Can I cycle a tank with substrate in it?

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Pazzoman

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 5, 2009
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New York
Hey Everybody, recently was able to find a supplier of pool filter sand in the area...the brand is Mystic White Silica Sand...hopefully it's the right one. Well I'm just wondering if I can add the sand to the tank and then start cycling my tank? Or will the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate get trapped in the sand?

Also for anyone that uses pond matrix... in my sump if have about 5 gallons worth should I remove all the matrix and add an air wand for more o2 under the pond matrix or it really doesn't make a big difference?

Thanks A Million!
 
Hello; Yes a tank will cycle with substrate. Most of my tanks have had substrate added the first day.
 
Pazzoman said:
Hey Everybody, recently was able to find a supplier of pool filter sand in the area...the brand is Mystic White Silica Sand...hopefully it's the right one. Well I'm just wondering if I can add the sand to the tank and then start cycling my tank? Or will the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate get trapped in the sand?

Also for anyone that uses pond matrix... in my sump if have about 5 gallons worth should I remove all the matrix and add an air wand for more o2 under the pond matrix or it really doesn't make a big difference?

Thanks A Million!
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How deep is the sand going to be? Afaik, anaerobic bacteria won't operate within the first 2". Moreover, it's not that ammonia, nitrate or nitrate flowing in the water column can get trapped, but that particles which can feed anaerobic bacteria can get trapped in areas devoid of oxygen. You won't have that in a new tank with no fish.
 
Hey thanks for your info now i understand better, happens to be that i will have to wait till tomorrow to pick it up at the local pool store. Guessinv the safe amount would be 2 inches?


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I could see preferring more sand for pets that want to burrow or sift sand, but really 2" is pretty nice. You get a good look and don't have a concern over gas pockets.
 
I think that with silica sand, you need to watch phosphates. Also, it it is bottom dwellers you want to house such sand is very abrasive. Got it from the Ray guys.
 
Hey everybody, will be be a long lasting thing with phosphates with silica sand? Or it will eventually subside? I will defintly be rinsing it out until it runs clear. Will be rinsing lets say every pounds id do a good rinsng in a bucket with 5 pounds at a time...
 
Miguel said:
I think that with silica sand, you need to watch phosphates. Also, it it is bottom dwellers you want to house such sand is very abrasive. Got it from the Ray guys.
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That sucks...good thing thier wont be any rays in this tank...next tank will defintly if needed order the same exact sand some of the ray guys have so im a 100% it is safe for the water and the rays
 
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