Substrate change

[kreblak]

What is the most efficient way to change out your substrate? I currently have a lot of crushed coral (about 2 inches worth) mixed with sand, and I want to switch over to a true DSB.

1- Am I basically going to have to break down the tank to change out the substrate?

2- I assume I'm going to have to re-cycle the new substrate

3- Am I going to experience all of the "new tank" symptoms like diatoms and cyano all over again?

[VoodooChild]

1) No, just do it carefully. Try and move as slowly as possible and when you put the sand in, you should pour it into a pan close to the surface to reduce debris (two person job).
2) Not likely if you have lots of live rock. Actually I'd keep a bit of the CC, maybe .5" worth on the bottom. Then I really doubt you'd have a problem. Keep the skimmer running or if you don't have one, some carbon.
3) Not sure.
This shouldn't be a problem for you Kreblak. I know you've learned enough to keep your fish healthy:)

[kreblak]

It is amazing how much you learn in a short amount of time on these boards. Now if I could just find a cure all for green algae, and maybe find a genie who can change my substrate and give me a bigger tank with the snap of a finger, I'll be set! :cool:

[lebloom]

The change isn't all that difficult, just messy. Go out to a hardware store and find a piece of 5" plastic piping. Get a piece thats about 2.5 ' long. Use that to pour your sand to the bottom of the tank. Sounds a little stange? This way the sand slides into your tank without all the mess plus the water got a little cloudy but a day or so the cloud went away. I did the change over from CC to LS and I wouldn't go back. I have a 75gal FOWLR used this aragonite I found on the net, 200# for 100.00. It turned green but after awhile my sand turned really nice and white.

[kreblak]

That's not a bad idea. I'll give that a shot.

[Mr.Jingles]

whered you get that aragonite from?

[lebloom]

I got this aragonite from the web, www.purearagonite.com. paid about $100.00 for the 200#.