Can I add new sand to an established tank?

[Admonition]

I have been having an algea issue over the last month or so which I have attributed to having added BRS dry rock to an already established tank. I'm assuming it's due to a mini cycle because I've had no other changes and my parameters are in check and stable.

 

That being said, I've been siphoning the stuff off the top of my sandbed- which of course includes siphoning away sand. My question is, can I add new sand to my tank to replace what I've siphoned out with no ill effects to my tank? Or will adding new sand to my 2 year old system create problems? My original sand is Carib-Sea Arog-Alive sand (Bimini Pink) and I would replace the siphoned portions with the same kind.

[CSAXE]

I would say that the algae your dealing with is likely from phosphates leaching from the dry rock, have you measures the phosphate level? Adding sand shouldn't cause any problems, but you should use dry sand, not live, and rinse it well in RO water. I'd personally add it slowly over a few week period during water changes

[Admonition]

Per my Hannah ULR Phosphorus checker I have 0 phosphates, which doesn't seem correct for obvious reasons lol. I have a Red Sea kit coming tomorrow that I'll double check.

 

Okay thanks. I only intend to add a 1/4 cup of sand for now, do you think that is small enough to add at once?

[CSAXE]

A lot of people say that since it's dry you can add as much as you want at once and it shouldn't have any ill effects, I just personally do it more periodically. 1/4 cup should be no problem, I just added a few cups to my 40 gallon where I'm changing out the sand bed

[alanwest09872]

use a pvc pipe to get the sand to the bottom. that way most of it wont be floating around your tank.

[abaro2]

use a pvc pipe to get the sand to the bottom. that way most of it wont be floating around your tank.

 

x2 defintely save you the sand storm!

[Admonition]

I would never have thought of that, thanks for the great tip!

[AZDesertRat]

I use a piece of ABS or PVC pipe with a large funnel taped to the top to pour the sand into.

[thomas8man]

I have the same idea but mine aren't phosphates just algae that takes up the space and food.