new DSB

[blanx]

Ron, i tried to search and didn't find the answer, i know you must have answered this before. But here goes:

When starting a tank using southdown or similar sand, do you layer it or just dump it then add recharge kits and live sand on top in layers?

[rshimek]

Hi,

Starting with a bare tank, add a small layer of salt water (couple of inches more than the depth of the sand bed). Add the dead stuff. If you can wait a day or so (this lets the really fine stuff settle). Gently add enough water to cover the live rock. Add the rock. Then add the live sand and kit. From this stage on, make sure the system has skimming, water movement, lighting, etc.

Wait a few weeks and then slowly add decorative live stock and fish.

[NewSchool04]

Dr. Ron,
Do you think I'll have a problem if I added the sand (southdown) first, 3-4" and then the water? After reading what you said, I'm a little worried that water won't be getting to the bottom of the SB.

[romunov]

Don't you worry about water. :)

[NewSchool04]

so no problems?

[rshimek]

Hi,

Either way will work, but if you add the water last, there will be some areas of trapped air bubbles remaining in the sand. Depending upon how well the sand fauna gets going, some bubble can persist for weeks or more.

[NewSchool04]

thanks Ron!