How to add different substrate to existing tank?

[Fishnerd360]

I would like to add carbisea eco to my 45 gallon, and wondering how could I add it to my existing tank that already has sand in it. Do I remove the sand and put in the soil and sand on top, or do the opposite since I would still like to use my sand? Also what would I do with my fish, I have have a couple spare tanks and buckets, but the biggest one is a 20 gallon, I’m not looking into buying a new tank just to use for a day.

 

[duanes]

I have added aragonite type sand to established tanks. I get it rinsed, and thoroughly damp, take a length of PVC pipe aim it where I want the new sand to go, and drop the new sand down the pipe.
In this way i am not removing old sand that has a colony of beneficial bacteria on it.
It will kick up some dust, which may take a couple days to settle, and .......the "coral type" sand may also give the water milky in color, and this sometimes takes "a few weeks" to settle down, once pH and alkalinity come to equilibrium it does.

The little tank in the back ground, has that type milky color that that type of sand sometimes produces (temporarily)

 

[deeda]

If adding soil to the aquarium you will probably experience an ammonia spike for a couple weeks so consider re-housing the fish or be prepared to perform frequent water changes to keep the ammonia level as low as possible.

 

[fishguy1978]

Depends, do you want to see the Caribsea or the sand or mixed media? Are you adding enough to cover the entire foot print of the tank or just a few places? Get a few rubbermaid storage totes to hold you fish. you can always return them to the store when you are done ?.
Rinse the caribsea before adding.