cc to sand question

When we started our tank we used 45lbs of crushed coral, now we would like to switch to sand. Currently there is about 2 1/2" of cc. My question is #1 could I use a 1" vaccum hose to suck out a couple pounds of the cc weekly (with no ill effects). #2 Then when the substate is lower like 1/2" to 1" how should we make the switch all at the same time or half and wait a week or two then the other half? If anybody has any better methods were open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance
M&T

 

1) Yes.

2) 1/2 at first, wait a couple of weeks, and then the other 1/2.

 

+1 I did this. It makes a mess, and it could throw you back into a cycle if you do this all at one time, Do half, wait a while for the bacteria to colonize the new sand.

 

I personally would leave some of the CC in there, it is good to have a variety of different sized particles as it is in the ocean. The sand your putting in will fill all the cracks and crevices that are causing the problem when you put it in as long as you move it around a little bit. If you do this it should not be an issue if its all done at once, IMO

 

As long as your lr is well cured it won't be problem to do the whole thing. I did this a year or so ago with no ill effects.

 

So everybody agrees that I can start syphoning a couple lbs of cc weekly with no problems . Well it looks like I'll be starting a new project. I'm going to start this weekend with my water change. Thanks for the advice.
M&T