Can I put new "dead" sand on top of live?

[CeCe803]

I have about 2 inches of the live "sand" that came with the TBS package. While full of critters, it's VERY coarse, mostly the color of the coralline algea.

After viewing the tanks at my LSF where he has the sugar size white sand and seeing how much better clams display not to mention the reflected light, I would like to add a couple of inches to the tank ONLY in the front and sides - would not be moving the rock.

Will this smother the critters already in there? How about if I just do a section at a time?

Tank is well cycled - parmeters as follows:

SG - 1.025
pH - 8.3
NH3 - 0
NO2 - 0
NO3 - 0
Ca - 520
Temp 79-80

[murfman]

do a section at a time. one thing to keep in mind though, the courser sand will work its way to the top and you will have layers and be in the same boat as now

[CeCe803]

Really? Kind of like the rocks in my vegie garden beds - get it rock free and next spring - bingo - surface is full of little rocks again.
Maybe they have feet.........................
lol

[cwbroden]

I have done that in small amounts. Do a section like murfman said.