Water before sand in a new tank?

Discussion in 'Sand' started by gamertag, Oct 7, 2011.

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  1. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

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    Is there any drawbacks to adding sand after water to a new system?? I assume there will be a bit of extra clouding but beyond that is there any snags?? Plan would be 1/2 water -> live rock -> sand -> rest of water.

    My concern is getting live rocks in place without them being out of water too much\long.

    Thanks!!
     
    gamertag, Oct 7, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 7, 2011
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    It can be done that way. You can pour the sand through a piece of PVC pipe or slowly submerge cupfuls to the bottom to dump it in place.
     
    Mr. Bill, Oct 7, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Oct 7, 2011
    #2
  3. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    +1 to Mr. Bill's statement.
     
    reefmonkey, Oct 7, 2011
    reefmonkey, Oct 7, 2011
    #3
  4. gamertag

    gamertag Astrea Snail

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    Thanks for the responses!
     
    gamertag, Oct 7, 2011
    gamertag, Oct 7, 2011
    #4
  5. jscottb

    jscottb Astrea Snail

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    1-gallon ziploc baggies.
     
    jscottb, Oct 7, 2011
    jscottb, Oct 7, 2011
    #5
  6. Drew

    Drew Plankton

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    Live sand

    If you use live sand you wont need to rinse it so you could put the bag underwater then cut it open.
     
    Drew, Oct 7, 2011
    Drew, Oct 7, 2011
    #6

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  7. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Sand first, rock second and then pour water on top of rock only. Using the rock to deflect water away from hitting the sand.
     
    NanaReefer, Oct 8, 2011
    NanaReefer, Oct 8, 2011
    #7
  8. cdc

    cdc Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Or if you do add sand first lay a plastic trash bag on the sand and pour water onto the trash bag.
     
    cdc, Oct 11, 2011
    cdc, Oct 11, 2011
    #8
  9. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    I don't think it matters in a new tank, as the tank should cycle before putting in livestock. So, there is plenty of time for the sand to settle. In that case I usually don't worry about it. If you really want to avoid cloudiness, i agree, the PVC pipe suggestion is your best bet.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    m2434, Oct 11, 2011
    m2434, Oct 11, 2011
    #9
  10. clarkkey594

    clarkkey594 Aiptasia Anemone

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    You really should put your rock down first and then the sand followed by water. If you place your rocks on top of the sand you can have them collapse if you have any sort of sand dwelling or sifting creatures in the future.
     
    clarkkey594, Oct 11, 2011
    clarkkey594, Oct 11, 2011
    #10
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