new sand

i absolutely hate my sand, could i add some new sand without going through a whole new cycle? thanks

 

This for SW tank right? If so, If you have enough beneficial bacteria on your LR , then it shouldn't effect the cycle. Just make sure to watch your parameters in the process. Have you considered replacing the sand with Aragonite?

 

I enjoy my Aragonite. I would assume you'd be fine if you didn't replace it all at once, but ideally your LR will contain a majority of the bacteria.

 

A lot of people just replace a section at a time. Do a quarter of your tank one day, another quarter a few days latter etc.. If it's a deep sand bed replace even less at a time, as you don't want to disturb it too much as release hydrogen-sulfide. This could crash your tank. Also, just don't add live sand to an established tank this could cause a cycle. Otherwise, you should be fine.

 

that was the point, the tank is established, and i wanted to change the sand. is it too risky? or will the 1/4 at a time work? and what is aragonite? i was thinking some pink fiji sand or something

 

Fiji pink is Aragonite sand. AFAIK there is a live and non live version.

Edit: How deep is your sand bed?

 

Replacing small portions at a time should be fine (especially if your additional filtration is in good order). I have done this a few times.

 

oh, thanks, well i want live sand and about 2 - 1 1/2" in places.

 

The regular sand will become "live" given time. You will hear time, and time again, that "live sand" sold in bags is virtually useless. So, if you aren't getting this from an established tank, you might save some money.

I also read a good article once about the depth of sand beds. I am nearly certain I can't mention the site I read it on. However, if you want to PM me, I could direct you towards it.