Question about removing sand

[kjonulak]

When I setup my tank about 1 year ago I put in around 3-4" of sand in a 45 gallon 2'x2' cube style tank. I am looking to reduce the sand and leave about 1" of sand.
So I a it possible to reduce it all in one day?
Do I need to reduce it more slowly, say over several days?

Feedback or personal experience would be great. Techniques used, etc. I have a screen colander and felt socks to filter water through during the process.

Thanks.

 

[dream54ing]

I personally wouldn't disturb the sand bed. IMO, matured sand bed can be deadly, you might be opening a can of worms Given its only been a yr, it might not be as critical, but again, I wouldn't risk it.

If you do decide to reduce, do it slowly maybe over several weeks to be safe. I find siphoning with a flex tube the easiest without kicking up everything. hope that help.

 

[spscrackhead]

Each time you do a water change over the next couple months siphon a bit out.
Have you siphoned it to clean it over the past year?

 

[kjonulak]

Each time you do a water change over the next couple months siphon a bit out.
Have you siphoned it to clean it over the past year?

I have only just siphoned the very top a few times. Nothing deep.

 

[kjonulak]

I personally wouldn't disturb the sand bed. IMO, matured sand bed can be deadly, you might be opening a can of worms Given its only been a yr, it might not be as critical, but again, I wouldn't risk it.

If you do decide to reduce, do it slowly maybe over several weeks to be safe. I find siphoning with a flex tube the easiest without kicking up everything. hope that help.

Yes thanks.

 

[Jayreefer]

I would siphon out slowly as well. After having a deep sand bad in a tank for years I am much happier with my first 10 months of the 240 I have with 1/2-3/4 inch sand bed.

 

[kjonulak]

I would siphon out slowly as well. After having a deep sand bad in a tank for years I am much happier with my first 10 months of the 240 I have with 1/2-3/4 inch sand bed.

Sounds like going slow is recommended. Not in a hurry, so I will start removing a little each week or so.

 

[kjonulak]

I removed a small amount of sand yesterday. It did have some detritus in it, but the good news is that the removed sand did not have foul odors. It had a nice fresh smell to it. Will continue removing a little bit of sand each week.