Rock-hard live sand

[Mr. Microscope]

Hello All,

 

I've had my tank going for a little more than a year. I've noticed that the sandbed is about half as deep as it was when I started and I've also found a bunch of chunks of sand that are solid as a rock (even one huge chunk attached to one of my live rocks). I understand that argonite sand turns into limestone over time if there are not enough sand-stirrers in the bed.

 

Here are my questions:

Are these rock-hard chunks of sand dangerous?

Should I remove the chunks?

Should I begin to slowly remove the sandbed entirely and replace it/go bare bottom?

 

Thanks!

[glennr1978]

I would either leave it alone, or tear down the tank completely to get it out. If you break it up you will have issues.

 

Don't go bare bottom, bare bottom tanks are ugly IMO.

[johnmaloney]

google around for "substrate solidifying marine diagenesis ", there are some pretty good discussions on it now that I looked..usually has to do with chemical imbalances from what I read, maybe that will be useful.

[Mr. Microscope]

Bump? Anyone else? I want to know if this is actively harming my tank.