Set Up a Reef Aquarium Using Live Sand

The use of live sand in a reef aquarium can serve to greatly reduce the amount of time it takes a new tank to establish a healthy nitrogen cycle. Because live sand is loaded with beneficial denitrifying bacteria, the new aquarium gets an instant boost to its ability to convert harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrous oxide, which can dissipate out of the aquarium into the air. Additionally, live sand can provide important food sources for substrate feeders in the form of micro flora and fauna, adding biodiversity to your tank while improving its overall health.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Salt mix
  • Hydrometer
  • Live sand
  • Live rock
  • Filter
  • Powerheads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the aquarium up in a draft-free area of the home away from doors and windows that could expose the tank to direct light throughout the day. Chose the location carefully, as the tank will be much too heavy to move after it is filled.

    • 2

      Fill the aquarium with dechlorinated tap water, leaving a few inches space at the top to allow for water displacement when the sand and rock are added.

    • 3

      Add aquarium salt mix according to the package directions.

    • 4

      Install and turn on the tank's powerheads and filtration system, and allow the tank to run for several hours to thoroughly mix the salt.

    • 5

      Test the specific gravity of the water using the hydrometer. Add more salt or water to achieve a range between 1.023 and 1.026.

    • 6

      Add one to three inches of live sand to the bottom of the tank, smoothing the sand into the corners and carving out hollow areas for rocks and decor.

    • 7

      Add the live reef rock to the aquarium, and allow the tank to run for several days to a week before adding fish.