Changing sand

[JimD]

"Either way, the silica sand issue is one of those never ending debates."

Agreed, I just dont believe it to be the primary cause of algae blooms in most cases. I've known too many people who have used it successfully, long term with no problems.

[RayAllen]

With a small tank couldn't you pick up a kiddie pool, put you stuff in there and then get the sand out and put the new sand in and let it settle a little and then get your stuff bck in the tank, you could use like 50% old water in the tub and 50%new in the tank? Just a thought

yea, i thought about that. Its pretty much a last resort if it doesnt go away with the help of hermits,snail and the usual water change. Ive used the sand before in other tanks without it this bad but I think running MH- the light intesity and heat have contributed to the problem.

[ErikH]

try knocking back your light cycle an hour and see if it subsides. If it does, maybe you could raise the halide up off the water another inch or so and see if you can go back to a full light cycle.....

[RayAllen]

I only run the MH 7 hours a day and it is about 10" of the water now. Just placed a order for some reef crystal salt that should be here early next week for my water change. Ive been using Instant Ocean but figured id move over to the better stuff.