Keeping Sand Substrate Clean?

[Madness]

How do you keep a sand substrate clean? I was thinking about adding sand to my tank but it occurred to me that I had no idea how to clean it. I've had bits of sand from my fluidized bed filter get on the bottom of my tank and it promptly gets sucked up and out when I siphon the tank so siphoning seems out of the question.

What's the trick?

 

[Kasakato]

You hover the gravel vac just above the sand. And every so offten (month) you need it take your finger and wave it throught the sand. This will prevent any gas bulid up.

 

[thesydmonster]

Yep! I just switched to sand last week in my 10 gallon and had the same question. I cleaned my tank for the first time 2 days ago. Hold the vacuum about 1/2" above the sand and swirl it a bit... the debris/waste comes right up. I also have sponge material covering the intake of my filter because it became clogged with sand when I first put it in. The water is clear and the sand is clean I will probably stir it up once a month as suggested although I was told it's not necessary if your corys stir it up for you!

 

[Avenolpey]

What are the benefits of sand versus gravel? Is it mostly that it is a more natural look?

 

[Madness]

Thanks guys.

The ony advantage the sand has for me is cosmetic.

 

[sublime1184]

1)....Cory's will not dig in every spot and they won't get as deep as you would like, better safe than sorry.

2)....Sand is better for planted tanks and any digger fish, better for feel for the fish and better for the roots to network out for plants.

 

[Madness]

If you look at the picture of my tank in my signature you can see that I have quite a bit of rock and eventually will probably have more. Do you think that the sand under the rocks would become anaerobic? There would be large areas that would be unreachable.