Adding sand?

I have 100 lbs to add to the exsisitng tank. How much can I add without starting a cycle? I have 100 lbs in there now and it barels covers the bottom. I can see through the bottom and want to cover it and eventually get to a dsb. Any thoughts? Its fiji pink I dont think it matters.

 

Anytime you add new life to your tank you will get some type of cycle. It's jus a matter of how big of a cycle and wether or not your bio filter can handle it sufficiently

 

Nice tank by the way, I like the rock work setup.

 

Thank you It took an entire day to work into that shape. I was thinking about adding a little each week over the next few weeks but im trying very hard to finish ridding the algae bloom that i had that was massive. im finally getting over it and dont want that to happen again.

 

ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT LIVE SAND?
Also, live sand should not alter your reading and cause a cycle. Cycles are caused through the death of living organisms and the bacteria used to negate the nutrients/ammonia, nitrites and nitrates associated with dead organisms! The sand should have living bacteria to help to maintain some sort of stability.

 

Not to argue but live sand will have some kind of die off (although it could be minimal) and will cause a slight cycle. I would estimate 1-2 lbs and add live bacteria then wait for a couple of weeks to see what you get. If nothing, you know you have the proper procedure so you can repeat that until you get the depth you want.

 

CAn I add non live and have it become live or is that asking for trouble? I would think it will become live but dont want to make a mess here.

 

i was told if i added live sand and sone reef base sort of substrate they would seed and it would all become live??

Sean