Convert sandbed to DSB

[JasonR]

I started in the hobby not truely knowing the benefits of a DSB as to the overall health and filtration of the system. When i set up me tank, I followed the x amount of pounds per gallon rule and ended up with a sandbed of about 2-2.5 inches. I would like to convert to a DSB, but I'm concerned about possible problems with just adding more sand.. Sure, some of my base rock will become covered by about 2 inches.. I don't think that will be a concern, but I am concerned about disrupting my current sandbed by covering it with more sand. Any tips or other concerns I should worry about? I suppose the best thing to do would be to gently stir the sand a few times before adding the new sand, then add the new sand. Then i would gently stir it a few more times afterwards. That way that bacteria and microorganisms won't get trapped too deeply under the new sand? Is this a sound approach? What could go wrong? So I just add new sand in small amounts, a little at a time over a long period- or is it safe to add it as described above?

mods, i'm also going to post this in the general discussion area in case it doesn't make it to the podcast.

THANKS!!!

[Rob]

hopefully this addresses your questions..
Talkingreef Live - Episode 9

[xtmreef]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I suppose the best thing to do would be to gently stir the sand a few times before adding the new sand, then add the new sand. Then i would gently stir it a few more times afterwards. That way that bacteria and microorganisms won't get trapped too deeply under the new sand? Is this a sound approach? What could go wrong?

Hi Jason,

In my experience, it was okay to just add the sand on top of the existing sand. I wouldn't worry about the bacteria "getting trapped" since you still have your live rocks (with bacteria) to do the filtration while the new sand is getting seeded. I wouldn't stir the existing sand either, since this will cloud your tank really bad. My suggestion would be to just add an inch of sand every day until you reach your target depth. I've nver had a problem when I converted mine.

HTH