How can I run a sandy bottom tank without getting sand into my filter and ruining it?
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How to safely run a sand bottom tank
- Thread starter Kandyroll
- Start date
There's not a lot of options. First, make sure the intake of the filter is not close to the sand. I typically read that most people recommend at least 4" from the bottom. I would personally say 6" if possible.
Second, you can use something to cover the inlet of the filter, such as stocking/hose, something like that, but that will have to be removed and cleaned very often and too much trouble.
And when you do a water change just don't stir up the sand. If you have to stir up at all or move things around that will stir it up, unplug the filter and wait until it all settles back down.
Second, you can use something to cover the inlet of the filter, such as stocking/hose, something like that, but that will have to be removed and cleaned very often and too much trouble.
And when you do a water change just don't stir up the sand. If you have to stir up at all or move things around that will stir it up, unplug the filter and wait until it all settles back down.
rinse rinse rinse, i run sand in all my tanks one inlet to the filter sits 1/4 of an inch above the sand and i never have it get sucked up you just have to rinse it extremely well and it wont get sucked up and also let it settle before you turn the filter on 
- Use pool filter sand, it doesn't kick up as easily. And when it does, it sinks faster.
- Turn off your filters when you do water changes
- Also, when doing a water change, place the water back gently if you use a bucket to put back water.
I have an XP4 on my 55g and have yet to find any sand in my canister filter.
- Turn off your filters when you do water changes
- Also, when doing a water change, place the water back gently if you use a bucket to put back water.
I have an XP4 on my 55g and have yet to find any sand in my canister filter.
Whatever you do, DO NOT buy inexpensive 'play sand' from the big box, or hardware stores.
Buy only pool filter sand, preferably quartz-based silica , of reasonable density, to ensure you're getting clean, dust & grit-free sand. It won't compact like play sand, will not free-float into the water column to get sucked into filter assemblies, and will not get siphoned out when vacuuming.
Buy only pool filter sand, preferably quartz-based silica , of reasonable density, to ensure you're getting clean, dust & grit-free sand. It won't compact like play sand, will not free-float into the water column to get sucked into filter assemblies, and will not get siphoned out when vacuuming.
Having the intake several inches away from the sand is huge. Depending on what type of fish you stock with, they may disturb the sand quite a bit and you will inevitably get sand in your filter if the intake is too low. I had a couple banjo catfish for a little while which managed to move almost all of my sand from the front of my tank to the rear and piled sand almost all the way to my intake (at least 3" of sand piled).
