Sand Question

[Myka]

I agree with Brad (Aquattro). I'd remove it 1/3 at a time too. Remove the full depth - don't leave the bottom portion. The bottom portion will likely be anaerobic and exposig it would cause it to suddenly go aerobic killing off the bacteria and causing a cycle (ammonia spike).

Personally, I keep a 1/2 - 1" sand bed and I gravel vacuum it on every water change. I do this with client tanks too.

[Aquattro]

What I do to vacuum the sand is run the end of the hose into a filter sock in the sump, then vacuum away until I'm bored. No water removal and gets all the gunk out. Remove sock

[Duckhams]

Originally Posted by Myka

I agree with Brad (Aquattro). I'd remove it 1/3 at a time too. Remove the full depth - don't leave the bottom portion. The bottom portion will likely be anaerobic and exposig it would cause it to suddenly go aerobic killing off the bacteria and causing a cycle (ammonia spike).

Personally, I keep a 1/2 - 1" sand bed and I gravel vacuum it on every water change. I do this with client tanks too.

Agreed. When you add the new sand, use a 2 litre soda/juice bottle, fill it 5/6 of the way with sand and let it fill with tank water, then tip it up and let the sand filter out in the tank. As the sand flows out, any loose debris or sediment is filtered out and is left in the bottle. It helps keep the tank clean and allows you to direct where the sand goes. Just a thought.