cleaning sand substrate

[40ozpunx]

I was just wondering how I would go about keeping a sandy substrate since you obviously can't use a gravel vacuum with it.

 

[test4echo]

how fine is the sand?

P.S. I agree with your user title! (jk)

 

[40ozpunx]

pretty fine like medium fine

 

[zave2340]

with my sand tank i just russel the the sand up, and let things settle. Then once it is settled say, an hour later, i run the gravel vacum along the top, and just pick up the crap that is now sitting on top.

Hope this helps

 

[New2Fishees]

Same here ...
I have a fine sandy area in my tank .... with small smooth river rocks around it. I just use my net handle to stir up the sand carefully - then take my gravel vac and carefully clean off the top. Of course .... some sand gets sucked out. ....

 

[stingray4540]

Usually debry stays on top of the sand, it cant get down through the sand like it can in gavel. So, just take the "mouth" of the gravel vac off and just use the hose to hover over the sand to pick up the junk. It will take some practice, but after awhile you will be able to vacume your sand without actually picking up the sand.

 

[40ozpunx]

Thanks guys i'm about to set up a 30 gallon with plans to put 3 Aulonocara jacobfriebergi "lemon jakes" and know they prefer sandy substrate just never used it before and was wondering how to keep it clean.

 

[rsandelius]

My two cents.... try and put the sand so that it's higher/deeper in the rear of the tank and lower in the front... that way, stuff will work it's way to the front of the tank for easier cleaning.

 

[Sly_Marbo]

In my experiences, just the hose works best, not the gravel tube.