converting to a DSB?

When I originally set up my tank about 8 months ago I only put in about 2 inches of sand. To make a long story short now I wish I would have done a DSB. I'm wondering if I can just add more sand to my allready established tank?
Also if I am to add a dsb I do not vacuum the sandbed correct?

 

yes you can add sand on top of sand. If your getting more dry sand soak it in a bucket over night then take a plastic cup or small dish and pour the sand as close to the bottom of the tank as you can. this wil help elimiate cloudiness. you will still get some but not as bad and no dont vacuum your sand let your clean up critters take care of it naturally. also do it about an half inch at a time to let the sand settle.

 

ok thanks so when I do a water change I just suck the water out right?
what about the red algae that sometimes develops on the sand bed, do I just leave that alone?

 

the red alge your talking about is it red and slimy or hard like corraline?

 

That's the beauty of the saltwater hobby. Not like freshwater which you have to vacuum the gravel.

I'm assuming that you are referring to red cyanobacteria or red hair algae. Don't leave it to thrive, you can stir the sand gently to bring it up and have it caught by the overflow and finally skimmed out.

For adding sand, just add it slowly and on top of the old SB. If you have sand stirrers, they will even out the sand bed and the new one should fully mix well.

 

usually the red coraline type is what I get...