Will Switching To Sand

[MEePStER]

will changing to sand from gravel start another cycle? i want to know cause i want to change from gravel to sand on my big tank, the blue, red, and white gravel looks tacky

thanks

 

[Teelie]

No, the bacteria are in the filter and will not cause a cycle if the gravel is removed and replaced with sand. Do make sure to turn the filter off while adding the sand though.

 

[MEePStER]

ok thanks for the reply, i will go buy some sand when i get my allowance from hte hardware store, how much do you think i would need for a 29 gallon?

 

[MEePStER]

anyone?

 

[K.J.]

30 - 60 pounds, or 1 - 2 lbs per gallon.

 

[MEePStER]

ok thanks K.J.

 

[Danno]

Well first of all what kind of filter are you using? Is it an external like HOB & Canister or a UGF?

 

[rdd1952]

Well first of all what kind of filter are you using? Is it an external like HOB & Canister or a UGF?

I was going to ask the same thing. If it's not a UGF then you will be fine. If it is then you would definitely see a new cycle. But since you didn't mention changing filters I will assume that you don't have a UGF.

 

[MEePStER]

it a aquaclear 150 HOB

 

[MattD]

This is also something I am interested in.

Quick question though, how does one add sand while there is water in the tank? Just pour it in and let it settle?

 

[MEePStER]

you should turn off the filters, so that none of it gets into them and gunks them up, you have to was it really well also, best way to do it is get a big bucket get a hose somthing that will spread the water and rinse till the water is clear, then you can but it in your tank, by handfuls i wouldent just dump it init would make a bad mess

 

[rdd1952]

Rather than pour it in, put it in a cup, cover it with your hand or something and place it on the bottom. If you pour it in, you will have some major cloudy water and never get it to clear up.

 

[MEePStER]

Rather than pour it in, put it in a cup, cover it with your hand or something and place it on the bottom.

true

 

[Teelie]

If washed properly, it will clear up and not cloud for more than a few hours. I usually just chuck it in after a good wash and have no problems with long term cloudiness.