Vacuuming - Part Deux

[Magickiwi]

I have about a 3" DSB and would be interested in learning a method of vacuuming the sand that doesn't result in all the sand being siphoned out of the tank. I've had a couple golden head gobies that do a wonderful job of sifting the top couple centimeters of sand but one took a trip out of the tank and the other wound up as lunch for my carpet nem. Every time I stir or disturb the sandbed my phosphates go through the roof.

[mike31154]

I wonder if Mr. Dyson has something up his sleeve with the proper amount of suction for our hobby?

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Magickiwi

I have about a 3" DSB and would be interested in learning a method of vacuuming the sand that doesn't result in all the sand being siphoned out of the tank. I've had a couple golden head gobies that do a wonderful job of sifting the top couple centimeters of sand but one took a trip out of the tank and the other wound up as lunch for my carpet nem. Every time I stir or disturb the sandbed my phosphates go through the roof.

You have to adjust the siphon flow so the sand stays and the detritus gets removed. I used to do a about 1/2 my sand bed (only front, couldn't reach the back) with each water change. If you want to do more, you can siphon into a large cheese cloth in your sump to catch the detritus. But you will also want to dose a few capfuls of MB7 then to get rid of the cloudiness.

I did that when I was rearranging my rock work and sand. You wouldn't believe how much crap came out of that sand. Couldn't even see to the back of the tank for an hour or so afterwards. But it sure looked good after that. I also removed 1/2 the sand (to my then new downstairs tank), so just have a shallow sand bed now.

But now my goby creates his own sand storm from time to time, and the crap just flows out the overflow. Plus he creates these pretty little mounds all over the place, and likes to bury my mushroom and palys (that's good).

[Reefer Rob]

Insert syphon directly into the sand bed with a strong flow. Work until all sand is removed. Repeat as needed. Sit back and watch as the nutrient levels in your tank drop.

[jorjef]

Reticulating shop vac, Getting the water back in the tank part has been redneck engineered but still working on an easy way to get the sand back into the tank. I guess that's why I have a bare bottom tank!!!!

[Masonjames]

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

Insert syphon directly into the sand bed with a strong flow. Work until all sand is removed. Repeat as needed. Sit back and watch as the nutrient levels in your tank drop.

Well spoken! +1 to that ; )

[lastlight]

I've wanted to remove my sand many times. It's only there for my two leopard wrasses and I've actually pushed the sand so it's entirely contained in the back middle of my tank so only about half of my tank has a sandbed.

I re-homed my watchman goby and have never had a CUC so some form of sand maintenance is required hence my regular turkey bastings of the sand but some direct removal needs to be added to my routine.

getting a full length siphon tube under my rock tower and past my corals will be tough. I'm going to slice my siphon tube in half to allow for this. If that still doesn't work I'll grab a spatula.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XbCWmY0eqY

[Leah]

i like my sand white and my men dark. I tried to vote but the option for dark was not there. Whats up with that?

[Delphinus]

I do two things. If there is a lot of detritus buildup I might use something to stir up the sand and then siphon out what comes up. In some cases I just siphon some of the sand right out and depending on how well it rinses clean at the sink I either put it back or just toss it out. Every so often I'll top up with new sand.

Disclaimer: I only do this in my smaller tank. In my larger tank the sand gets shifted around by the pumps and also has a VERY productive diamond goby. If I stir the sand up in there, nothing comes out, it's always clean. I am guessing it is the sand shifting in the current and the goby that is the explanation. Every so often I have to scoop up sand from the back and replace it at the front.

[Reefer Rob]

Originally Posted by Leah

i like my sand white and my men dark. I tried to vote but the option for dark was not there. Whats up with that?

Have you ever tried dark sand?