water change

[thekidace]

Is it ok while doing a water change to use a syphon is which you can vacuum the bottom of the tank or will this mess up what has been established?

 

[EdKruzel]

If running a DSB then you do not want to disturb the bed; if you have a shallow bed then you do wish to gravel wash, however you may want to invest in a system such as a python water change unit.

With a larger diameter end as opposed to the tube the substrate is lifted and cleaned and returned to the bottom of the tank.
If you use a regular hose it will siphon sand/substrate as well as debris.

Ed

 

[thekidace]

I use the python, thanks. What is a DSB, is that deep sand bad? I have a crushed coral bed not very deep; maybe 2 inches

 

[bjonesjr1]

I never disturb my sand bed when doing water changes, I was told to stir my sand bed like once every 2 weeks though gently though, Is that neccesary or does it actually do something...