Sand shifting and moving as tank cycles

[I'm_Your_Reef_Baby]

Hey Reefers,

My tank is about 5 days into its cycling stage. When I prepped the tank, I laid an even sand bed of about 2.5-3cm throughout the tank. Since it’s been up and running, the sand has shifted around quite a lot and has settled in different locations, leave my base on 1cm or so thick in some spots.

I actually think it looks cool and has given some nice levels to the base, but I’m concerned the thinner base in areas may be an issue. Is this something to be concerned about? Additionally, some of the sand has made its way onto the rock. How would I clean this off?

I’m guessing my flow might have been a bit high which I have restricted by installing a ball valve. But I do have 2x Jebao SW-15 wave makers which create quite a stir. I’ve changed their pulsing to be less aggressive so hopefully the sand stops shifting but I’m still curious if I need to do something with the sand that has already shifted?

Please share your thoughts. Thanks

 

[Dan_P]

Hey Reefers,

My tank is about 5 days into its cycling stage. When I prepped the tank, I laid an even sand bed of about 2.5-3cm throughout the tank. Since it’s been up and running, the sand has shifted around quite a lot and has settled in different locations, leave my base on 1cm or so thick in some spots.

I actually think it looks cool and has given some nice levels to the base, but I’m concerned the thinner base in areas may be an issue. Is this something to be concerned about? Additionally, some of the sand has made its way onto the rock. How would I clean this off?

I’m guessing my flow might have been a bit high which I have restricted by installing a ball valve. But I do have 2x Jebao SW-15 wave makers which create quite a stir. I’ve changed their pulsing to be less aggressive so hopefully the sand stops shifting but I’m still curious if I need to do something with the sand that has already shifted?

Please share your thoughts. Thanks

Doesn’t matter.

 

[I'm_Your_Reef_Baby]

Doesn’t matter.

Concise and to the point. Love it!

I’ll leave as is and just enjoy the unique landscape then

Thanks Dan.

 

[I'm_Your_Reef_Baby]

Doesn’t matter.

Hey Dan. Surely this is now becoming a concern? I might need to move my flow pumps I think. What’s the likely cause of this and how can I best solve the issue?

 

[Dan_P]

Hey Dan. Surely this is now becoming a concern? I might need to move my flow pumps I think. What’s the likely cause of this and how can I best solve the issue?

The direction the pumps point, there position on glass and their flow rate all contribute to the water flow pattern in the aquarium. You will have to adjust the pumps until the sand doesn’t move so much. Might take a few days. It’s not bad that the sand blows around. It just doesn’t look pretty to see a bare spot.

 

[I'm_Your_Reef_Baby]

The direction the pumps point, there position on glass and their flow rate all contribute to the water flow pattern in the aquarium. You will have to adjust the pumps until the sand doesn’t move so much. Might take a few days. It’s not bad that the sand blows around. It just doesn’t look pretty to see a bare spot.

Thanks Dan. Appreciate the input. You da man!

I'll mess with wave makers and their positions/directions and sort it out.

Cheers!

 

[ptrusk]

Agree with advice provided, however I feel that I should mention that it appears that your rocks are on top of the sand and you could be setting yourself up for a potential rock slide down the road. Many fish and critters like to burrow. Apologies if my observation is incorrect.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm barebottom but have run sand in the past. As mentioned flow has an affect but grain size of the sand also plays a big part in how much blows around. Larger grains don't blow around as easily as smaller grains. As to the sand on the rocks you can just blow that off with a turkey baster.