Sand Question

[MermaidMel]

Is there a way to top up the substrate level [sand] whilst not emptying the tank of water? It's so easy with gravel, handful of gravel, drop it in... but sand?!!

 

[Scotty001]

Is there a way to top up the substrate level [sand] whilst not emptying the tank of water? It's so easy with gravel, handful of gravel, drop it in... but sand?!!

you can but the tank will be a little cloudy for a few hrs depending on how good your filter is.

i generally tend to wash the new sand off then pick up a handful at a time of wet sand and place it on the floor of the tank in the same place till Ive built a little mound then gently spread it across the bottom and fill any bits that needed topped up. you will however make the tank a little cloudy for a little but the fish will be ok wit this.

Scott

p.s need to make sure your hands and arms are clean but have no soap residue on them

 

[Squid]

You could try using a funnel and some wide tubing to direct it to the bottom of the tank, and then use your hand to spread it out as suggested. (just wash the sand well first).

Squid

 

[Scotty001]

You could try using a funnel and some wide tubing to direct it to the bottom of the tank, and then use your hand to spread it out as suggested. (just wash the sand well first).

Squid

ive tried this method and it did not work the sand got stuck to the side of the tubing then blocked all the tubing, when i tried to blow down the tube to push the sand out, it eventually let a little out with a blast of air and hey presto i had my own little sand storm in a teacup lol

 

[Robotochan]

I used a powerade bottle and tipped it at the bottom of the tank, didn't mist up the tank at all

 

[MermaidMel]

Great replies, thanks everyone
*whispers* one thing, what the heck is poweraid?

 

[Robotochan]

It's a sports drink It's good for this task as the neck is wide.

 

[Scotty001]

mermaidmel, the neck on a poweraid bottle is similat to the neck an an OASIS soft drink bottle isnt as thin as you would find on a standard cola / lemonade bottle, presuming your in the uk too mermaidmel.

 

[Squid]

mermaidmel, the neck on a poweraid bottle is similat to the neck an an OASIS soft drink bottle isnt as thin as you would find on a standard cola / lemonade bottle, presuming your in the uk too mermaidmel.

Hence the reason why i recommended wide tubing.

p.s sorry to hear about your storm in a teacup

Squid

 

[MermaidMel]

yep gotcha, am in the uk, so a wide neck bottle or tube or even a small glass jar of some kind, tall thin jam jar or something,thanks all

 

[Straydum]

actually it also depends on your sand. sand of larger grains (like the one i'm using) doesnt really mist up the tanks. its like really small gravel and i just throw it in