Adding Sand To An All Ready Running Tank?

[stubert]

Hi,

Well i remember when i first set up my tank i put in some sand, and it made the water go really off for a few days till it all settled, most of the sand has dissapeared in the gravel so i want to add more, now i imagine it will be difficult to wash the sand, so how can i put it in without it going everywhere? type of sand maybe? be gentle adding it? anyone done this before?

thanks

 

[onebto]

Washing the sand is easy put the sand in a bucket try not to fill over half way with sand then run a pipe in the sand stir around occasionally until the water runs clear.

I add new top up sand to my tank by first turning of my external filters and power heads, then I get an old mug fill it about 3/4 with sand put an old glass coaster I have ( I also use it to smooth out the sand ) over the top of the mug then lower the covered mug to the area I want to deposit the sand the let it gently trickle out of the mug. Then I just give it about half hour for things to settle (never needed longer) then turn everything back on.

Its worked for me for a couple of years I hope this helps

I think you will always have a problem with the sand sinking into the gravel well atleast untill you get enough sand.


Regards onebto.

 

[Ben M]

hi, the sand will always go to the bottom of the gravel. if you want a sand substrate, then i'd advise taking out the gravel and starting again.

 

[stubert]

hi, the sand will always go to the bottom of the gravel. if you want a sand substrate, then i'd advise taking out the gravel and starting again.

I dont want a completely sand substrate, but a mix, so enough sand to fill the cracks in the gravel and be visable is cool


One - didnt think of that was thinking tipping the water out without losing loads of sand would be hard but goes to show i do things the hardway, cheers for the advise

 

[onebto]

Your welcome

 

[england]

This is what i have just done in one of my tanks, mostly sand and added some gravel to the mix, looks smart