Tank Rebuild

[Scavenger]

Originally Posted by likwid

Scavenger.. What would be the best way to replace all of my substrate without rebuilding the tank?

Siphon it out, similar to if you were vacumning a freshwater gravel bed during a water change. You may not get it all in one go, but it doesn't take long. I cleared out my 48 gallon (when it was running) in 2 10% water changes.

Barring that, you could take alot of your tank water and your rocks into a rubbermaid, while you manually do it, but I find moving a lot of rocks around causes some die off which will take time to regrow and add to your algae bloom or possible partial cycling.

When you replace your sand bed, my favorite method is to shut off all flow, and pour your new sand down a pcv pipe so it doesn't overly cloud the water. Just take your time doing it.

I find pouring the sand around the already placed rocks, makes for a solider foundation and less weighed down sand that can't be sifted.


Edit for: I forgot to mention, I fully agree with findingnemos opinion on crushed coral. I pulled that out after only 2 months as well.

Again, just my 2 cents other opinions will vary. There are far more experienced reefers kickin around these parts. (Hey wait that's a disclaimer!! Wow my first one!!LOL!)