[IsaaX]

Hello, it's been awhile since I've been here since I had to tear down my reef tank because of a move and had to give all my live stock away. I've pretty much forgotten a lot I've learned about reefing, so I'm back to have my memory refreshed

Last week I started my tank up again and have a few questions about live sand beds since this is my first time using one. My previous set up had fine crushed coral.

I currently have a 40g Clear for Life acrylic tank with built in sump in the back of the tank (bioballs removed) with 60lbs of live rock which consits of Kaelini and Premium Fiji. I added 70lbs of live Fiji sand which gave me a sand bed depth of 3". I do see lots of little bugs moving around on the glass at night but I have yet to see any bristle worms on the sand bed. Would I have to add worms and such to keep the sand bed healthy or am I good to go with all the little bugs that's there already? I was thinking about purchasing a Sand Star from Jeff's Exotic Fish (they're local) to help move the surface sand around, would that be a good idea or should I get a cuc? Also I noticed that my sand bed has developed noticable layers and is turning grey towards the bottom of the bed, is that a good sign? I'm also noticing bubbles forming in the bed towards the surface as well.

Thanks in advance.

[golfish]

Originally Posted by IsaaX

Hello, it's been awhile since I've been here since I had to tear down my reef tank because of a move and had to give all my live stock away. I've pretty much forgotten a lot I've learned about reefing, so I'm back to have my memory refreshed

Last week I started my tank up again and have a few questions about live sand beds since this is my first time using one. My previous set up had fine crushed coral.

I currently have a 40g Clear for Life acrylic tank with built in sump in the back of the tank (bioballs removed) with 60lbs of live rock which consits of Kaelini and Premium Fiji. I added 70lbs of live Fiji sand which gave me a sand bed depth of 3". I do see lots of little bugs moving around on the glass at night but I have yet to see any bristle worms on the sand bed. Would I have to add worms and such to keep the sand bed healthy or am I good to go with all the little bugs that's there already? I was thinking about purchasing a Sand Star from Jeff's Exotic Fish (they're local) to help move the surface sand around, would that be a good idea or should I get a cuc? Also I noticed that my sand bed has developed noticable layers and is turning grey towards the bottom of the bed, is that a good sign? I'm also noticing bubbles forming in the bed towards the surface as well.

Thanks in advance.

I'd say your good with the sand critters. If you can try to add a cup full from local reefers. Jeff's had some pretty good rock lately, hasn't he?

I'd hold off on any of stars and cucs until the tanks about 6 months, some Astrea snails would be nice.

[Reefland]

Hi IssaaX, Welcome Back!

It sounds like your sand bed is developing just fine. The different colors in the different layers is perfectly normal and the bubbles are the gas pockets working their way to the surface of the bed to release. Just what you want to see.

Scott Z.

[IsaaX]

Great! Thanks for your replies!