Replacing sand bed?

[cjtice]

I need to replace the sand bed in my 30g and would like to get some advice from the experts here at RC. The tank has a 20g sump and is being used as a frag tank at the moment but I would like to turn it into a display. So it will have corals and fish in it when this is done.

Do I suck like 1/3 out and replace that the same day, wait a week and replace another 1/3 or what?

The current sandbed is very "mature"...



Thanks for the info,
Chris

[lordofthereef]

I would replace the entire thing at once and leave about 1/2-1 cup of the old stuff to seed the new sand.

[cjtice]

By the way, the sand bed is only about 1-1.5 inches deep.

You dont think that this will cause a cycle? Thanks for your help!

[happyclam]

By the way, the sand bed is only about 1-1.5 inches deep.

You dont think that this will cause a cycle?

I wouldn't think it would cause a cycle, because if anything you removing a load of detritus, which I think would actually be helpful. You could always do a large water change after for peace of mind.

Also, I'm curious what sand you currently have and what sand your going to replace it with. I have heard some good things about CaribSea Fiji Pink & Special Grade Reef sand.

[cjtice]

I really have not though that far ahead... I bought the tank used from another local reefer a couple years ago, and I reused his sand so I really dont know what kind it is. I would not have reused it, but I knew and trusted him, but I know that it is atleast 5 years old now and I would just like to "renew" my sand bed.

Thanks for the info.

Chris

[northbay-reefer]

If you like the look of the sand then you don't have to replace it all at once, I could do a 1/4-1/3 during each of the water change. I replace a small part of my sand every 6 months or so

[cjtice]

Thanks, i will probably do 1/3 to 1/2 at a time just to be safe.

Chris

[eric@tampa]

I went with Fiji Pink,replacing thier Special Grade reef sand and love the size and color.