Best sandbed critters for sandbed

[BigDaddyD1992]

Was kinda curious what kind of worms and other citters are really good at turning over the sandbed? And best places to buy them online?

Thanks

 

[BigDaddyD1992]

Bump

 

[Windy2]

There are many ways to use sand in a tank. You need to tell us what your intent is. An inch to cover the bottom? A full blown sugar sand bed the is a minimum of 4 inches in depth to help recycle nitrogen? A place for creatures to dig and build nests and homes?
Or something else?

 

[CuzzA]

Was kinda curious what kind of worms and other citters are really good at turning over the sandbed? And best places to buy them online?

Thanks

In my experience, if you want an absolutely maintenance free sand bed I suggest a diamond watchman goby. They don't make a sandstorm like some of their relatives, assuming you don't use sugar sized sand and they are very hardy. Other than that, nassarius snails, ceriths, conchs and brittle stars will help, but not nearly as effective. Worms and others micro fauna will hitchhike in on corals and rock.

 

[cloak]

Having had a DSB in my DT for about 9 years the worms were by far the most beneficial creatures when it came down to keeping the sand bed healthy & clean. Bristle worms, Spaghetti worms, Hair worms whatever...
For a SSB I suggest you just stir it up once a month or so with a power head right before a water change. You can vacuum it if you want, but you will be removing some of that valuable micro fauna in the process and your kind of limited by the rocks. With a power head you can pretty much go anywhere and you'll be amazed at how much detritus can accumulate UNDER your rocks. A place a vacuum or a fish can't go. GL.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/rs/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-03/rs/

Here a few links where you can buy some of the detrivores you might be looking for.

http://www.ipsf.com/

http://www.inlandaquatics.com/shopping/saltwater/saltwater-detritivores-starter-kits

http://www.reefcleaners.org/aquarium-store/tank-cleaners

 

[Bent]

Fwiw my tiger tails are useless. They just hang out under the same rocks forever.