Can I Add Water Before Sand?

[Grant1897]

Just wondering if it's possible to add water to my tank before I put the sand in? Or if it will cause problems? I got the tank yesterday and would like add water first to make sure it doesn't leak. Any opinions on this?

 

[Noahs ark6]

You sure can. If you thoroughly clean the sand, put it in a large bowl/pan and lower it into the aquarium, then slowly tip it out, it shouldn't be a problem

 

[phoenixgsd]

you could, i dont see why not, but i found it easier to do it part filled, plant, then top up

 

[Grant1897]

Thanks for the fast replys guys I think I'll fill it all the way, make sure it has no leaks and then remove some for when I'm adding the sand. Just not keen to empty the whole lot put if its not needed.

 

[Aquamaniac]

I did it once i'll never do it again.
The water was cloudy for more than 24 hours.
Bare in mind it was akadama not sand.
And once the dust settled i started having cyanobacterias all over the thing and green water for weeks.
But if it's white sand probably will be alright if you are extremely carefull. Make sure its properly clean.
I'll never do something like that again because experience teached me that cutting corners now leads to more hassle later.

 

[Scouse Lee]

I just put my sand in then put a plate on top & tipped water in from containers/buckets, tbh I ended up with a great ripple effect on the sand which I really like.

 

[Grant1897]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I ended up putting the sand in first in the end anyway. Got it all washed out nicely and have just started adding water