adding play sand whilst fish are in the tank?

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Rafini

Rafini

Piranha
MFK Member
Jun 28, 2012
1,930
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Calgary, Canada
Can you do this? I've always added the substrate before the fish but right now I have bare bottom on my 225 and would like to put some sand in it soon. I used to wash all my sand outside but the outside water is completely frozen so I can only really do it indoors and it's kind of time consuming.

Has anyone just put the sand in and let the filters clear the water? is this dangerous whilst fish are in the tank? I assume it probably would be quite harmful to them. If it is I could just wait until spring to put some sand in the tank. Was just looking for some answers


Thanks
 
I've done it with gravel, but never with sand. Maybe you could fabricate some kind of delivery system that could take the sand down to the bottom and release it slowly. For instance, you could load a five gallon paint strainer with sand and lower it into the tank slowly with a rope tied to both the top and bottom. Lower it down with the rope on the top then gently lift the rope tied to the bottom so the sand leaks out. You would probably have to do it a ton of times but it may cut down on the cloud. Anything can be done buddy, good luck.
 
I've added before with fish. Rinse the best you can and then slowly and carefully put it in. Either use a small container or a tube. Only do part of the tank at a time and let it clear in between.


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This method is perfect for you.
[video=youtube;d-XB0bwtZh8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-XB0bwtZh8[/video]
 
That is an amazing idea muskieboy! thanks for the input guys, I didn't want to go at it and risk hurting my fish without getting some input from others
 
Honestly ive added substrate with fish, changed substrate with fish and had no problems ever. I will however insist you TURN OFF YOUR FILTERS! Lol trust me. Im a filter killer. Ive done something similar to the video but with a regular cup, i use play sand just fine in the method but yes pool filter sand is less dustier and heavier. I do remember my catfish looked like he got snowed on after though lol


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