shifting sand?

Yes, it prevents gasses from being trapped. Do it about once a month, unless you have a really thin layer of sand.

tel0004 said:

Yes, it prevents gasses from being trapped. Do it about once a month, unless you have a really thin layer of sand.

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Okay, I'm confused now. I have only had my 1st SW tank up for about 11 months now. I have a 5 inch DSB and I was under the impression from reading that you don't stir it up because you want to build the anearobic (sp?) bacteria to deplete nitrAtes.

I do know that in FW tanks you do. I'm sure someone will come along and set us straight on this.

While a FW setup requires stirring, a SW setup should have an adequate load of critters that will stir it for you--and anything you do may reduce their numbers by crushing them. Since your tank is cycling, just leave it be for now, a problem won't develop overnight. Once the cycle is complete, you need to stock the tank with cleaners and detrivores, like snails and worms, that will dig around in the sand.