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?
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.
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.
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