Substrate for African Chiclids

When using sand as a substrate how do you guys clean your tanks? I am switching from Oscars to Africans in a 55 gallon and with a gravel substrate I could just use a gravel vacuum to clean the fish waste from the bottom of my tank. I am curious, though, as to how to keep a tank clean with sand as the substrate. Thanks!
chris
 
I limited the area my guys can dig by adding a layer of river type stone thats to big for them to pick up, under my rock pile and around the synodontis cave. But the area around the flower pots and little caves are free for the digging.
When I vacuum my crushed coral, I hold the tube at about 45 degrees to the bottom, that cleans the bottom and doesn't pick up to much of the coral.

HTH Phil
 
I don't have any tanks with sand yet, but I have seen lfs clean thier tanks. They just swish the sand around real good (the tank will look awful and dirty). The sand settles first. After a few minutes detritus settles and is siphoned off of the sand surface.
 
With sand the detritus doesnt go below the surface. Everything will sit on top, and you just have to 'hover' the siphon over the sand to pick up the gunk. You could make swirling motions to lift the stuff up a bit.

However if you have a powerful enough filter you shouldnt really see any gunk on the sand, it will all get sucked into the filter.

HTH
-Diana
 
I am running a duel bio-wheel on it right now that seems to suck up a lot. Sorry to go a little off topic, but if I replace the gravel and take away the UGF system will the bio-wheel alone be enough filtration for a 55? Should I keep my powerheads in without the UGF? Do they need or like current?
Is there a clean-up crew for fresh water tanks that can consume the wastes and cohabitate with African Cichlids?
Thanks!
chris
 
Oh...My...God....I have never heard of such an absurd question.

You don't want the fish to disturb the gravel because it is not as you think it should be and that it isn't 'pretty' !?!

What if one of the fish's colors become a bit duller, will you then take him out and paint him?

You shouldn't be allowed to own a tank.

Get real
 
Tigris, yes its unfortunate that Ed is not interested in seeing the full range of his fish's behavior (the best part really), but take a deep breath and

Chill Out
 
I agree,My Jaguar will always dig the same spot, and when i cover it back up he digs it out again, and it does seem like he is not happy when i do cover it up. If you stopped them from digging i beleive they might even become more bored io mean what else is there to do in a tank. I would recomend letting them dig.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom