Several Question in one

[cramsmith]

Hello Everyone,
I still new to FOWLR. I have 55 gal with 1-2 inches of FL crushed coral, 8lbs of fiji live rock (just added 4wks ago), 1 tomato clown, 1 sailfin tang, 1 power head, a hot skimmer, and a fluval 301.

This tank has been running for ~3 yrs as a FO and FOWLR for 1 month. The substrate has been used for 7 yr. I have not yet gotten a comprehensive test kit, so I do not know my the hardness of my water, but I am assuming I need to change some of the substrate.

So here are my questions.....

1. What is the best way to replace substrate?

2. I was thinking about going with a more sandy substrate any suggestions on how to go about doing so?

3. I am using Corallife sea salt, any opinions?

4. I was thinking about adding some critters to help me with my on going war with brown alge any suggestions? Also if I do add shrimp, hermits, and or a snail, how much effect will it have on my biological load?

Thanks for the help.

[miztahphong2]

replacing? that might make your tank cycle again.. how about just cover it with the desired sand? about going adding it maybe washing it good, putting it back into the bag, lowering it into the tank and pour it out slowly. i also use coralife sea salt. has worked good for me i use instant ocean too! well i think every takn should have hermits, snails, and shrimp. they will clean off algae and such

[Razoreqx]

You want to switch from CC to sand right? Couple suggestions and a couple questions.. Im worried about your bio if you dont run some type of external wet/dry or fuge system. What is your complete setup? Please List all your hardware.

I'll tell you how to change your substrate to the sand you desire... btw.. sand does look really good but there is a way to change substrate and MANY a way NOT to change it..

[tonyb]

im in the same boat... i wanna change out my CC for sand. i currently have 3-4" in my 75g. tank has been up and going for roughy 3 years and was moved about 4 months ago and showing no signs of stress... tank has a well working delrey skimmer, and a wet/dry... im phasing out the bioballs as more LR is being put into the tank... i am also adding a Refugium next week. so this will help with the elimination of the bioballs(nitrate factories)