the source can make a difference. Is it the stuff you see thats been in a bag with water sitting on the LFS shelf, or from a running, established system?

 

[K9coral]

I replaced the crushed coral base in my 46gal with 70pounds of LS, I had no problems. I did 3 water changes that week just to be sure but in the end it wasnt much extra work at all. Hope this helps.

 

[Anonymous]

I did it to my 50 gal semi reef and it killed 3 fish

 

[K9coral]

I guess its just the luck of the draw...

 

[Anonymous]

Live sand or not "live" sand?

 

[Anonymous]

Live sand or not "live" sand?

I am not sure it matters. I put regular aragonite and I believe I clouded the water so much the fish suffocated

 

[Anonymous]

doesnt it matter with cycling..if its not alive does it still do a "mini cycle"? clouding the tank is a whole different thing..

 

[Anonymous]

I am not to sure about the cycleing thing. I think the bacteria cultures do have to move though

 

[Rlumenator]

Should I use live or argonite? Does it matter since the tank is 8 months old and cycled? What would be the advantage to either one in this situation?

 

[Anonymous]

i guess to be on the safe side and not attempt a "mini cycle" use the dry aragonite..they also have aragonite that is mixed with sea water sold as "live sand"... i dont think adding sand that isnt alive will cause another cycle..Just my thoughts..