Changing substrate

[nchoman]

Hi all!
I'm new to the forum and have been doing a ton of research to make sure my tank is set for the next year. Why?? I will be heading overseas for a year and need the tank to be as self sufficient as possible for my wife. While I think I have achieved that to the highest degree, I was wondering what the best route to go would be in changing from crushed coral to a sand bed. This is not a venture for this year but rather for next spring.

Tank is low on live rock poundage but I'm thinking of adding some base rock when i change out the substrate next year. I will also be slowly adding to the ever growing always eating cleanup crew.

Cheers while I kick it in Korea

ph 8.4
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 20-40
salinity 1.23
I have never had a problem with chemical lvls since the initial cycle period.

75g fowlr started march 03
44lbs live rock
Coraline- dark red, purple and pink
that oh so wonderfull hard green algae on glass(scrapes off nicely though)
crushed coral substrate
10 turbo snails
2 brittle star
1 clown
2 yellow tang
3 green emerald crab
1 lawnmower blenny
2 damsels (last of the starter fish)

[Little Luey]

Wow! is shee ok with this?
That is a good spouse you got.
I left home for 5 months while we relocated and my wife had me get ride of all my stuff this past summer. If shee is willing to do this is great.

I would recomend going bare bottom, it is easier to vacum the bottom of the tank as opposed to having to change part of the sand if your DSB crashes, and when you come back you can always put the sand back. Oh, I just realized you have CC, well it is still easier to clean the BB, IMO it is not more work like some of the guys/gals think. Just increase flow and let the other filters pick up the poop.
Good luck.

[nchoman]

Yeah she's cool with it.(on the outside anyway). Hopefully this is the last time I am gone for this length of time.

I had thought about going with a bb butnot sure if i like the look. And if I go with sand it will not be until I return.

forgot to list the two urchins also have a 4x65 pc
took the powerheads out since the suction cups deteriorated causing them to constantly fall and spray cc everywhere