Replacing LS & Breaking Up LR

[Patriot76]

I have about 180lbs of live sand in my tank from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Its actually more of a mix of crushed coral and sand. I would like to switch over to a fine white sand for appearance purposes, what do you think the ramifications would be of doing so? And do you think the easiest way of this would be? By the way, I also have another 100lbs of live sand in my 55g fuge.

Also, I am considering attempting to somehow break up some of the larger pieces of LR that I got from TBS. I think my aquascaping would look better with more smaller size pieces rather than the large size rocks that I have now. I would be able to create more caves and have more places to mount corals. Again, what do you think would the ramifications of doing this, and any ideas of how I could do this?

 

[onefish2fish]

im unsure, i would think little by little so you dont introduce a new cycle (i can see this hard to do) also ive heard of stirring up sand releasing some nasties so i cant help you there but what are you doing with the sand you take out? ill buy some off of you to increase what i have in my fuge if you are will to sell...considering your literally around the block from me. let me know thanks.

 

[REEFLECTIONS]

could you syphon a little out with a hose with every water change?

 

[Candi]

How deep is it and how long has it been there, those are two important things to consider before trying to remove it (and possibly stirring up god knows what that's settled down inside)

Several months ago I changed out the sand in my tank, however it's only a 70g and I only had a couple inches that were about a year old, I just syphoned out what I could and used a plastic cup to scrape up the rest and replaced it with new reef sand, again though only an inch or two... thankfully no new cycle etc.

EDIT: on the LR question, just grab a hammer and chisel and go to it, be careful as it will often break unexpectedly (so watch any corals you care about) and watch for flying chips and bristles that are living inside. I normally lay it on a folded up towel and then place another over the top to keep it all in one area. You can then restack it or even use rods or zipties to hold it how you'd like it.

 

[qwik]

Like mentioned be very careful when removing your sand bed . A little at a time will take much longer and be more work but will greatly reduce the risk of releasing sulfer/nitrates . I would use a wet dry vac like I do for my water changes . Reduce the size of its intake hose with decreasing sizes of hose until down to about 1/2 inch . This will take out the sand and whatever gasses are in it.
As for the live rock just keep it wet while breaking it . Maybe place it into a shallow tub of water and then go at it with a screwdriver/chisle and hammer . You might be better off tradeing/selling some of the larger pieces and replacing a few with smaller ones . People are usually looking for larger sizes . GOOD LUCK !