Adding sand on top of existing dsb?

[kinerson]

I have a 55 gal reef in my care that has a 3" sand bed in it. I would like to increase the depth by an inch or so to increase denitrification. Would this help? Can it be added on top of existing bed without problems?
Thanks,
Greg

[reefnetworth]

yes, but it must be done slowly. a few cups a day with flow off, allowing time for the bacteria and pods to adjust. if you get live sand, rinse it well before you use it. it will create another cycle, probably small, but you dont need that to happen. good luck!
JDM...:cool:

[kinerson]

Thanks JDM, I'm thinking of using some fine aragamax sand so cycling shouldn't be a problem.

[Froggy]

I would just add dry sand to increase your depth. It will become "live" very quickly from your existing bed. You can add the sand but I would not exceed a 1/2 inch in depth at a time every few days to give the sand fauna time to migrate to the upper layers and not get smothered by too much added at a time

[kinerson]

Thanks Joe, the sand I was thinking of is dry.