Adding small grain size sand.

So i havent a really low substrate, probably around .75 inches of live sand. I wanted to pick some more up for this 20 gallon high but its too expensive. At my LFS they have a bag of really white sand that is real small grain sized almost like sugar. I was wondering, my tank is in the 6th week of its cycle and parameters are evening out. If i put this 15 of the 20#'s in, and stir the sand together will i have a new cycle. Also is there a problem with using this type of sand? It seems that it would blow around easy, but the fact my tank is high and my powerheads arent aimed at the substrate i think it shuold be ok. Let me know your opinions!

 

stay away from the really white...sugary looking sand. it blows around if theres any decent flow at all and is a big P.I.T.A

 

As long as the sand is intended for use in marine systems(likely aragonite), it's ok. As for blowing around, once the sand settles it will stay put unless too much water flow is directed on it. As for having another cycle, it's probably not all that likely if you've got a decent amount of LR. With that said, I wouldn't be shocked if you did get another small spike a week or two after the addition of the new sand.

If I were you I'd add the sand, monitor closely and don't add any livestock for a few weeks until you're sure all is stable. Having the additional sand will only help in the long run.

 

I just cant find any Argonite sand that isnt Live and that I do not have to ship. I only need like around 15# and it would be a waste to ship a quanitiy that small. It is really white like small grain, honestly looks like sugar. It says for marine aquariums right on it and its at Petco. Hmm dunno what to do.

 

This is what I use in mine, it will be a PITA if you point a power head at it, but once you have your flow dialed in it's no problem at all.
20Lb Bahama Aragonite sand <br>(shipping included) - BAS20

 

Seems smaller than that. I found what it looks like in a similar thread. the sand in this persons pictures look the exact same as what im thinking about getting.

 

you could be right, it's hard to tell in these pics

 

That looks like the same kind of sand. Think it would work for a 20 gallon high? I have two powerheads on the sides of the tank at the top spraying in opposite directions, not at the substrate. Ehhh, its really hard to tell if its the same. If doesnt look like the Live Argonite Sand, it looks much whiter and its all the same grain size. there is no tiny pieces of coral in it at all. I think it might be alright if i mix it all up.

 

should be fine in a 20H, there are no coral pieces or anything in it. It's the only sand i'll use anymore, works great in the DSB in my fuge as well

 

Do you ever plan on getting any SPS corals? If so the amount of flow they require will make the sugar size blow everywhere. Also be careful if you add any sand sifting fish, they will kick it up.