How to I add sand to a bare bottom established tank?

[Easystreet]

How to I add sand to a bare bottom established tank?

I have a bare bottom tank that I would like to add sand to. Do I remove the fish add the sand and thats it? Can I add sand with fish in the tank? Do I need to do a water change? Should I turn off the cannister filter?

Thanks
Jason

[Richard B]

How to I add sand to a bare bottom established tank? Have you got a sheet of glass or perspex to hand? Hold it in the tank close to one of the sides, then scoop well-washed sand into the tank between the side & the sheet - this way it minimises distruption to the tank & the fish can stay in, you can then use a stick to spread it out a bit.

I have a bare bottom tank that I would like to add sand to. Do I remove the fish add the sand and thats it? Can I add sand with fish in the tank? Do I need to do a water change? Should I turn off the cannister filter?Yes while you add the sand but straight back on again after - make sure the inlet is at least a couple of inches above the sand when you finish

[racoll]

Jason,

First you will need to clean the sand very thoroughly under running water, mixing it all up with your hands and changing the water many times.

Once it looks as clear as its going to get, turn your filters off and add the sand as gently as possible, perhaps with a plastic bowl or similar.

The fish can stay in the tank, but do add some decor so they can hide if they want to.

Carry out a 25% water change, and then turn on your filters (some new fine floss in these might be a good idea) after about 20 minutes. Make sure the intakes of your filters are at least 3" above the sand. You don't want sand in your filter.

The next day the water should be clear.

Good luck.

[grokefish]

Turn off your filter as stated by the others, wash the sand as described grab a big plastic cup fill it with and reach down into the tank until the cup is near the bottom and tip.
The fish will not care, I think people are a bit too precious about their fish.
Many of them live in large rivers and streams with massive current (even the small streams have more flow than your average tank) all very dynamic places, sand will often be kicked up by currents, objects falling from the banks and other fish.
I often do this to add more sand to an established tank or in the case of my fast flow tanks to move the sand back across the length where it has migrated from in the current.
Don't worry about it your fish won't. (But your filter might)

Matt