cleaning sand bed question

[newreef06]

I was wondering what was the best way to clean the sand bed on a reef tank is. I have a 55G and was wondering how to get all the junk off of the sand. I want to make the sand as clean as possiable. Thanks

 

[PVChick12]

Turkey baste it is the most popular method. Just get some water and shoot it into the sand. But only do about 25% at a time unless you want some really gross water and the possibility of a mini cycle...

 

[Toddrtrex]

How deep is your sand bed? If it is a deep sand bed, you should be touching it. However if it is a shallow one ( 2" or less ) you could actually use a gravel vac. I do that on each of my tanks during my weekly water changes.

 

[newreef06]

Its about 3-4 inches. Dose a gravel vac suck up the sand???

 

[crvz]

I used to just try siphoning the top of the sand bed where I see junk piling up. I wouldnt use a gravel vac, the sand can often get sucked up as well (like you mention).

 

[Sk8r]

If a deep sand bed a fighting conch (1 small) would be a good addition. Also hermits and bristleworms.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13119455#post13119455 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by newreef06
Its about 3-4 inches. Dose a gravel vac suck up the sand???

Yes and no, it sucks it up enough to clean the detritus from it. If done right it won't suck the sand all the way out. If the sand gets too high in the wide part of the gravel vac, just put a finger over the output end to stop/slow down the flow.

 

[Bandsaw]

Maybe use a sand vac with a longer tube that Toddrtrex and sucking up the sand should not be a problem. Mine is 10 inches and have never hada problem with the sand. Just sucks up tons of junk from the sand.

 

[FranktheTankTx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13121134#post13121134 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bandsaw
Maybe use a sand vac with a longer tube that Toddrtrex and sucking up the sand should not be a problem. Mine is 10 inches and have never hada problem with the sand. Just sucks up tons of junk from the sand.

Here's the response you're looking for. A bigger gravel vac will be perfect...

Although, I have to say 3-4" is pushing it. As you approach 4" you're getting close to DSB... I wouldn'touch a DSB.

 

[newreef06]

thanks my sand bed is about 3-4 inches

 

[inachu]

I have a short one and a 16" tube and both suck up the fine sand.
there is no way around it but Toddrtrex has the sand I will be converting to so cleaning will be easier. But what I do is while cleaning put a WOK under the faucet to catch the sand comming out then throw it away since TAP water has contaminated it.