One last substrate question...feeback really appreciated

lexxx · #1 12/19/2007, 04:29 PM

I am thinking of switching over my crushed coral to a deep sand bed. I figured out the sand that i need to get (my previous post). In the tank, I have a cinnamon clown, clown trigger, and blueline trigger. Can I go ahead and make this switch with the fish still in there or is this not a good idea? I realize I am going to have a dust cloud for a period of time. I don't want to harm the fish in any ways. Any feedback on this is really appreciated.

Thanks,

Alex

Flipper1 · #2 12/19/2007, 04:42 PM

I switched quite a few years ago from cc to sand. The Southdown sand made a hell of a mess but the fish were unaffected.

usmc121581 · #3 12/19/2007, 04:47 PM

I heard you can get a piece of PVC tube and a funnel. Pure the sand through the PVC and spread were you like to put the sand but dont lift up to much as you will release the cloud.

jrpdriver · #4 12/19/2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by usmc121581
I heard you can get a piece of PVC tube and a funnel. Pure the sand through the PVC and spread were you like to put the sand but dont lift up to much as you will release the cloud.

I would do that and turn off all the circulation while your pouring, then turn it right back on so your skimmer can pick up anything that is not settled

lexxx · #5 12/19/2007, 05:03 PM

These are very good suggestions. Thanks Very Much!! If anyone else has anything on this topic, i would love to hear.

rbursek · #6 12/19/2007, 06:09 PM

If you have or access to a filter system to run while you do this it will clear the water fast of a "storm"
Bob

mg426 · #7 12/19/2007, 06:37 PM

I switched my tank from CC to sand. I did about one third at a time.You can siphon out the CC with 3/4 inch tubing. Its a pain to do but if you rig a strainer over a bucket you can get the CC then reuse the water. You can filter the water through some floss or other media before returning it to your tank. That is the cleanest way to do a miserable job that I am aware of. I would try to get as much CC as you can out. That stuff has a way of working its way back to the top of the sand again.The PVC chute idea is also one that I have used. If you wet the sand before you pour it down the chute its not to bad at all.

gman0526 · #8 12/19/2007, 07:44 PM

To answer your ?'s

I would take the fish out, you don't want them dealing with all the nasties that will come out of that CC. You need to keep in mind you'll be taking out a huge part of your biofilter out (even if it's CC ), so plan accordingly to keep up with water changes. HTH