increasing sand bed in established tank???

[rayviv]

I have removed my centerpiece rock and now need to bring sand level up a couple inches in that area.

Is it OK to add a new bag of live sand or will it throw water out of balance and cause unforeseen problems?

[aquatic mouse]

I'm looking forward to seeing answers on this. I just added sand I got from Jeremy to my tank. I made sure to mix it with the current sand. Hopefully that was ok. Guess we'll see!

[ghurlag]

Anthony Calfo recommends that any changes to our closed systems, whether good or bad, should occur slowly... Since the tank is established, I would think that adding a cup or so every few days would be acceptable, but not a whole bag all at once.

[chromiumlux]

I agree with Brian. Add a couple cups every other day in different areas and just work into existing bed very gently. Should be just fine.

[Telekinesis]

I've been thinking about adding some extra sand to my tank as well. Thanks for the advice!

[marinelife]

I would say go slowly but being the rebel I am in this hobby I have add full bags before.

[rayviv]

thanks 4 all the input.

[Neogenesis]

If you rinse it very well to get rid of most of the dust, I wouldn't think twice before adding a full bag.

Scott

[ghurlag]

If you rinse it very well to get rid of most of the dust, I wouldn't think twice before adding a full bag.

Scott

I would still think twice ;)

You can do it however you want, but just be mindful that the critters in the tank are completely dependent upon your husbandry skills. It might be perfectly fine to add a complete bag, but to be on the safe side, any changes should be made slowly to minimize the impact on the overall system. I'm going to stick by that (as my official stance. Do as I say, not as I sometimes do :) )

[rayviv]

I submerged full bag (live sand) and slit one end and slowly raised bag leaving sand in the depression where the big rock used 2b. I turned off pump and korelias for about two hours to let dust settle and then started main pump to filter remaining dust to clear up water. Have added some rock that I had in sump to place later as shelving. Altho tank looks displaced with rock laying every which way is still looks good. Will post a pic after everything is in place.
Thank you all.

[ghurlag]

Ray, keep us posted on how this works for you

[rayviv]

Will do.

[rayviv]

Well, its been ample time to see any problems that might have risen and everything looks fine with no apparent down side.

[aquatic mouse]

Thanks for the update Ray!