Detritus problem

[djryan2000]

In my tank there's a lot of detritus at the bottom. Whether it be parts of my mangroves that broke off rock or small pieces of shells of molted crabs. I can't seem to get it out - when I use the siphon is sucks it up into the bell but it never picks it up - the detritus just remains in the bell and then falls out when I break the siphon. What else can I do? Should I get a small power head?


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[Dmorty217]

Use a hose and not the siphon tool they sell you at the pet store, it will suck all of that out

 

[mcgyvr]

Dont think of it as a negative...Its a great food source and even home for many critters..
But yes a powerhead would be just fine to let it blow around to benefit filter feeders and others..
It will likely just settle somewhere else though..

Every once and a while you can suck it out..

 

[Sk8r]

If you get a spot where crud sincerely collects, you may want to look at some sort of wavemaker, something to send current into the dead spots.

 

[djryan2000]

Use a hose and not the siphon tool they sell you at the pet store, it will suck all of that out

Do you mean something like this? Super Easy Siphon Hose | Self-Priming Water & Liquid Siphon | Manual Syphon | Use On Aquariums, Fish Tanks, Pools | Pump Gas, Fuel & Oil | Safe for Drinking Water | FDA-Grade Clear PVC Tubing | 6ft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVAIL76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jDX2DbFDQK9KD


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[Dmorty217]

Do you mean something like this? Super Easy Siphon Hose | Self-Priming Water & Liquid Siphon | Manual Syphon | Use On Aquariums, Fish Tanks, Pools | Pump Gas, Fuel & Oil | Safe for Drinking Water | FDA-Grade Clear PVC Tubing | 6ft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVAIL76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jDX2DbFDQK9KD


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Yes but without that barb on the end, just the hose

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Consider Nature's solution - detrivores! Worms, pods, serpent stars and sea cucumbers are all great at keeping detritus levels low.

 

[djryan2000]

Consider Nature's solution - detrivores! Worms, pods, serpent stars and sea cucumbers are all great at keeping detritus levels low.

I ordered a HOB refugium to seed pods and will try serpent stars or a sea cucumber. Thanks!


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[Michael Hoaster]

My pleasure!

Serpent and brittle stars are good detrivores. Micro serpent stars are even better and reproduce in your tank, but are hard to find. Check out Indo-Pacific Sea Farms at ipsf.com. They've got them, and worms too. Cucumbers need a fairly large tank, or they will gradually shrink and starve to death. So only one per tank unless it's huge. Pods are great and underutilized as detrivores and algae eaters. Consider adding a top layer of course, crushed coral gravel on top of your sand bed. This provides habitat and refuge for pods throughout your tank.