Changing substrates

When I started my tank, I did so with Crushed Coral on the bottom. I'd like to change to a nice Sand base, but I want to make sure I don't get into the process and then really foul things up, so I have a couple of questions:


1) Since the tank is already cycled and such, would a fine (non-"live") sand be acceptable? The bacteria and such from the rock should successfully "seed" the sand, should it not?

2) A good quick rinse with some RO/DI water should be sufficent for "cleaning" the sand prior to introduction, yes?

3) Would it be worth leaving a bit of the crushed coral to intermix with the sand (might give it an interesting look, if nothing else


I was planning on matching this up with a water change anyway (get a big ol' rubbermaid tub to hold rock & some tank water, then fill with sand, new water, replace the rock, add some of the old water, re-introduce fish (after a sanity checking Nitrate/PH/Ammonia test) then add the rest of the old water...probably still end up with a net 40 - 50% water change.

Seem like a doable procedure?

Likewise, how much sand is needed in a 55gal 48" long tank to get a decent (about 3" deep) sand bed.


TIA!

 

1.) Yes, you are correct. I would leave a small amount in to help seed the sand. How deep is your crushed coral now?

2.) A Very Very thorough rinse is required. Unless you are willing to live with cloudy water central for at least a week ;D

3.) It wouldn't hurt, although the sand will just sift into the crushed coral until it dissapears. Which is why I asked how deep your cc bed is now.

4.) 3" sand bed in a 55 tank will take about 90 lbs according to our sand calculator link.

Jim

 

is sand better than CC.

 

Aragonite is better than plain sand as it helps in buffering capacity and also releases calcium etc. into your water.

 

thanks for the reply.

plain sand being not live sand or play sand correct.Aragonite or live sand which is better. I went with the advice of my LFS and bought Aragonite and I have 4" of in it my 75 Gal. Would live sand be better I suspose is my question.
Thanks,

 

live sand just means that is has some beneficial bacteria in it. If you leave some of your cc in the tank it will seed your aragonite sand quick enough.

 

I would also consider the substrate based on what you have inside of your tank. Like me, I have engineer gobies that love to move the sand around. I don't think they'd be very happy with a chunky substrate like crushed coral.

 

is Aragonite CC or Sand? How big is CC?
Sory for all the questions.
Thanks for all the replys.

 

Aragonite is supposed to be CaCO3, Calcium carbonate, so is crushed coral
It is in finer particles so it looks like sand.

Jim