adding sand

[Melonbob]

How does everyone go about adding sand without starting a cycle and making a mess? I was thinking of just adding a few cups every week, or how much can my 46 handle in one shot?

[yote]

When I have to add more sand.I usually just do a 1/4 of the tank at a time.Wait 4 or 5 days,then do another 1/4.
Not had any problems doing that so far.

[sen5241b]

I added sand recently and did the same. You don't want to cover and kill small life , like pods, on the surface of the sand so you would never want to put even a thin layer over the whole tank.

[hibye]

When i first start my tanks i put the sand in first then i put in a bowl and pour the water into the bowl.When it starts to overflow the water will stick to the rimand side and in to the sand making no mess

[Brat]

If you have a new tank and want a DSB of like 6 in. can you add it all at one time or should you do it over several weeks or months?

[Bifferwine]

When starting a new tank, add the sand all at once.

In an established tank, where you already have layers of bacteria and inverts living in the sand bed, do it gradually.

[Piggy]

Seeing this is about sand. When you clean your sand off during water change can you put that sand back in the tank?

[Bifferwine]

Why do you clean your sand during a water change?

[Piggy]

I siphon out the crappy stuff and a little bit of sand goes through the hose.